Cleansers are at the core of any effective acne-prevention routine. To effectively fight blemishes, select one which minimizes oiliness while decreasing propionibacterium acnes counts (which cause pimples), and also helps protect against antibiotic-resistant strains of this bacteria.
Consider choosing a gentle facial cleanser designed specifically to treat acne-prone skin that contains barrier-strengthening ingredients like ceramides and niacinamide. Remember, twice daily cleansing with noncomedogenic moisturizer won’t clog pores!
1. StriVectin Gentle Daily Clarifying Cleanser
StriVectin Multi-Action Gentle Daily Clarifying Cleanser absorbs excess oil and pore-clogging build-up for healthy looking skin. This gel-to-foam, sulfate-free cleanser features clarifying beta hydroxy acid and oil-blotting zinc PCA to effectively purify pores without over drying complexion, as well as Chilean soap bark to gently cleanse skin while NIA-114 (a patented form of Niacin/Vitamin B3) to leave skin feeling healthy – never dry or tight! Dermatist tested and proven not disrupting the skin barrier!
This product contains an ingredient which has been banned from cosmetic use in California.
2. CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser
Developed with dermatologists, this daily foaming cleanser offers effective chemical exfoliation using salicylic acid and physical exfoliation with spherical jojoba beads to effectively exfoliate dry, rough or bumpy skin on face & body without disrupting natural barriers.
Salicylic acid boasts both keratolytic and comedolytic properties that allow it to loosen and separate keratin cells found on the outer layers of skin to provide it with enough space to regenerate itself, decreasing dry patches while improving skin texture.
Hyaluronic acid is an extremely effective humectant that draws in and retains moisture from the atmosphere to hydrate skin, keeping it looking soft and youthful. This moisturizer features three essential ceramides to strengthen and protect its barrier function.
Note: Please be aware that this cleanser contains 2% salicylic acid and may initially cause initial breakouts for some skin types; this is perfectly normal and indicates the product’s effectiveness at clearing congestion. However, most users report reduced bumps and smoother complexion after consistently using this product for up to one month.
4. Avene Cleanance Acne Clearing Gel
This gentle non-drying gel cleanser was specifically created to combat oily skin with acne and help clear away pore-clogging oils and impurities to protect from future breakouts and prevent new blemishes and blackheads from appearing. This gentle but effective formula features 2% salicylic acid to target acne blemishes and help prevent further breakouts, as well as Avene Thermal Spring Water to soothe and moisturize the skin. Purifying Cleanser offers a matte effect thanks to Comedoclastin (a milk thistle seed extract with patent* properties to reduce excess sebum), with its soap-free, pH physiological formula designed for dermatological and ophthalmological tolerance** formula providing a comfortable experience. *Satisfied clinical test: of women using twice daily, 90% noticed their face looked purified without feeling dry whereas **Ophthalmological and dermatological tests conducted on volunteers’ skin were carried out successfully.
