Acne develops when oil and dead skin cells block hair follicles, and bacteria contribute to inflammation. Washing removes surface dirt and excess oil, but it is not an eviction notice for every blocked pore. Water alone is less effective than cleanser at removing oily residue.456

Can you use kitchen ingredients?

  • Apple cider vinegar is not a proven acne treatment and can cause burning, dryness and irritation.
  • Honey products can help calm redness, but honey does not reach inside the pore to treat acne or prevent new breakouts.
  • Turmeric has no demonstrated acne treatment benefit and can irritate or stain skin.
  • Aloe vera can soothe an existing irritated pimple, but it does not prevent new acne.
  • Tea tree oil has some evidence for mild acne, but it is not a homemade face wash recipe. Choose a diluted product, test a small area first, and stop immediately if irritation develops. Never apply pure tea tree oil.
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Which face wash should you choose?

A fragrance free gentle cleanser is a sensible starting point, especially for sensitive skin. A bottle can say "gentle" without meeting a regulated definition, which gives the adjective a remarkably easy job. Acid cleansers can irritate sensitive skin, and ordinary alkaline soap can also cause irritation.56

For small inflamed bumps or pimples with pus, an acne wash containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid is an option. Benzoyl peroxide targets acne bacteria; salicylic acid helps unclog pores. If skin is very dry, a 4% or 5% benzoyl peroxide wash is a starting option. Sulfur cleansers are another acne treatment and are often gentler than benzoyl peroxide on sensitive skin.23

How to wash your face at home

  1. 1Wash on waking and at bedtime. Remove makeup at the end of the day, and gently cleanse after exercise.
  2. 2Wet your face with lukewarm water. Hot water can strip the skin's protective barrier and increase dryness.
  3. 3Gently massage cleanser over your face with your fingertips. Avoid washcloths, brushes and scrubbing. If you have a beard, wash the skin beneath it too.
  4. 4For a medicated cleanser, allow one to two minutes before rinsing as general cleansing guidance. Check your product's directions for its specific use.
  5. 5Rinse thoroughly until no cleanser residue remains, then pat dry with a clean towel rather than rubbing.
  6. 6Apply moisturizer after washing. Choose a fragrance free product labelled noncomedogenic, meaning less likely to clog pores.
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If you already use an acne medicine that stays on the skin, be cautious about adding a medicated wash: the combination can cause excessive dryness and irritation. More washing can also remove protective oils and leave skin dry or irritated. Stop a new cleanser if it causes burning, itching or swelling.5

When is a face wash not enough?

Blackheads and whiteheads often need treatment beyond cleansing, such as a retinoid to unclog pores. Blackheads are not dirt, and scrubbing makes acne worse. Give acne treatment six to eight weeks to work; if blemishes persist, see a dermatologist. For acne beneath a beard, clearing commonly takes two to three months, but no reduction in breakouts after one month warrants reviewing the treatment.27

Get medical help for deep painful lumps, scarring, lots of spots, or acne affecting your mental health. Hot, swollen or red skin can indicate infection and also needs medical assessment. Do not pick or squeeze spots, because this can cause scars.14

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1Acnenhs.uk
  2. 2How to treat different types of acneaad.org
  3. 3Home Remedies for Acne: Do They Work?health.clevelandclinic.org
  4. 4Acnenhs.uk
  5. 5Soaps and cleansersdermnetnz.org
  6. 6A Guide on How to Wash Your Facehealth.clevelandclinic.org
  7. 7DIY treatment for 5 common beard problemsaad.org