Buying a cleanser for acne-prone skin can be tricky. Because of frequent breakouts, the skin gets sensitive and irritated, and wrong products can make the skin condition worse. There are a lot of factors that are important and should be taken into consideration while purchasing a product for acne-prone skin.
People with oily skin love face washes that make the skin squeaky clean. But does the skin love it as much? The answer is more than just a yes or no. Usually, many people opt for products that make the skin squeaky clean.
Today’s article will dive deep into the do’s and don’ts and things to remember while purchasing a cleanser for acne-prone skin. The right product can be game-changing, and it doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive. It just needs to be suitable for your skin type. Without any further ado, let’s dive in.
Four things to keep in mind while selecting a cleanser!
1. Squeaky clean skin can trigger acne!
Who doesn’t like squeaky clean skin? Especially people with oily or combination skin often look for face washes that help drain out the oil from pores. Does your skin want the same? The answer is otherwise.
Skin is also an organ, and for its smooth functioning, it produces natural oils, also called sebum. No, sebum isn’t a bad guy. Sebum helps regulate the moisture in the skin to keep it moist and hydrated. And it is essential for the skin. It is there for a reason.
When we use face washes or cleansers that rip off the natural oils, the skin produces more oil to regulate normal functioning. Because of this, we rip the moisture and hydration from the skin and sebum keeps increasing and clogs the pores. And, you end up rewashing your face.
So you might be doing it to keep your pore unclogged and clean, but you do the opposite. Use a gentle face wash that removes the dirt and doesn’t rip off the natural oil from the skin.
2. Look for good chemicals!
You might ask, aren’t we supposed to stay away from the chemicals? No, that’s wrong. Everything around you is a chemical, the water you drink, the food you eat, the air you breathe. Does it do any harm? No, right? Because these are good chemicals.
Similarly, certain chemicals help reduce acne breakouts, the size of the acne and even the scars acne leaves behind.
Salicylic acid: Many acne-prone skincare products, both over-the-counter and prescription-based, contain salicylic acid. It is a beta hydroxy acid that acts as an exfoliant and removes dead skin. Salicylic acid helps to prevent clogged pores.
Tea tree oil is an essential oil derived from tea tree leaves. A gel containing 5% tea tree oil can protect effectively against acne. However, tea tree oil may not work as quickly as other ingredients.
Benzoyl Peroxide: It is available as an OTC or prescription medication in the form of a gel, cream, lotion, face wash, and soap. Benzoyl Peroxide helps to treat acne. It kills the bacteria on the skin, unclogging the pores, and removes dead skin cells.
Retinol: On the skin’s outermost layer (epidermis), retinol exfoliates to remove dirt, dead skin cells, and oil from pores. Retinol can help prevent the formation of pimples. Unlike other acne treatments, it works by literally getting under your skin.
3. Avoid these chemicals!
Due to frequent breakouts, skin becomes irritated and sensitive. On top of it, if your products contain these ingredients, then your acne will get worse. Before buying any products, check out the ingredient label to ensure your product does not have these ingredients.
SLS, or sodium lauryl sulphate, is a foaming agent. SLS is a skin irritant due to its ability to remove oils from your skin. Even the slightest irritation can cause more breakouts in people with acne-prone skin.
Many people believe that silicones help create a silky soft texture on their skin, but they cause flare-ups. For some people, silicone-containing products form a layer on your face and clog your pores over time. As a result, you may experience occasional breakouts and acne.
Other ingredients you should consider avoiding – fragranced products, synthetic colours, parabens, alcohol, to name a few more.
4. Avoid cleansers with scrubbing particles.
You might have seen face washes and cleansers that contain tiny scrub particles, these might look good from the exfoliation perspective, but they are not. Exfoliation is essential for skin to get rid of dead skin cells, dirt and gangue inside the pores. However, if you exfoliate your skin daily, it will strip down your natural oils.
Even if you are opting for a face wash or cleanser with scrubbing particles – make sure the density and size of the particles are small.
Lastly,
Among all these things, do not forget to apply moisturiser after washing your face. Washing your face is essential to get rid of the dirt accumulating on the surface. However, overdoing it can be as bad as not washing it at all. Make sure you have a balance!
Is your moisturiser not moisturising enough? Check out our newly launched Royal Flush. It contains Hyaluronic acid, Niacinamide and Antioxidants. We have carefully chosen the ingredients to balance exploiting, moisturising, and protection.
Get your glass of water now!