Acnerex face wash: how to choose and use it

What should you check on the Acnerex bottle?

Look at the ingredient list rather than choosing by the product name. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide have different roles in acne care. A cleanser without either ingredient can still be useful for gentle washing, but cleansing and treating acne are not the same job.12

For sensitive skin, look for a fragrance free cleanser and avoid abrasive formulas. Creamy cleansers tend to provide more hydration than foaming or gel formulas. A "gentle" label is not regulated, so the bottle does not get to write its own reference.15

How should you wash your face?

Use these general washing steps alongside the directions on your Acnerex pack.

1. 1Wet your face with lukewarm water. Hot water can strip the skin's protective barrier and increase dryness.
2. 2Apply the cleanser with your fingertips and massage gently. Avoid washcloths, sponges and scrubbing brushes.
3. 3Follow the pack's contact time if one is given. Do not turn a rinse off cleanser into a leave on treatment.
4. 4Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water until the cleanser is removed.
5. 5Pat your face dry with a clean, soft towel rather than rubbing.
6. 6Apply moisturizer after washing to replace moisture lost during cleansing.

There is no single contact time to apply to every acne wash. General advice for medicated cleansers includes leaving them on for one to two minutes, while other acne washing advice says a long contact time is unnecessary. For Acnerex, follow the pack rather than choosing a time by guesswork.15

Water alone removes oily debris less effectively than cleanser, which is an awkward limitation for something already sitting at the sink.5

Can you use Acnerex every day?

General acne care calls for gentle washing up to twice daily, usually morning and evening, and after sweating. That does not mean every medicated wash should be used at every wash. Acnerex's directions and whether it causes dryness or irritation should guide its place in that routine.16

If a salicylic acid cleanser dries or irritates your skin, alternate it with a mild cleanser: use the mild cleanser in the morning and the salicylic acid wash before bed. Sensitive skin can react to acid cleansers, so do not keep increasing use when your skin is becoming irritated. Scrubbing will not make your face cleaner and can make irritation worse.45

What should you use alongside it?

Choose moisturizer and other skincare labeled noncomedogenic, meaning they will not clog pores. Avoid adding abrasive scrubs, astringents or irritating exfoliants to an acne routine. These can dry the skin and make acne appear worse. Remove makeup at the end of the day rather than leaving it on overnight.26

Use a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher outdoors, and look for a noncomedogenic formula. Some acne medicines make skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light. Avoid tanning and use shade and protective clothing as well as sunscreen.6

If you already use prescription acne treatment, choose a cleanser that fits that treatment plan rather than adding another medicated product automatically. Acne treatment depends on the type and severity of acne as well as age. During pregnancy or breastfeeding, do not use skincare containing retinol or retinyl palmitate; check the Acnerex ingredient list rather than assuming what the formula contains.47

How long does it take to help acne?

Acne treatment can take several weeks to a few months before you see a difference. That is a general treatment timescale, not a specific Acnerex result. Changing treatments too often can irritate skin and cause more breakouts. A cleanser can help remove excess oil and support treatment, but many people need more than a salicylic acid wash to control acne.456

When is face wash not enough?

See a doctor if:

• Acne is not improving after you have tried treating it yourself.
• You have many spots, deep painful lumps or spots that are causing scars.
• Skin is hot, swollen and red, which can indicate infection. Redness can be harder to see on brown and black skin.
• Acne is affecting your mental health.