There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for acne—if there were, blemishes would be a thing of the past—and it can take time to figure out what combination of skin-care products works best for you. But one thing dermatologists agree on is that you have to start with the basics, and that means scrupulous face washing. The best face washes for acne can help with exfoliating skin, clearing dirt and debris out of pores and blackheads, and getting rid of existing acne. They also take the necessary steps to prevent any more whiteheads from popping up.
“In simple terms, acne is the blocking of the hair follicle unit, so maintaining effective skin hygiene to reduce pore obstruction is the first—and sometimes the only—step in preventing and clearing acne,” says Benjamin Marks, M.D., dermatologist at Northwestern Medicine Glenview Outpatient Center. “As such, an effective face wash is the starting point of good skin hygiene.”
When it comes to the ingredients list on your face wash, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are the main players. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), which is particularly effective for acne-prone skin due to its ability to deeply penetrate the hair follicle unit. “This allows exfoliation of skin cells within the blocked follicle,” Dr. Marks explains.
If you’re currently dealing with acne, your dermatologist will probably recommend a gentle cleanser with acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, which is an antimicrobial agent that helps to remove bacteria and impurities from the skin and tackle the inflammation that contributes to acne development.
“I recommend a benzoyl peroxide concentration less than 5%, particularly in patients of color, to minimize irritation and subsequent hyperpigmentation,” board-certified dermatologist Prince Adotama, M.D., an assistant professor at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, tells SELF.
Dr. Adotama notes that there can still be associated dryness and irritation with lower-strength benzoyl peroxide, so consider using it every other day initially, and make sure to use moisturizer and sunscreen (as you normally would) to prevent any further skin irritation. Taking your skin type into account will help you narrow down your options too.
“For oily skin, I usually recommend a foaming cleanser,” Dr. Adotama says. “If your skin is on the dryer side, a gentle hydrating cleanser is preferred. Avoid harsh scrubs if you have sensitive skin.”
You might want to mix and match your acne treatments for best results. Dr. Marks often recommends a salicylic acid face wash for one wash of the day and a benzoyl peroxide wash for the other (in the shower if possible, as it does have the potential to bleach your clothes). Just remember that it’s always best to check in with your dermatologist before you switch up your skin-care routine.
Here, a range of expert recommendations for the best face washes for acne out there.
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