In this post we will help you to find the best acne face wash that will clear your skin and stop breakouts.
Whether you’ve been fighting acne for years or maskne has gotten the better of you, getting clear skin and fighting of pimples can be challenging. Investing in the best acne face wash for your skin is the best place to start, so your active ingredients have a clean canvas to work upon.
What To Look For In An Acne Face Wash
There are so many products available on the market, both prescription and non-prescription, that it can be very overwhelming knowing which ones are worth buying.
As a dermatology pharmacist that is where I can help. Knowing which ingredients will work to fight your breakouts is half the battle. Building a skin care routine after knowing exactly what ingredients your skin needs will help you to achieve the perfect acne-fighting skin care routine
An effective face wash or cleanser is a good place to start.Looking for specific acne fighting ingredients is key.
Salicylic acid, AHA’S, benzoyl peroxide, Retinols and Azealic acid are proven to have acne fighting properties medically.
These ingredients are found in cleansers and creams. They can absorb excess oil, unclog pores and clear away dead skin and bacteria for a clearer complexion.
How To Use An Acne Face Wash For Optimum Results
In terms of formulas, foaming cleansers are usually more gentle to skin. This means they are better for sensitive skin. Gel cleansers can be a little more vigorous so work well for people with oily skin.
Choosing the right cleanser is all well but you also need know how to use it properly ( and consistently). Twice daily use is ideal however this needs to be adjusted to the needs of your skin type. If you know your skin is sensitive you may choose to use an active acne face wash once a day.
Double cleansing with one of each can be really effective but ensure that you only use one that has an active ingredient in it.
Also check out the post on 5 Simple Reasons Your Acne Won’t Clear.
1. Acnecide Face Wash Spot Treatment with Benzoyl Peroxide £9.99
The main ingredient in this is benzoyl peroxide, this is a bacteria fighting ingredient and is medically proven to be effective against acne. This acne face wash can remove up to 95% of bacteria which leads to acne spots.
It also contains glycerine which is hydrating and soothing for the skin. It also helps to conteract excess oil production which can lead to further breakouts.
Acnecide can be bought from most pharmacies and is often used as a first line treatment. You will need to protect your skin from the sun whilst using this product.
2. Neutrogena Clear & Defend Facial Wash £4.99
With salicyclic acid as the main ingredient, this face wash is deal for acne and pimples. You may have heard of using aspirin on a pimple- salicylic acid is what makes aspirin, so you can imagine what a cleanser based on this ingredrient is capable off. Yes, wonders.
It is also oil free so won’t contribute to clogging up pores which can lead to new breakouts and clears up spots in a matter of days. It also contains tocopherol (vitaman E) which is nourishing for the skin and is a powerful anti-oxidant.
3. Paulas Choice Clear Cleanser £5.00
Paula’s choice has proven time and time again with its amazing range to deliver results that are backed with science. This cleanser does exactly that. It contains Salicyclic acid which fights acne, unclogs pores and reveals a brighter, clearer complexion, which is paired up with glycerin, castor oil and vitamin B5 for moisture.
It leaves skin pimple free after a few days of regular use without over-drying.
4. The Inkey List- Salicylic Acid Cleanser £10.99
The inkey list’s salicylic acid is formulated with zinc to target acne breakouts and nourish the skin. It leaves skin brighter, unclogs pores and is sure to get rid of breakouts and prevent new ones. It is suitable for combination skin is not over drying. For £10.99 it had to make this list.
5. MURAD AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
The acid complex contains salicylic acid that fights acne, unclogs pores and controls excess sebum, lactic acid (a gentle AHA with moisturising properties) and glycolic acid (to melt the bonds between dead skin cells and reveal a brighter complexion). The added jojoba beads also contribute to acne free skin by gently polish the skin to reveal ultra-smooth skin.
6. Vichy Normaderm Phytosolution Purifying Gel Face Wash £12
This gel formula provides a deep cleanse that is perfect for clearing excess sebum and impurities , preventing acne and breakouts,without over-drying. Filled with Salicylic Acid, Totarol, Eperuline and Glycolic acid is designed to clear acne without drying out skin.
7. SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
In addition to the acne fighting properties of salicylic acid, this formula is enriched with AHA’s including lactic, glycolic, citric and malic acid which provides intense exfoliation to reduce sebum build up and dead skin cells. It is all nicely tied together with jojoba oil to add to the exfoliation effect whilst keeping the skin intensely moisturised.
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