If you struggle with acne, you are most likely doing everything to help manage the blemishes including selecting the best acne cleansers for your skin. While what causes acne is well known, what works to help treat it is not so easily explained. As with most things skin care, what works for one person, may not be a solution for the next.
Acne is the result of excessive oil production, which for some reason, gets trapped inside a pore. The trapped oil is often accompanied by dead skin cells leading to a blocked pore. This combination of debris ‘feeds’ P. acnes (a bacteria that normally lives in pores) resulting in inflammation and the ensuing pimple. Contrary to what many individuals think, diet plays less of a role than once considered. Individual susceptibility to some foods may be to blame.
Cleansing Is Your First Step
The first place to start with the management of acne is to find a good acne cleanser. Like other cleansers, acne cleansers help to remove make-up, oil and dirt from the skin’s surface. They may also contain exfoliating ingredients (which help remove dead dry skin cells) or antibacterials (to help fight P. acnes). Acne cleansers not only lessen the chance of blocked pores, they also allow for easier penetration of topical acne treatments. Keep in mind that while acne cleansers are effective, they can be overly irritating. For that reason, don’t overdo it.
Beta hydroxy acid (BHA, such as salicylic acid) or alpha hydroxy acid (AHAs including glycolic acid, malic acid and lactic acid) are effective exfoliating ingredients. BHA has been shown to be more effective at penetrating pores so you may wish to opt for a product containing salicylic acid. However, an AHA is a good alternative if you cannot tolerate salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide and tea tree oil are ingredients with antibacterial action often included in acne cleansers. Keep in mind that if you are using a product with benzoyl peroxide that it can counteract the effectiveness of prescription retinoid treatments. For this reason, use one in the morning and another at night.
Here are some effective acne cleansers to consider:
- M2 Skin Care Exfoliating Cleanser This gentle, yet highly effective cleanser is ideal for all skin types with its combination of malic and mandelic acids
- Neostrata Oil Free Foaming Cleanser Contains a highly effective combination of salicylic acid plus glycolic acid to help attack blemishes.
