Skin Cleanser for Acne

by Teddy Michaels

A reliable acne product should call for a cleansing process. Cleanser allows your skin to more easily get rid of dead skin cells and other surface contaminants. While the cleaning process is simple in itself, there is more to treating acne than just technique. You need to have the right products in your arsenal. Without the right cleanser, you may be subjecting your skin to irritation, which ultimately contributes to more acne breakouts. It is not uncommon to see people utilize products with very harsh ingredients. Such ingredients, like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and alcohol can be immensely damaging to the skin. Those that presently suffer from acne that has not responded well to over-the-counter treatments should take a close look at their cleanser of choice. To follow, we will be exploring the characteristics that constitute a quality cleanser.

Sodium lauryl sulfate is an additive in many household products that is just beginning to receive attention. Cleaners and soaps often contain this chemical so that they can lather in hard water. Hard water is mineral-rich water that typically forms soap scum when combined with soap. While not officially known as a carcinogen, SLS is currently classified as a pesticide. In addition to the household products, SLS is also found in industrial products such as engine degreaser. This should give ample indication as to its harsh nature. SLS has been linked to skin irritation even at small concentrations. Acne-prone skin is not fond of irritation. A small amount of irritation can go a long way in causing breakouts. So, the first rule of shopping for an acne cleanser is to avoid ones that contain SLS. Skim product labels as you are browsing cleaners. If SLS comes up, move on to another product.

It is a mystery why most people believe cleanser is designed to remove oils from the skin, leaving it tight and uncomfortable. Despite popular belief, cleanser is actually designed to remove contaminants off your skin without drastically affecting skin moisture levels. Removing oils from your skin can prove immensely troublesome, leaving it dry and irritated. This often translates to more acne. Some studies have also suggested that the skin may overcompensate for lost oil, by producing more, causing an oily complexion. If you want to avoid such problems, it is best to avoid cleansers with astringents such as alcohol. If your current cleanser gives you that tight feeling after washing, you should switch to another, more suitable product.

The uppermost layer of skin is designed to protect us against external threats. To maintain this barrier-like quality, the skin must maintain optimal conditions, including a certain acidity. Skin likes a slightly acidic environment, one that falls within the 4-5 pH range. Soaps and cleansers often disrupt this pH due to their basic nature. When a disruption in acidity occurs, our skin is left vulnerable to attack. You can avoid disrupting your skin’s acidic environment by using a pH balanced cleanser. These cleansers, with a pH of 7, enable our skin to continue providing essential protection.

Finding a quality cleanser is not as monumental a task as it initially appears. When you begin using a quality product, the results should be immediate. Your skin will begin to feel far more healthy. With the right, gentle products, acne should be quite manageable.

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