Finding the Best Face Washes for Acne Prone Skin

When you have acne prone skin, there are many factors to consider before buying a product.  First what type of acne is it?  Are they whiteheads or cystic acne. “Using ingredients that do not address the kind of acne you are currently experiencing can lead to the worsening of acne breakouts,” explains Acne Treatment expert Michele Green, MD in Time magazine this week.

In the article, she talks about what the most common acne-fighting ingredients in face washes are – such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide. “Glycolic is an alpha hydroxy acid, and salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid. Both ingredients are oil-soluble and gently exfoliate the skin by breaking up clogged sebum and debris within pores,” explains Dr. Green. “These hydroxy acids work best for comedonal acne, commonly known as whiteheads and blackheads. Alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid, are typically gentler on the skin compared to beta hydroxy acids, such as salicylic acid.”

If you get more intense breakouts though, Benzoyl Peroxide might be the solution for you since “Benzoyl peroxide is best for treating inflamed acne types such as papules and pustules,” says Green. “Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria on the skin and dries up excess sebum in the pores.”

View additional recommendations from Dr. Green as well as products at https://time.com/shopping/article/best-face-wash-for-acne/