How to choose a face wash for women with acne

Which kind of face wash should you choose?

Start with your skin's needs: dry, oily, sensitive or a mixture. A mild cleanser supports daily cleansing without adding an acne medicine. A medicated wash adds an active ingredient, but deep, painful acne often needs medical treatment rather than a different cleanser.45

For sensitive skin, consider a creamy face wash. Creamy formulas tend to provide more hydration, while foaming and gel cleansers can be drying. Avoid harsh exfoliating cleansers and sulfates, which can strip away skin's protective fats. Extra ingredients such as tea tree oil are not automatically helpful; they can also irritate.4

Look for "oil free," "won't clog pores" or "noncomedogenic" on the cleanser label, where the useful words can finally get a turn after the product name. Apply the same check to makeup, moisturizers and hair products. Greasy cosmetics and hair products can contribute to acne, so a new cleanser is not the only product worth checking.35

How should you wash your face?

Wash when you wake up and before bed, and after an activity that makes you sweat. Avoid repeated washing throughout the day. More cleansing can strip away oils, and scrubbing can irritate skin and worsen acne.134

1. 1At night, remove makeup, including eye makeup, with an oil free makeup remover before cleansing.
2. 2Wet your face and gently apply the cleanser with your fingertips. Massage without scrubbing.
3. 3Rinse with lukewarm water. A medicated face wash does not need to sit on your face for a long time; follow its directions.
4. 4Pat your face dry with a soft, clean towel.

What if you already use an acne treatment?

A cleanser and a treatment you leave on your skin do different jobs. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid also come in gels or lotions, and adapalene helps unclog pores. Follow each treatment's directions carefully and apply it sparingly rather than assuming more will work better. Apply acne medication before makeup. A pharmacist can help you choose a treatment, including when you are unsure whether to use a medicated wash or a separate product.1345

Acne medicines can cause redness, dryness or excessive peeling. If a wash dries or irritates your skin, stop using that wash rather than scrubbing harder or washing more often. Benzoyl peroxide can bleach towels and clothing, so keep it away from fabrics you do not want discoloured. Avoid picking, squeezing or rubbing spots: these habits can cause infection, slower healing and scars.56

Does acne around periods or menopause change the choice?

Hormone changes during periods, pregnancy and menopause can contribute to acne. Acne starts when hair follicles, the openings from which hairs grow, become blocked with excess oil and dead skin cells. Bacteria can then grow inside and cause inflammation and pus. Cleansing is useful, but persistent acne linked to hormones can need treatment beyond face wash. Prescription options include treatments applied to the skin and medicines that manage hormone levels.12

Around menopause, skin becomes thinner and drier, so treatments suited to teenage acne can be too harsh. A salicylic acid cleanser can help unclog pores, but avoid products that dry your skin because drying can worsen acne. Use a mild cleanser instead of drying soap or deodorant bars. If acne remains uncontrolled, a dermatologist can assess whether hormonal treatment is needed.6

For dry menopausal skin, apply moisturizer after washing and again when skin feels dry. Hyaluronic acid or glycerin can be especially helpful. Choose a fragrance free moisturizer if skin is easily irritated. Persistent dryness or a lasting rash warrants a dermatology appointment; do not try to fix it with more exfoliation, because thinner skin is more vulnerable to harm from home exfoliation.6

How long should you give the routine?

Acne treatments can take 4 to 8 weeks to show some improvement. That is a treatment timeline, not a promise that a particular cleanser will clear your acne. If makeup is contributing to breakouts, stopping the pore clogging product often helps. The connection can be difficult to spot because cosmetic related blemishes can take a few days to 6 months to appear. You can still wear makeup; choose products carefully rather than covering new spots with the same product that is causing them.3

When is face wash not enough?

• See a doctor if you have many spots, deep or painful lumps, or acne that is causing scars.
• Get medical help for signs of infection, including hot, swollen or red skin. Redness can be harder to see on brown and black skin.
• Arrange an appointment if self treatment is not helping, acne is getting worse, or it is affecting your mental health.