Cleansing
What to look for in a facial cleanser
Look for a mild 'soap free' liquid face cleanser which is acid and/or pH balanced and free of abrasives and alcohol.
If you have oily skin, look for a cleanser with 'high rinsability' as it won't leave a surface film and contains only enough moisturiser to protect the skin from irritation and damage during cleansing. Options are Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash and Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser.
If you have combination, dry sensitive, irritated skin and/or if you're using acne treatments containing benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin, adapaline and/or tazarotene, look for a 'gentle oil-free plus moisturising' liquid cleanser.
Moisturising liquid cleansers contain added moisturisers (e.g. cetyl alcohol or glycerine) that help protect the skin and speed up its repair and recovery if it's dry and irritated. Examples include:
- Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
- Dermaveen soap free wash
- Lancôme Milk Cleanser
- Neutrogena Extra Gentle Cleanser
- Sebamed Liquid Face & Body Wash
- QV gentle wash
More highly moisturising cleansers should generally be avoided (e.g. those containing high levels of paraffin, mineral or highly fragrant 'natural' oils)
Salicylic acid containing cleansers
Salicylic acid works by getting into sebum; getting to where it's needed to help unblock pores. Cleansing products that contain salicylic acid include L'Oreal Pure Zone, Garnier Pure and Neutrogena.
Salicylic acid helps dissolve, remove and prevent formation of the keratin plug which helps speed up the clearing of pimples as well as improving long term control.
For people with mild acne, a cleanser with
salicylic acid might be all you need for your everyday control of acne.
Remember to speak with a pharmacist or doctor before combining this with any
other medicated products (eg, prescription acne products or those containing
benzoyl peroxide).
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