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13 Best Face Washes for Acne-Prone Skin
Your acne doesn't stand a chance.
Have you noticed more pimples have popped up on your face than usual? Maybe a hormonal break has reared its head again, leaving behind pesky hyperpigmentation. Face washes for acne-prone skin are a helpful first step when you're looking to get a handle on your blemishes. The best face washes for acne-prone skin clear up your breakouts and works alongside any other acne treatments you're using without causing further irritation. These foaming gels, clay cleansers, and balms are enriched with ingredients that combat active breakouts, unclog pores, and decrease inflammation, three key factors that target acne at various stages.
"Acne forms when dead skin cells combine with oil and bacteria to clog a pore or hair follicle," Dr. Lian Mack, a board-certified dermatologist, says. Keeping pores clear of harmful bacteria prevents acne from forming. Face washes with chemical exfoliants like alpha, and beta hydroxy acids (think glycolic and salicylic acids) are Dr. Mack's go-to products because they help drive cellular turnover, which combats clogged pores. "Vitamin A derivatives, like retinol and retinoids," are great options, too, because they suppress excess oil production, which also helps keep pores clear. Just a heads up, though, alpha hydroxy acids and vitamin A may increase sun sensitivity, so be sure to slather on an extra helping of sunscreen when you're using them.
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Spot treatments may zap zits overnight, but face washes for acne-prone skin take a bit more time to work their magic. According to Dr. Mack, it takes up to six to eight weeks of consistent use to determine how well a face wash works. If you've tried multiple washes and haven't noticed much change, or if your skin's condition has worsened, it might be time to take a different course of action. Dr. Mack suggests scheduling an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist who can conduct testing and come up with a personalized treatment plan for you.
The quest for the best face wash to help combat acne may come with a bit of trial and error, but your skin will thank you for it. Get ready to say goodbye to blemishes when you check out this list of the best face washes to help improve acne-prone skin.
Sam is an assistant news editor at Cosmo, covering all things pop culture, entertainment, and celebrity news. She previously covered those same topics along with health, lifestyle, and beauty at Seventeen. When she isn't draping her cheeks in blush, you can probably find her live-tweeting awards shows or making SwiftToks.
Jasmine Washington is an Assistant Editor at Seventeen, where she covers celebrity news, beauty, lifestyle, and more. For the past decade, she has worked for media outlets, including BET, MadameNoire, VH1, and many others, where she used her voice to tell stories across various verticals. Follow her on Instagram.
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