Cleansing should be part of a daily skincare regimen to remove dirt and oil build-up in order to keep pores clear of blockages and promote cell turnover, keeping skin healthy in the process. Acne prevention cleansers may also help kill acne-causing bacteria while supporting cell renewal for improved skin health.
Keep dry skin nourished with moisturizing products like this cleanser that contain niacinamide to soothe irritations, and ceramides to protect its barrier function. Ideal for dry skin types and fragrance-free.
1. Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is a chemical exfoliant known to penetrate deep into our pores and dissolve the oils and dead skin cells that accumulate over time, leading to blackheads and pimples. Additionally, salicylic acid is known for its anti-inflammatory properties which help soothe any redness caused by spots or blemishes.
Salicylic acid can be found in skincare products at concentrations up to 2 percent and has long been used to treat acne, psoriasis, calluses, corns, keratosis pilaris, dermatitis, eczema and warts. It is often combined with ingredients like resorcinol and coal tar which also work similar ways and are used for dandruff and ichthyosis treatment.
For the best results, utilize your cleanser twice daily and follow its application and duration guidelines to see positive change within 6-8 weeks.
2. Benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is an extremely popular acne treatment and preventive ingredient, killing bacteria that causes acne while simultaneously dislodging excess oil and dead skin cells that clog pores. It is the most effective over-the-counter acne product and comes in strengths of 2.5% to 10%; for optimal use use a moisturizer when using. Also be careful around bleached hair or clothing as it could bleach them as well!
Benzoyl peroxide can be found in acne gels, cleansers and face washes; with a valid prescription you may also obtain Epiduo, which combines benzoyl peroxide with either retinoids such as Adapalene or topical antibiotics such as Clindamycin – you may need to experiment with different formulations until one works best for you.
3. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia oil) is a natural antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory remedy. It’s often used to kill bacteria on cuts and wounds, reduce dandruff, fight acne and treat nail fungus; you can purchase diluted forms for topical application from natural grocery stores as well as online.
Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of direct application on skin to reduce inflammation-based lesions such as papules and pustules. It may also help lessen contact dermatitis severity.
However, more extensive controlled studies must be completed in order to support its use for these conditions. Tea tree oil can be found in various over-the-counter face and body washes, cleaners, creams, toners, treatment gels or lotions available over-the-counter; often combined with other acne treatment agents like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid in combination products.
4. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Cetaphil Cleanser for dry to normal skin types is gentle on your skin while effectively removing dirt and makeup, helping prevent clogs, being fragrance-, paraben- and sulfate-free as well as including Niacinamide and Glycerin to strengthen skin barriers – recommended by dermatologists as suitable for sensitive skin as well as tested on those suffering rosacea symptoms or experiencing redness-prone areas.
This cleanser is the ideal option for sensitive skin as it contains niacinamide to regulate sebum production and avoid pore blockages, without fragrance or parabens to irritate delicate complexions. Plus, its moisture-retaining hyaluronic acid also provides long-term moisture balance maintenance – providing an ideal alternative to CeraVe and other harsh acne treatment cleansers on the market.
5. Mokaya Exfoliating Cleanser
As an effective face wash for acne prevention, this balancing formula helps control current breakouts while also helping prevent future ones by eliminating excess oil. Plus, natural salicylic acid and physical exfoliators like jojoba beads and bamboo stem extract provide gentle exfoliation to smooth skin smoothing benefits.
Marisa Garshick, FAAD is an award-winning board certified dermatologist who recommends this drugstore-friendly cleanser as a solution to keep blemishes at bay. “It targets excessive oiliness that often goes hand in hand with hormonal acne,” she explains.
This cleanser is fragrance-free, non-drying and noncomedogenic – meaning it won’t interfere with the skin barrier – and contains 2% salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid for chemical exfoliation, as well as clay for absorbency of excess oil. Furthermore, three essential ceramides help defend its formulation to provide further skin barrier protection.
