Acne Cleanser – Is it Right for You?

Is there anything more frustrating than adult acne? Acne is supposed to dissipate by the 20s, and only pop up every once and awhile in the 30s and beyond. Yet, for many of us well into adulthood, it persists. Not only is it a constant reminder of a simple life frustration, but it also serves to depress and even eliminate an enjoyable social life. The only thing that may be worse than acne itself is all of the supposed “treatments” which offer minimal to no results.

If that’s the negative, consider the positive. Many adults who have suffered from acne are no longer suffering from acne. There has to be something that works. Maybe even something you have tried, and gave up on without having used it properly, or to its most effective capacity. A quality acne treatment begins with a quality acne cleanser, which will help fight the problem at the root.

What Causes Acne?

Hormones, chocolate, fried foods, poor hygiene: You’ve heard them all before. Yes, there are several things that should rightly be considered variables in the realm of acne inflammations, but the actual cause of acne is much simpler than most people think. Acne develops when dead skin cells combine with bacteria from the surface of the skin. These two troublemakers join sebum within a follicle, and create a plug or clog. This becomes infectious and an inflammation occurs. This is the cause of all acne, including the most severe acne cysts.

Understanding the cause of acne allows you to see that a great acne cleanser really is the first step to getting rid of those excess skin cells, and working toward clear skin. As a matter of fact, when used in conjunction with a daily skin care regimen, an acne cleanser will help to treat existing acne while preventing future acne.

Finding the Right Acne Cleanser

When you’re shopping for a quality acne cleanser, it is helpful to find a gentle exfoliant that is combined with cleansing ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and/or salicylic acid. For the best overall treatment of acne, benzoyl peroxide is far more effective than salicylic acid, but the age-old salicylic acid (taken from the willow tree) does help in the skin shedding process.

A benzoyl peroxide acne cleanser will help to rid the skin of dead skin cells while creating an oxidized environment on the surface of the skin. This environment will kill bacteria that are trying to work its way into pores and follicles.

Many acne cleansers boast “all-natural” ingredients, as well as great exfoliating ingredients, but they’re quite ineffective in the fight against acne. Beyond removing dead skin cells, these cleansers won’t do much in the fight against acne. If used, they should be used in conjunction with a quality acne cream.

After the Acne Cleanser

After using an acne cleanser, it is recommended to institute the use of a quality toner or astringent to constrict the pores, and prevent bacteria and any dead skin cells from easily working their way into the follicles below the surface. Completing the process with the application of an all-over, benzoyl peroxide based acne cream will also further the fight against the acne bacteria, while cleansing the pores of excess sebum.

To offer your complexion more balance after cleansing and treating your acne, a simple, oil-free moisturizer will help do the trick.