Face wash for acne and sensitive skin

What should you look for in a face wash?

Choose an unscented, water based cleanser that is not harsh or excessively drying. Cream cleansers are less drying than foaming cleansers, making them a useful starting point when sensitivity comes with dryness. Oily skin can suit a gentle foaming wash, but stronger cleansing is not the solution to extra oil. A harsh wash can irritate skin and trigger increased oil production. Choose a wash by its role in your routine, not by how aggressively the bottle sounds like it means business.13

Look for noncomedogenic on the label, meaning formulated not to clog pores. For oily skin, oil free is another useful label to look for. Avoid alcohol based cleansers and fragrance. If an acid cleanser makes your skin irritated, stop using it or use it less often rather than treating discomfort as a reason to wash harder.134

Plain cleanser, salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide?

For sensitive skin, lower strength benzoyl peroxide is a more cautious choice than reaching for the strongest version. There is no single percentage to choose here: the product's directions and your existing treatment matter. Adult skin also deserves caution. Strong acne products can be too drying for aging skin, even when similar products suited you as a teenager.25

Does your cleanser need to treat acne?

Acne starts when hair follicles become blocked with excess oil and dead skin cells; bacteria can then grow and cause inflammation and pus. Washing is part of care, but acne treatment can also come as a separate cream, gel or lotion. A cleanser can be the washing step without also being the treatment step, despite the industry's enthusiasm for giving every bottle two jobs.4

Benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid washes are treatment options for small inflamed bumps and pimples containing pus. For persistent blackheads and whiteheads, a retinoid, a medicine related to vitamin A, can help unclog pores and prevent new blockages. Adapalene is one option available without a prescription. If you already use a retinoid, ask about the cleanser before adding benzoyl peroxide rather than building a combination yourself.267

How to wash without scrubbing

1. 1Start with clean hands and wet your face with lukewarm water. Hot water can dry skin.
2. 2Apply the cleanser and massage gently. Do not scrub, including when removing makeup.
3. 3Rinse the cleanser off thoroughly. For benzoyl peroxide, keep the wash away from your eyes, nose and mouth, and follow its label.
4. 4Pat your face dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing.
5. 5Apply moisturizer after cleansing. Oily skin still needs hydration.

How often should you use it?

Wash with a gentle cleanser twice a day, and cleanse after sweating. A morning and evening wash is a practical way to arrange the twice daily routine; remove makeup at the end of the day. The number of face washes is not automatically the number of medicated washes. Follow the acne cleanser's directions, and do not use benzoyl peroxide more often than directed. If an acid wash irritates your skin, reduce its frequency or stop.347

What should go with an acne wash?

Keep moisturizer in the routine and wear sunscreen outdoors. A moisturizer with broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher is an option for combining hydration and sun protection. With benzoyl peroxide, avoid abrasive cleansers and other drying products, and do not add another acne product to the same area unless your care team has advised the combination. Tell them about adapalene, tretinoin, isotretinoin, topical antibiotics, and products containing salicylic acid or sulfur before adding the wash.37

How long should you wait for results?

Give acne treatment six to eight weeks to work before deciding that persistent blemishes need a different approach. For pimples containing pus, see a dermatologist if treatment has not produced results in that time. Retinoids can take several months to show positive results. These are treatment timelines, not a reason to continue a cleanser that is irritating your skin. A plain cleanser provides cleansing; it is not a substitute for treatment when acne persists.236

Should you double cleanse?

Most people need one thorough cleanse, not a second appointment with the sink. Double cleansing uses an oil based cleanser followed by a water based cleanser and can help remove waterproof makeup or sunscreen. For sensitive, acne prone skin, the tradeoff matters: overwashing can cause dryness and irritation, and oil based cleansers can cause breakouts, especially when used alone. Micellar water to remove makeup before a water based wash is another option.1

When should you stop or get help?

Benzoyl peroxide can cause irritation, redness, dryness and sensitivity to light, and can bleach fabric. Report persistent or bothersome side effects to your care team. Get medical help promptly for an allergic reaction, including hives or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. Before using benzoyl peroxide, tell your care team about skin sensitivity, damaged skin, previous allergic reactions, pregnancy, plans for pregnancy or breastfeeding.7

See a doctor rather than continuing to shop for washes if you have many spots, deep painful lumps, scarring, or acne that is not improving with treatment. Deep nodules and cysts need a dermatologist's help because they can leave permanent scars. Also seek care for hot, swollen skin with redness, which can be harder to see on brown and black skin, or if acne is affecting your mental health.46