Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash gel 269 ml: how to use it

Check the active ingredient before starting

Check your bottle for the active ingredient, its strength and the directions. Salicylic acid products come in different strengths and have different schedules, so follow your bottle rather than directions for another acne wash. Do not use more cleanser or use it more often than directed.1

What can an acne wash help with?

Acne develops when pores become plugged with skin oils and dead skin cells. Blackheads and whiteheads are types of these plugs. A wash containing salicylic acid can be useful when your skin is oily and prone to acne. If daily skin care does not clear the blemishes, an acne treatment applied to the skin can be the next step; cleansing is not the whole treatment plan.2

How to wash your face

1. 1For a first use of salicylic acid, test a small amount on one or two small affected areas for 3 days. If there is no reaction or discomfort, proceed with the package directions.
2. 2Apply the cleanser gently with your fingertips, using circular motions. Do not scrub or use a washcloth to work it into your skin.
3. 3Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. If you have a beard, gently clean both the beard and the skin beneath it.
4. 4Pat or blot your face dry with a clean towel rather than rubbing.
5. 5If your skin feels dry, apply a moisturizer made for acne prone skin after washing.

Should you use it morning and night?

General acne care calls for washing once or twice daily and after exercise, without scrubbing or repeated washing throughout the day. That does not mean every wash must use a medicated cleanser: follow the acne wash label for its frequency. With salicylic acid, start less often if needed and reduce use if dryness or irritation develops.12

What belongs in the rest of the routine?

Noncomedogenic means designed not to clog pores, which is more useful information than an ambitious product name. Look for that wording on skincare and makeup. A product with that label can still worsen acne for an individual, so avoid any product that makes your breakouts worse. Choose a water based or noncomedogenic moisturizer if acne medicines leave your skin dry or peeling.23

Avoid astringents and rubbing alcohol, which can dry and irritate skin. If you use a separate acne medication, spread it as directed over the acne prone areas rather than treating only visible spots.4

Before combining salicylic acid with benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin, other topical medicines, abrasive cleansers or alcohol containing skincare on the same area, check with your doctor. These combinations can cause marked irritation. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding, discuss salicylic acid use with your doctor.1

How long should you give an acne routine?

For acne treatment generally, allow 6 to 8 weeks to see some improvement; complete clearing generally takes 3 to 4 months. Those are treatment timelines, not a promised result from this cleanser. Switching treatments every week can irritate skin and cause breakouts. If there is no improvement after 6 to 8 weeks, consider a different treatment rather than washing more often.4

When should you stop or get help?

Do not apply salicylic acid to broken, red, swollen, irritated or infected skin. Keep it away from your eyes, nose and mouth. Ask a doctor about severe or persistent irritation or stinging. Stop using it and seek immediate medical help for hives, throat tightness, breathing difficulty, faintness or swelling of the face, lips or tongue.1

See a doctor if acne is deep or painful, causes scars, keeps worsening or affects your mental health. Hot, swollen skin with redness also needs assessment because it can signal infection. If self care and acne treatments are not helping, a doctor can offer prescription treatment or refer you to a dermatologist.23