The 7 Best Face Washes For Acne. Period.

 

Table Of Contents

• If you have been searching for that perfect face wash or cleanser for acne, you’re on the right track. Here is an overview of some TOP choices.
• What causes Acne
  • Common Causes of Acne:
• What are the different types of acne? 
  • Blackheads
  • Whiteheads
  • Papules
  • Pustules
  • Nodules
  • Cystic acne
• Is it really acne?
  • Could it be fungal acne? 
• The DOs and DON’Ts of cleansing blemish-prone skin
• Differences between a Face Wash & a Cleanser
• Steps to enhance acne elimination and prevention
• How to choose the best face wash for acne-prone skin
  • pH
  • Salicylic Acid – Exfoliation for dead skin cells
  • Benzoyl Peroxide (B.P. Or BPO) – Give acne causing bacteria a K.O.
  • Benzoyl peroxide concentration requirements to eliminate acne causing bacteria on oily skin, sensitive skin, and dry skin types.
  • When searching for the best face wash for ance, keep these additional product features in mind.
  • Is it a non-comedogenic formula:
  • Cleanser formulation types:
  • Foaming cleansers
  • Gel cleansers
  • Cream cleansers
  • Soap-Free formulations
• The correct the way to wash your face
  • Steps to wash acne skin: 
• The 7 Best Face Washes for Acne
  • CeraVe Face Wash – Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
  • Humane – Acne Wash (Maximum-Strength)
  • Neutrogena – Stubborn Texture Acne Facial Cleanser
  • Differin – Daily Deep Cleanser
  • Almond Clear Face & Body Wash
  • DRMTLGY – Gentle Acne Cleanser
  • Dr Eddie’s – Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo – Antifungal Face Wash
  • Looking for a Natural Anti-Acne Face Wash?
  • A cleanser is only one part of the puzzle. Acne-prone skin needs a multifaceted approach to be properly treated.
  • When to see a dermatologist
  • In Summary
  • Articles On Fungal Acne

 

Second, you want to choose a face wash that contains ingredients that will help to control the oil production and kill acne causing bacteria in your skin.

Lastly, you want to find a face wash that will help to exfoliate your skin, which will help to prevent the build-up of dead skin cells that can clog your pores.

There are a few different facial washes on the market that meet all of these criteria, and we’ve rounded up the best ones for you below.

Acne Vulgaris or simply “Acne” can affect up to 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24 ( American Academy of Dermatology, 2022). It is caused by a number of factors, including hormones, genetics, and inflammation ^[1].

This skin condition occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. Acne can occur on the face, neck, chest, back, or shoulders.

When the pores become clogged, they can trap bacteria, which can lead to inflammation and infection.

Hormonal changes can also trigger or worsen acne, especially during puberty.

Furthermore, Genetics plays a role in acne susceptibility, meaning that if your parents had acne, you’re more likely to get it as well.

And finally, inflammation can cause or aggravate acne. Acne is a complex condition, and finding treatment requires understanding your individual skin type and what causes your acne.

Common Causes of Acne:

Blackheads

These are small, dark-colored bumps that develop when your pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Blackheads can be annoying, but they’re non-inflammatory and usually not painful.

Whiteheads

These pimples are similar to blackheads, but they are bigger and have a white center. Whiteheads can also be bothersome, but they’re a rarely painful form of non-inflammatory acne.

Papules

These are small, red, inflamed bumps approximately 1 centimeter around that can be painful. Papules are a type of acne called inflammatory acne.

Pustules

Are another form of inflammatory acne. These are small, puss-filled red, inflamed bumps that may hurt when you touch them.

Nodules

This severe form of inflammatory acne is a big painful lump on the surface of the skin and doesn’t have a “head” like the other forms of acne. It’s skin-toned color and may turn red. Nodules are deep within the skin and are very hard to the touch. Because of this, they often can’t be successfully treated with topical medications.

Cystic acne

Is a big pain literally. It’s a type of inflammatory acne that forms large, pus-filled, red, and painful lumps on the surface of the skin. Cystic acne is the most severe form of acne and can be very difficult to get rid of.

There are a few different skin conditions that might be confused for acne, here are a few of the most common ones:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis.

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can cause irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain, fertility problems, and of course acne-like pimples.

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes redness, flushing, and pimples. Rosacea has no known cure.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin disorder that causes scaly, itchy skin along with acne-like lesions

Could it be fungal acne? 

Malassezia, a species of yeast from the fungus kingdom, is one of the many organisms that live on human skin.

When this organism develops an overgrowth, it can infect the hair follicles causing redness, bumps, and itchiness. This skin condition is called Malassezia folliculitis or fungal acne.

It is characterized by the formation of papules and pustules on the face due to this organism growing on and in the skin.

Long-term antibiotic use, hormonal imbalances, overindulgence in facial peeling acids (AHAs, BHAs), a lengthy stay of sweat, and dampness on the skin are all possible causes.

We cover fungal acne here in great detail and here’s how to treat and prevent fungal acne.

If you’re not sure whether you have acne, fungal acne, or one of these other conditions, it’s best to see a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis.

DO

DON’T

When it comes to the debate of face wash vs. cleanser, it really depends on what your skin needs and what kind of product you prefer.

Face washes are typically designed to cleanse the skin of dirt, oil, and makeup, while face cleansers are meant to deeply cleanse the skin and remove impurities.

 

Routine for Healthy-Looking Skin

Cleansers are merely one aspect of an acne-free lifestyle, in our view. Face washes and face cleansers are simply a start to your acne-free life. Leave-on acne treatments, in our experience, provide the greatest results. Moisturizing lotions, gels, and sunscreen may all assist in better management of acne.

Here are a few more pointers to help you get the most out of your acne-fighting efforts.

Treat

Anti-acne spot-treatment gels, lotions, and serums may be used on the skin to stop acne-causing bacteria as well as prevent future breakouts.

Moisturize 

Apply your preferred non-comedogenic moisturizer to seal in the moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss.

Protect

Inevitably, there will be the sun. With an SPF of at least 30, sunscreens shield your skin from the sun’s damaging UVA and UVB radiation, which can accelerate the aging process.

The most common OTC active ingredients used in treating acne are salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Keep in mind higher concentrations might be drying or irritating on dry or sensitive skin.

The importance of pH in the development of skin problems such as acne is also equally vital.

Here are some things to think about while looking for the best acne face wash for your skin.

pH

pH stands for “hydrogen potential” and the typical pH of healthy human skin is 4.7 or below 5 which makes it slightly acidic ^[3].

If the ph goes up then the skin may fail to properly regulate moisture causing the skin to dry out, too low and the skin may become inflamed and cannot defend against harmful invading microorganisms.

Thus maintaining an optimal pH level is essential for not only proper barrier function but also for maintaining healthy glowing skin.

A compromised barrier may allow your skin to become more prone to acne and inflammation so it’s important to rebalance your skin’s pH with a non-comedogenic toner after cleansing.

 

Salicylic Acid – Exfoliation for dead skin cells

Some people prefer to use natural ingredients to treat their acne. Salicylic acid is one such ingredient, it is derived from the willow tree’s bark and can be found in many face washes marketed as being helpful for acne.

Salicylic acid is a type of beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates the lipid layers of the skin and helps to break down the bonds between dead skin cells ^[4].

This process of exfoliation helps to unclog pores and clear out the buildup of excess sebum and other debris that can contribute to acne.

Moreover, its exfoliating properties, salicylic acid also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, which can help to reduce the redness and swelling associated with acne.

Additionally salicylic effectively treats acne mechanica ^[5].

Salicylic acid at a concentration of 2% is commonly well tolerated by a wide range of skin types and is an excellent place to start when it comes to topical acne therapy.

 

Benzoyl Peroxide (B.P. Or BPO) – Give acne causing bacteria a K.O.

As a common ingredient in many over-the-counter acne treatments, BPO works by helping to kill the bacteria that can cause acne breakouts, due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties ^{[6, 7]}.

B.P. can be used as a leave-on spot treatment or as a rinse-off facial treatment wash, depending on the severity of your acne. Look for products with a 2.5% or 5% BPO concentration when using facial cleansers to treat acne.

Be sure to start with the lower concentration and increase if needed.

Since B.P. can cause dryness, redness, and irritation, it’s important to start slowly and see how your skin reacts. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to try a product that contains micellar water or hyaluronic acid to help reduce the risk of irritation.

Benzoyl peroxide concentration requirements to eliminate acne causing bacteria on oily skin, sensitive skin, and dry skin types.

• 10% for oily skin
• 5% for normal skin
• 2.5 -4% for dry skin
• 2.5 % for sensitive skin

Pro-Tip

Reducing irritation while using Benzoyl Peroxide:
Use for two to five minutes at a time and then rinse to see how your skin responds. This will only slightly diminish efficacy, but will significantly eliminate any potential irritation.

Is it a non-comedogenic formula:

A non-comedogenic facial cleanser is the best type of cleanser to use if you suffer from acne. This type of cleanser is designed to cleanse the skin without causing any further blockages and clogged pores.

This can help to reduce the number of blemishes (blackheads or whiteheads) and breakouts that you experience.

In addition, a non-comedogenic facial cleanser is often less drying and irritating than other types of cleansers, which can also be beneficial for acne-prone skin.

If you are looking for the best face wash for acne, be sure to choose a non-comedogenic option. See our recommendations below.

Cleanser formulation types:

Foaming cleansers

Foam cleansing formulas generally have a higher pH and are considered more alkaline than acidic. Dry skin may become drier as the natural oils are stripped during the cleanse

This formulation type is best for normal, acne-prone, and oily skin types.

Gel cleansers

While gel-based cleansing formulas tend to be more hydrating than foaming formulations, they may also leave your skin feeling dry. These cleansers are ideal for combination, normal, oily, and acne-prone skin.

Cream cleansers

Smooth, creamy cleansers are often more acidic and safeguard the skin’s pH. Because these cleansers have a lower pH, they enhance moisture and are more hydrating. They also seldom contain sodium lauryl sulfate ^{[8 , 9 ,10 , 11 , 12]}.

Suitable for all skin types, but especially great for dry and sensitive skin.

Pro-Tip
If it isn’t mentioned on the package, check to see if it bubbles or foams; this usually means it’s a high pH cleanser.

 

Soap-Free formulations

A soap-free facial cleanser can be a great option for people who suffer from acne. These products are developed to keep the skin’s natural oils intact while cleansing, which helps keep the skin hydrated and prevent further breakouts.

They also often exclude the typical surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate, which has a drying and irritating effect on the skin due to its moisture-scavenging properties. It can also cause the skin to produce more sebum, which can clog pores leading to more breakouts.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD, 2022) here are steps to wash your face.

Steps to wash acne skin: 

 

Acne can be a frustrating skin condition to deal with. Some people seem to be able to wash their face with any old bar of soap and never have a problem, while others have to be careful about every product they use, or their skin will flare up.

If you’re in the latter category, don’t despair! There are still plenty of options for you when it comes to finding the best acne face wash.

If you’re looking for a more natural option, the best face wash for acne is probably the Tea Tree Oil Face Wash from Australian Bodycare. This face wash contains 100% natural ingredients and has a refreshing scent.

However, Teea Tree Oil Face Wash from Australian Bodycare contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, which may cause irritation or dryness. Apart from that, it features tea tree oil, which has been shown in lots of research to be powerful against acne-causing bacteria.

Any good acne-fighting skincare routine will include more than just one product.

This means that acne treatments should target all four causes of acne: excess oil production, clogged pores, acne-causing bacteria, and inflammation.

Acne treatments that target only one or two of these causes are not as effective as those that address all four. For example, acne treatments that dry out the skin may help to reduce oil production, but they will do nothing to clear clogged pores or reduce inflammation.

The best acne treatments address all four causes of acne and are tailored to the individual’s unique skin type. This approach is more likely to lead to long-term success in clearing acne.

Visit a dermatologist if over-the-counter acne treatments can’t control breakouts.

If you’ve been struggling with acne and it’s not going away, it may be time to see a board certified dermatologist. A dermatologist can help determine the cause of your acne and prescribe the best treatment. They may also do a skin scrape or Wood’s lamp test to rule out fungal or bacterial acne

When it comes to the best face wash for acne, there are a few key ingredients that you should look for that can help you achieve clearer skin.

Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are two of the most effective ingredients for treating acne.

These ingredients are proven to kill acne-causing bacteria which helps to heal any existing painful pimples and prevent future breakouts

Tea tree oil and green tea extracts are also a great option for those with mild to moderate acne. However, for more severe acne, it is best to consult a dermatologist.

Join the Folliculitis Scout Community

Above all know that you aren’t alone in your fungal acne problems. There’s a whole community of people with this issue that are ready to share their tips and tricks for treating the problem. We love our community at Folliculitis Scout! Socialize with us as well on Facebook. It’s so easy to Join and become part of a community that truly supports each other through the journey to better skin.