Acne is a skin condition that affects many and can develop at any stage of a persons life. When dealing with acne, It can be difficult to figure out where to start. As the first step to your skincare routine, choosing the right cleanser can be a chore, especially when you don't know what you're looking for. Though this process may take a little trial and error, its good to know where to start. Continue reading for an overview on the right cleanser for you.
What Is Acne?
When searching for the cure to acne, you may have seen the phrase “excessive sebum production” show up a lot in the search results. Sebum is “an oily substance released by the sebaceous glands” according to the cosmetic doctor Dr Ewoma Ukeleghe and is essential for your skin’s overall health. Commonly, people with acne-prone skin types produce excessive amounts of this oily substance made of fats.
When sebum alongside dirt gets trapped inside your pores, they create a blockage in the tiny openings. These blockages prevent the pores to release oil and sweat as they should, and as a result, cause breakouts.
There are many ingredients that help unclog your pores, however, it is important to understand the severity of your acne before choosing the right product. In fact, using harsh, moisture stripping products for your acne may have an opposite effect and result in further sebum production. Therefore, it is vital to understand what ingredients work best for your skin.
Cleansers for Mild Acne and Severe Acne
The facial cleansers have been categorised into 2 sections: mild acne, and severe acne. People with severe breakouts such as papules and pustules should opt for the cleansers best for severe acne, as they require a stronger, yet gentle treatment. For everyone else with mild or medium cases of acne, it is best to use cleansers that aren’t too harsh, as this could potentially dry out the skin and even worsen breakouts.
DISCLAIMER: I AM NOT A DERMATOLOGIST AND THEREFORE TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY HARM CAUSED BY THE USE OF PRODUCTS MENTIONED ON THIS WEBSITE. FOR PROFESSIONAL HELP, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR DERMATOLOGIST.
Top Pick of Natural Facial Cleansers Best For Mild Acne:
This gel cleanser does all the dirty work for you and actively cleanes out all the gunk in your pores to reveal a fresh, purified complexion. Plus, priced under 10 euros, it really is worth a shot.
If you’re looking for an alternative, why not try the Annemarie Börlind purifying face wash? It effectively cleans out your pores, without any drying effect and leaves the skin feeling fresh and pure.
Benton is by far my favourite Korean brand. If you know me, you know I absolutely love Korean products. But what makes this brand stand out are two things: the natural ingredients put into their products, and their values. This soothing face wash actively works to calm the skin of irritation and simultaneously lighten acne scars. It’s a win-win!
Top Pick of Natural Facial Cleansers Best For Severe Acne:
Personally, one of my favourites is the Kiehls Calendula Face Wash.
Ever since I started using it, I have noticed a profound difference in my complexion. I can guarantee you, it definitely lives up to its name. Like it says on the bottle, this face wash removes all impurities and replenishes the skin, without over-drying, which is exactly what we’re looking for.
Though the larger bottle of this product is quite pricey, in the long run, you’re saving a lot of money. On average, a 50ml face wash will last you 3-4 months, which means by purchasing the 236ml bottle, you’re set on face wash for approximately 12-13 months. That’s one less thing to worry about all year!
Click here to purchase the 75ml bottle, and here to purchase the (price-efficient) 236ml calendula face wash.
I have been using Alkmene products for a while now and I have to say, I have never found anything at a better price. Priced at only 7 euros, this product is proven to be effective in cleansing acne-prone skin, without stripping it of its natural oils. With niacinamide as the main ingredient (a form of vitamin B3), inflammatory forms of acne such as pustules and papules are soothed, so it’s great for severe acne, at the most affordable price I’ve ever seen. Plus, tea tree oil is well-known as a natural, acne-healing ingredient and is often used to reduce acne scarring.
P.S, if you're looking for a face scrub that will really do the job right, I would definitely recommend the Alkmene tea tree 3 in 1 peeling mask. Mine has just finished, and I have to order another! It’s the best facial scrub I've ever used, and trust me, I have used many. It's perfect for sensitive, acne-prone skin as it doesn’t dry the skin out, but it also successfully gets rid of blackheads and dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. The best part, it's affordable and natural- you seriously can’t go wrong with it!
3.Charcoal Soaps
Another form of natural cleanser I would recommend for severe acne is charcoal soaps. Activated charcoal, a natural ingredient well known for its thorough cleansing and skin whitening properties, thoroughly cleans out your pores and lightens any visible blemishes. So, you can say bye-bye to acne scars!
Buy the vegan and natural Lubiu charcoal soap here!
Or why not try this African black soap? This soap helps balance the oils in the skin and simultaneously repairs damaged skin cells. Furthermore, its antimicrobial properties help a great deal with severe acne.
No matter which cleanser you decide to go with, remember, your choice of facial cleanser can make all the difference for your skin, so choose wisely! If necessary, consult your dermatologist for a skin examination and professional help.
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