Acne Face Wash
There is little doubt that an acne face wash is a good product to use to keep the pores open and the face clean, but unless you know the cause of an acne problem, cleansing may not be enough.
You should know your skin type before you proceed with any treatments for acne. Skin can be dry or oily, but it can also be sensitive or a combination of oily and dry. Some parts of the body are different from other parts, so just saying that you have oily skin might be too broad a statement when it comes to acne control.
Skin Type Determines Products
Once you’ve established your skin type, then look for an acne face wash that is right for your skin type. The selection of a product for a wash is very important because the wrong type can cause dry skin, and that in turn can actually lead to worse acne than you already have. The reason for so many types of facial products is to provide variations that work for everyone.
The type of skin you have influences how often you wash your face each day. For instance, oily skin may need cleansing as much as three times per day, while normal skin might need cleansing once daily.
Cleaning the face many times in a day will not rid you of acne faster, as many people assume. The amount of benefit from a facial cleansing is limited to just so much within a single day.
What to Look For in an Acne Face Wash and Medication
When selecting a face wash, take the time to read the label and see if there is a "dermatologist recommended" statement on the package. If it has no recommendation note, there is a good possibility that the product has not been reviewed or tested by anyone.
Other terms to look for on product labels include "oil free," "non-acne aggravating," and "non-irritating." If the product contains statements about not over drying your skin, you are probably on the right track.
In the case of inflammatory acne, which is the most common type, you don’t want any "scrubbing" cleansers. It is much better to find a gentle cleanser without beads, balls, or scrubbing agents. Some ingredients you might look for in an acne face wash are salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.
When you find a suitable product for your skin type, it’s a good idea to also purchase a topical cream to apply after you clean your face. The right product will help keep new pimples from popping up. The facial wash is done prior to adding topical products because it prevents irritation, which can lead to new acne breakouts.
Daily Steps for Cleansing and Treating
Eliminating acne requires doing the same things repetitively on a daily basis. Plan to follow these simple instructions each day.
1. Be kind to your skin when you clean it. Wash your face only twice per day, once in the morning and in the evening. (This can vary if you have very oily skin. Read the instructions on the face wash.) Avoid excessive washing and applying too much pressure.
2. Use your bare hands when washing and only do so for about 10 seconds. You are only washing your skin gently to prepare for applying medication. Scrubbing hard does not help the situation.
3. Pat your face dry. Never rub because that irritates.
4. Apply the medicated topical medication you have chosen.
That’s how simple it is to use an acne face wash, but you must remember to use it correctly every day.