If you have persistent acne, you know how painful it is to deal with it. Finding the right and best face wash for acne can help alleviate or eliminate the skin problem and make you looking good again. This is very important if you want an acne free face and you are someone who cares very much about your look. This is especially true if you are a teenager and want to keep your face clear, fresh and beautiful.

Having acne is embarrassing, bar none. Although you can hide scars and other skin problems underneath your clothes, you cannot hide your face. These unwanted infections can strike individuals of any sex or age.

The analysis that follows will help you decide what the best acne face wash is for you.

What Causes Acne?

Persistent pimple breakouts are results of a skin disorder called acne. The combination of oil, dirt and bacteria inside the pores cause that irritating inflammation in the face. Development of these is an upshot of blockages in the follicles.

Using scientific terms, acne is the enlargement of the subcutaneous glands due to an increase in sebum generation. For a regular person, it is a menace – to the personal appearance and self-esteem.

Acne can be caused by hormone level shifts during menstruation, pregnancies, menopause and other ailments. Since hormone secretion becomes more active during adolescence, younger individuals tend to be more prone to acne. Hormones that are associated with this skin disorder include testosterone, androgens and growth hormones. Prescription medicine that treats certain illness can also trigger excess oil production in the skin that will eventually clog the pores.

Acne breakouts are also tied with psychological factors, stress being the number one culprit. Studies revealed of positive correlation of stress levels to severity of this skin disease. Stress has become a common issue faced by many if not all people these days. Pressure from family problems, relationships, school and work are common root course of stress.

There is also this one misconception that will surely delight chocolate-lovers out there. There is no direct correlation that experts found between acne breakouts and consumption of chocolates (or peanut butter). Then again, it is still beneficial to always eat in moderation.

You could also be unlucky and inherit genes that are linked to causing acne. This is something that you cannot veer away from. But, you can always prevent breakouts with the right treatments or preventive solutions.

Review of the Top 5 Face Wash for Acne

While you can cover acne with make-up and concealers, the use of face wash for acne with medicinal ingredients is your best defense from breakouts. Below you will find our top 5 picks for overall best face wash for acne along with a more detailed review of each.

• Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash is one of the most reviewed acne products online. This acne-fighting cleanser is more of the preventive side rather than a treatment to existing breakouts. The formula of the product works to clear the pores where dirt and oil seep in and begin to form acne. The facial wash leaves a clean and smooth feeling after use. It is highly recommended for those with oily, sensitive and acne-prone skin type.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash contains 2% salicylic acid, flower extracts, aloe and many other dermatologically tested ingredients. None of these are comedogenic (pore cloggers). Because of the salicylic content, over drying is possible. Make sure that you use moisturizer after.

This product is recommended for twice-a-day use. Get a small amount, add water and work into lather. Massage your face gently and rinse thoroughly.

This product works well with Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Daily Scrub and Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner.

Usually results are seen after one to two weeks of daily use.

If you want to know more about Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash, please read full review here.

• Olay Acne Control Face Wash

Olay Acne Control Face Wash is a water-soluble solution that can be easily rinsed from the face. The products claim to minimize blemishes from acne and refinement of pores.

This facial wash can also be used as a make-up remover. Recommended daily use is 1 to 3 times a day. People with dry skin should use this no more than twice a day. It can lead to over drying, which can cause breakouts and rashes.

Olay Acne Control Face Wash contains salicylic acid, aloe, leaf extracts, citric acid and many others. It can be easily obtained from drugstores and supermarkets. The use of Total Effects Daily Moisturizer alongside Olay’s Acne Control Facial Wash is suggested to keep the skin from over-drying.

Olay is known for fragrance. If you are not a big fan of intrusive scents, you may want to consider using this product carefully. After all, Olay is a P&G product. The company owns one of the biggest perfumeries in the world. On the other hand, if you love smelling well before going to bed or early in the morning, then Olay Acne Control Acne Wash is a perfect fit for you and every one.

• Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser

The Active Naturals Total Soy Complex formula is said to be Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser’s not-so-secret weapon. This formulation is based from the traditional Chinese medicine that uses soy to reduce blotch and blemishes.

While other acne face wash in the market uses salicylic acid as their main ingredient, Aveeno taps the protein in soybeans to attack acne and cleanse pores. As such, it can improve skin tone and texture without over-drying. It also eliminates redness on the face and helps prevent breakouts.

Soy is found to stimulate collagen production, which boosts skin elasticity. It also carries anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

This oil-free and hypoallergenic product claims to treat existing acne and prevent future breakouts. It is non-greasy and non-comedogenic, so you can rest your worries that ingredients will clog your pores. Recommended use is twice daily. Using Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer and Aveeno Complexion Cleansing Bar together will illuminate great results faster.

Because it is gentle, this acne face wash is good for younger teens that are still experimenting with acne washes and have relatively more sensitive skin. It has a calming effect and great to use after a long stressful day at school or work.

Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser is fairly mild and effects may be visible after a few weeks. Extra patience is needed. It cannot also be used as a make-up remover.

• Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Control Foam Wash

Cetaphil® DERMACONTROL™ Oil Control Foam Wash was recognized by Essence with the Best in Black Beauty Award. It’s formulated to control shine, and remove excess oil and impurities from the face that mix up with dirt inside the pores. Like other face washes for acne, it is more on the preventive side. It clears pores before formation of pimples happen.

It has a soothing effect that leaves the face feeling clean and healthy. It leaves no residue that can clog pores. It can also be used as a make-up remover.

This product is made for those with oily and acne-prone skin types. Those with dry skin might want to reconsider using Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Control Foam Wash as it contains ingredients that can cause over-drying. It is slightly fragrant, but not that medicine-y kind of smell. It is also clinically tested to work well with prescription acne medication. It is lightweight and also easy to squeeze out.

Use this product at least twice daily to get visible results within two weeks. For optimum results, the use of DermaControl Oil Control Moisturizer with SPF 30 is suggested. This can also serve as a good alternative to your usual sunscreen.

• Citrus Clear Control Acne Wash

Vitamin C from citrus fruits such as lemon, lime and grapefruits, is the crowning glory of Citrus Clear Control Acne Wash. Citrus is known to contain antiviral and antibacterial properties. It can promote gentle peeling of the outer layer of the skin. Vitamin C boosts immune system and body defenses against diseases. It can also destroy cells that aids in the growth of pimples, redness and acne.

It contains other ingredients such as organic aloe Vera and several essential oils. The brand is famous for using all natural elements in their beauty and wellness products. Aside from clearing acne, these also improves overall skin’s health and hydration.

Citrus Clear Control Acne Wash has exfoliating and detoxifying properties that leave skin feeling healthy and clean. It clears acne and blackheads, and unclogs pores from dirt. It also removes excess oil and fights bacteria that greatly contribute to the formation of acne. This citrus-based acne wash also keeps the skin hydrated. It also averts hyperpigmentation that causes acne scars that you have to deal with for years.

It bears fresh lemon grove scent. Recommended use it twice daily (night and day) with warm water. The use of Control Moisturizer or Sensitive Moisturizer is also suggested. Effects become visible within a few days of constant use.

Citrus Clear Control Acne Wash is one of the priciest face wash for acne in the market today. It is almost four to five times more expensive than your regular acne face wash in drugstores or mass stores. But, the benefits that you are getting from the use of this product is well worth it. Can’t really place a price tag on your youthful and beautiful looking face, can you?

Avoid exposure to sunlight as it may cause reactions to the natural ingredients within that clear bottle.

These acne face washes may act differently than their claims. Positive or adverse effects are all dependent on how your skin will react to the ingredients of the facial wash. Here are some tips on how to choose the best acne facial wash for you.

• Identify your skin type

Treating or preventing acne begins with knowing what type of skin you have: oily or dry. Several acne facial wash and treatments contain ingredients like salicylic acid that dries up skin. There are also formulations that may be harmful to certain skin types.

Oily skin is prone to acne. But, having a dry skin is not an assurance that you are safe from this skin problem. Individuals with dry skin should stay away from salicylic acid. This ingredient will worsen dryness of your skin, which can actually cause rashes and acne breakouts.

It is absolutely crucial to select the face wash product that is suitable for your particular skin type.

• Normal skin. This skin type has a proper balance of moisture, oil and durability.
• Oily skin. Does your face look shiny, greasy or oily a few hours after washing it?
• Dry skin. Dry skin features facial pores that are hard to see a few hours after being washed.
• Sensitive skin. This skin type often feels tight or itchy, and experiences allergic reactions and flushing when put into contact with certain chemicals.
• Combination skin. If some parts of your face are oily while others are dry or sensitive, you have combination skin.

• Be faithful with one product

Jumping from one acne face wash to another may harm your skin. If you are testing effectiveness of a particular product, be patient in waiting for the results. If it claims that visible effects will be seen in 2 weeks, wait for at least 2 weeks before you switch to another brand. However, if you feel discomfort and rashes appear, immediately stop using the product and rush to your dermatologist.

• Do not prick and wash

Pricking pimples is a mortal sin. When you do this, you will just spread the bacteria-causing acne all over your face. Worse, do not use face wash for acne after puncturing your face with either a pricking tool you bought over the counter or your snooping fingers. The ingredients in acne face wash may have adverse effects on open wounds.

• Cheaper is not always better

Not because the product is affordable, it will easily make its way to your grocery basket or shopping list. While you may be working on a tight budget, you should still choose a product with absolute caution. After all, it is your face. You may want to invest a little bit.

• Consult your dermatologist

Online reviews might be sometimes sugar-coated. Experts’ advice is perhaps that one thing you can be certain of to be true and honest. Dermatologists won’t lie to you. Their reputation is on the line here. They also have tools and expertise to identify your skin problems and recommend the right products for your needs.

• Your Turn

Now that you have seen the options and reviewed our top picks for the best acne face wash on the market, its up to you to pick what meets your needs, is in your price range, and overall help you get rid of acne and establish your self-esteem again.

As you know, new face wash are being created all the time by new and old manufacturers.  For that reason, if you feel like we missed a superior face wash for acne that needs to be included in our guide, let me know in the comments below!

Acne can easily crush someone’s self-esteem. Whether you are the one suffering from this problem or a parent or a friend of an adolescent with acne breakouts, it is best to seek the best help as soon as possible. While advanced technology can reduce scars and holes caused by acne nowadays, prevention is still better than spending thousands of dollars in the future. I hope this guide help you to find your best face wash for acne. Please do let me know if you have any other suggestions.