Do You Need An Antibacterial Cleanser?

If you are someone who has oily skin and/or acne, then you may be tempted to try (or perhaps already have tried) an antibacterial cleanser.

Introduced in the 1960’s, antibacterial cleansers are used widely today. The most commonly used antibacterial ingredient is triclosan, which kills a wide range of bacteria and has also demonstrated antifungal activity making it useful in the management of acne. Unfortunately, triclosan has been associated with a number of side effects including hormone disruption and bacterial resistance. In addition, many products formulated with triclosan are often very drying to the skin and conversely, may lead to eczema, even in oily skin types.

Other antibacterials found in acne treatments include benzoyl peroxide and tea tree oil.

Keep in mind that an antibacterial ingredient is only one part in managing oily skin and the blemishes that often accompany it. Antibacterials kill bacteria often implicated in acne, but they do nothing to help clear pores or manage sebum (oil) production. Keeping pores clear will prevent bacteria from forming in the first place. For this, you require topical exfoliants such as alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic acid, mandelic acid, lactic acid for example) or a beta hydroxy acid (salicylic acid). Retinoids, either by prescription or over the counter retinol (Green Cream for example), which are derivatives of Vitamin A, are also useful in helping to keep pores clear and are beneficial in managing blemishes.

Here are some products that you may want to consider if you are trying to manage oily skin and/or acne:

1. Cetaphil Acne Principles – a 3 step kit especially formulated with a gentle cleanser, benzoyl peroxide treatment and oil free lotion to get skin blemish free
2. La Roche Posay Effaclar line –  formulated with salicylic acid to help keep pores clear, this line also contains gentle cleansers and oil free moisturizers to treat skin that is often harmed by overly harsh treatments
3. Green Cream – a retinol cream that can help to clear pores and shrink oil glands leading to fewer blemishes