acne cleanser

Guide Picks - Top 5 Natural Acne Cleansers

Getting your skin clean is an important first step in any good skin care regimen. If you are fighting acne prone skin, the cleansing step is more than just important, it is essential. A good cleanser will remove make-up, oil build up, dirt and other debris from the skin's surface, preparing it for other acne fighting treatments. Medicated cleansers are great for acne prone skin, but there are all natural products that also get the job done. Which you choose is totally up to you; here are our top 5 picks for all natural daily cleansers.

1) PhytoMe Gentle Cleansing Gel Quickly removes debris, impurities and excess sebum from the skin's surface and imparts a clean refreshed feeling to your face. Ingredients include soothing and moisturizing botanical extracts that leave skin feeling soft, smooth and clean. Never drying, this product leaves your skin feeling great. Use it 2-3 times daily as a facial cleanser or make-up remover. Can be left on the face as a "mini-mask" on those days when you feel your skin needs a little more cleaning. Manufacturer's Site

2) Clarins One-Step Facial Cleanser A three-in-one, all natural, facial cleanser/toner/make-up remover. Great for all skin types, this cleanser uses the power of orange extract to remove impurities and dirt from the surface of the skin. The slightly oily texture should not be cause for alarm, this product will not clog pores and is great even for oily complexions. This product keeps skin clean and nourished making it an ideal start to any cleansing routine.

3) FACE Stockholm Foaming Facial Cleanser An aloe gel based foaming cleanser infused with the healing and bacteria fighting powers of Chamomile, Yarrow and Fennel extracts. The self foaming formula will melt away makeup and impurities without stripping the skin. Skin is left feeling clean and invigorated without feeling tight or dry. Use in the morning and at night as the start to your skin care regimen. FACE Stockholm products are not tested on animals.

4) St. Ives Facial Foaming Cleanser Acne fighting tea tree oil is combined with gentle glycerin and chamomile extract to balance the moisture in your skin creating a cleanser that fights breakouts without drying the skin. 100% soap-free, this cleanser will leave your skin clean without feeling tight. Great for removing facial make-up (keep away from eyes) as well as surface oil and dirt.

5) Fira Foaming Tea Tree Facial Cleanser An instant, self-foaming cleanser that can greatly improve the clarity, tone, and texture of your skin. The natural properties of the tea tree oil in help soothe problem skin while fighting acne causing bacteria on the skin's surface. Skin gets clean with the deeply penetrating action of the foam. Leaves skin feeling fresh, tingling and invigorated. How to wash your face Medical science has made some pretty amazing breakthroughs in the treatment of acne. However, gentle cleansing must precede treatment in order to prevent irritation, because irritation can lead to more breakouts. Keep in mind the suggestions below when you wash your face before applying medication. Look for the terms "oil-free" and "non-comedogenic" (non-acne aggravating) when selecting a facial cleanser. You know you're on the right track when references to mild, "non-irritating", and "non-overdrying" are mentioned as well. Many acne cleansers also include other medications. For instance, Neutrogena Acne Wash "Oil-Free Cream Cleanser" has 2% salicylic acid in it. Clean & Clear "Continuous Control Acne Cleanser" contains 10% benzoyl peroxide. I worry that the medication will be washed off with these sorts of cleansers. Also, you may unwittingly be layering medications if you start with a medication containing cleanser and then apply a second medication afterward. From my experience, a gentle cleansing followed with application of medication is what works best. Wash your face only twice per day, morning and evening. Excess washing can cause irritation. You want to be as kind to your skin as possible. Use only your bare hands to wash. A washcloth is irritating. Consider the act of washing as simply prepping your skin for medication, nothing more. Washing itself does not clear breakouts since dirt does not cause acne, so there is absolutely no need to scrub. Pat dry. Do not rub dry. Rubbing the skin is irritating, and excess irritation...that's right...can lead to more breakouts. Gently pat dry. Once your face is properly cleansed, you are ready to apply whichever medication you and your doctor have chosen. Click on the choices below to learn more about prescription or over-the-counter treatment options.