Which Neutrogena face wash should you choose?

Do you need a gentle cleanser or an acne wash?

Cleansing removes dirt and makeup, which is a useful job without appointing the bottle head of dermatology. Acne treatment has a different job: addressing the processes behind breakouts. Acne develops when hair follicles, the openings where hairs grow, become blocked with excess oil and dead skin cells; bacteria can then grow and cause inflammation.23

For dry or sensitive skin, a creamy cleanser is a useful starting point. Foaming and gel cleansers can be drying. Texture alone does not tell you whether a particular Neutrogena bottle contains an acne medicine, so check the formula as well as the format.2

How should you wash your face?

1. 1Wet your face with warm water.
2. 2Apply the cleanser lightly with your fingertips, using gentle circular movements.
3. 3Rinse with warm water without scrubbing.
4. 4Pat your face dry with a soft, clean towel.
5. 5If your skin feels dry, apply a moisturizer made for skin prone to acne after washing.

For skin with acne, wash gently up to twice daily, usually when you wake up and before bed, and after sweating. That is a washing schedule, not permission to use every medicated cleanser that often: use acne treatments as directed. Repeated washing throughout the day can irritate skin and lead to more breakouts.45

You do not need a prolonged facial cleansing session. Apply, gently massage and rinse, while following any contact time printed on your specific product. Avoid washcloths, sponges and cleansing tools if they make you scrub.24

What should you use alongside the face wash?

Keep other skincare gentle, especially during acne treatment. Avoid astringents, rubbing alcohol and harsh exfoliants that dry or irritate skin. If washing leaves your skin dry, use a moisturizer for skin prone to acne twice daily after cleansing. Remove makeup before bed, even if the makeup is labelled noncomedogenic, meaning designed not to clog pores.45

When outdoors, protect exposed skin with broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, alongside shade and protective clothing. Some acne medicines increase sensitivity to ultraviolet rays. For skin prone to acne, look for sunscreen labelled noncomedogenic or 'won't clog pores'.4

How long does an acne face wash take to help?

General acne treatment timelines are 6 to 8 weeks for some improvement and 3 to 4 months for complete clearing. Use these as a review point, not a promised result from a particular Neutrogena cleanser. Switching treatments every week can irritate skin and cause breakouts. If there is no improvement after 6 to 8 weeks, reassess the treatment rather than washing more often.5

When is face wash not enough?

Do not try to scrub away worsening acne or deliberately dry your skin out. Irritation can make acne worse. A pharmacist can help you choose an acne treatment; a doctor can assess persistent acne and treatments available on prescription.135

See a doctor if:

• Your acne is not improving with treatment.
• You have many spots, deep or painful lumps, or scarring.
• Your skin is hot, swollen or red, which can signal an infection.
• Acne is affecting your mental health.

What is Neutrogena acne body wash?

The exact Neutrogena body wash and its active ingredient need to be identified by the full product name. For body acne generally, choose an oil free, noncomedogenic body wash and avoid scrubbing. Benzoyl peroxide cleansers can help back acne; general guidance allows contact for up to five minutes before rinsing, but follow your bottle's directions rather than transferring that timing to a different ingredient.6

Shower and change into clean clothes after exercise. Sweat trapped under clothing and friction from shirts, backpacks or sports equipment can worsen back acne. Wear loose, breathable clothing and seek medical help for deep painful spots, severe inflammation, or acne that keeps returning.36