How to wash your face to get rid of acne? Use a mild foamy cleanser with salicylic acid to wash your face twice a day. Massage your face for approximately 60 seconds and be gentle. Rinse off with cold water and always your own separate clean towel to pat dry your face.
Washing your face is a piece of cake, right? Well not actually!
I don’t exactly remember when it happened, but washing my face was a bit of a difficult part of my skincare regimen at some point in my teenage life (the time when I had severe acne). It may look weird to you, but that’s the truth! After washing my face, I always felt my skin rough, and itchy, and even my bumps got bloody red. That’s when I didn’t know the right manner of washing my face.
If you think that washing your face is just wetting it, rubbing it, and wiping it — you are wrong!
In fact, according to a 2017 survey conducted by a skincare brand CeraVe, 80% of Americans make at least one or more difficult blunders when washing their faces. This thing is so true because if you have acne you should know how to wash your face to get rid of acne.
So, wipe your sweat! In this post, you will know the most effective approach to washing your face to get rid of acne.
Read carefully!
Table of Contents
Top Acne Cleasers
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser |
| Check Price |
 | DERMA E Hydrating Gentle Cleanser |
| Check Price |
 | La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser |
| Check Price |
 | PanOxyl Antimicrobial Acne Creamy Wash |
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 | Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Fighting Face Wash |
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How To Prevent Acne by Washing Your Face
1. Choose The Right Cleanser For You
Keep in mind that the best cleanser for you might not be the same as what your friend is using. So don’t copy!
If you have acne-prone skin, you should use a cleanser that is foamy and should have salicylic acid.
First, let me clarify that foamy cleanser part…
What is a foamy face cleanser? It’s very precisely what its name implies. A foamy face cleanser is one that foams as quickly as it is pumped out.
Tracy Evans, medical director of Pacificskin says;
“Acne-prone skin, teenagers, and those who love that squeaky-clean feeling do best with foam cleansers.”
Now, the next part is Salicylic acid. The actual acne-fighting cleanser is salicylic acid. It works as a chemical exfoliator. Experts exclusively prescribe this form of exfoliant. I dislike physical exfoliants, particularly gritty ones. They seriously damage the skin barrier, although chemical exfoliants can be quite beneficial.
A salicylic acid-based cleanser is anti-inflammatory and can work quickly on aggressive acne bumps. For me, it’s a fantastic combination of ingredients that makes the cleanser the best for acne.
The best part? Salicylic acid cleansers get absorbed into the oil which is the best thing for oily acne-prone skin. Another great thing about it is that it is much more tolerated than some of the other forms.
2. Wash Your Face With Cold Water
Hot water works as a purifier but not in the case when you have those red bumps on your face.
“Washing your face with hot water can suck the moisture out of your skin, leaving it dry and possibly irritated,” says Dendy Engelman
So, cold water is the best choice. I don’t mean take a chilled water bottle out from the freezer and wash your face from it. Use water that’s slightly cold — not so chill, we are not making lemonade here!
The reason for using cold water is it controls sebum production in acne-prone skin, which helps reduce pore size and prevent outbreaks. It also aids in the removal of the detrimental effects of the sun’s rays since cold water shrinks and shields the pores that open up when the skin comes into contact with the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
3, Massage Your Face In The Right Way
Your fingertips are the ideal tools for soft yet deep cleaning. And when you have acne-prone skin cleansing brushes may be harsh for you.
Rub cleanser in a clockwise direction with your fingertips. Don’t press your skin too hard, it may hurt your pimples. Massage the T-zone and U-zone (around the jawline), because these are regions that many people overlook.
Remember to wash your hands first before washing your face. Because it will reduce the number of potential bacteria harm on your face. Pimples will appear on your face if you have germs on your hands.
Take your time and be cautious when cleaning your face! Don’t rush!
4. Use A Clean Dry Towel
Reject the urge to use the household hand towel that has been hanging over the hook for many weeks straight to dry your face. Don’t share towels. Keep a towel that is yours only.
Bacteria can grow on the towel and spread onto your washed, moist face. Use just a small or medium-sized towel for your face! To reduce bacteria buildup, avoid using it on other parts of your body.
Always pat dry your face, don’t rub it madly.
Moreover, if your acne is severe, try using quality wipes when drying your face after washing.
Acne Fighting Products To Use When Washing Your Face
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser |
| Check Price |
 | CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser |
| Check Price |
 | PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash Benzoy |
| Check Price |
| EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser |
| Check Price |
1. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Deep Cleansing Foaming Facial Cleanser
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This foamy cleanser, which contains salicylic acid, is highly helpful for acne. It exfoliates dead skin and boosts cellular turnover to uncover new skin. To keep skin from looking dull and dry, this cleanser contains moisturizing elements like glycerin.
2. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
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CeraVe cleanser is widely regarded as the gold standard for acne-prone skin. It has no fragrance, cleanses long-wear makeup, and does not clog pores. It’s tough to find a cleanser that keeps the skin balanced, but CeraVe is that cleanser.
3. PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash
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If you suffer from acne, this is by far the finest remedy. I swear by this product, and it certainly does not receive the attention it deserves. This solution works by infiltrating the pores deeply and destroying the bacteria that causes acne! As it clears your breakouts, it also prevents new ones from forming.
Having stated that, because this product contains peroxide, it will stain any towels or clothes it comes into touch with!
4. EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser
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This cleaner is amazing; it is mild and effective. When it foams, I enjoy how it feels. This is also used by my sisters. Two of them suffer from acne, and this helps maintain their skin. The foam softly lifts and rinses away dirt, giving your skin a clean and balanced feel.
How Long Should I Wash My Face?
It takes more than a few seconds to effectively wash the face in order to clean out pollutants. It takes at least 60 seconds to wash the skin with your hands. In reality, excessive washing, and scrubbing can cause discomfort and breakouts.
In general, it is determined by the chemical in your face cleanser. Like, I have suggested salicylic acid so when using the salicylic acid-based cleanser, gradually increase the washing time. You can do like, keep the cleanser on and brush your teeth.
How Often Should I Wash My Face?
Truthfully, it’s one of these myths that you should wash your face twice a day — it’s for all skin types. Well, that’s not true. If you have normal skin it’s really enough to wash your face once a day and mainly in the shower, the water is good enough. Whereas, if you have acne skin twice a day is definitely what you want to do.
After washing your face in the morning, it is mandatory to wash your face before going to bed. You are not supposed to rest in your makeup, regardless of how tired you are. Believe me when you do this that your acne-free future will praise you.
Washing your skin more than twice a day or too much actually gets rid of all the essential oils in your skin as your skin cells are packaged in a way that they are layered almost like a brick wall. You need that oil between those bricks to keep a nice healthy skin barrier. If you over-wash your face, you will decrease your chances of getting rid of acne.
Some Don’ts Of Washing Your Face When You Have Acne
I have told you the process above. There are also some things that if you avoid, you might get rid of acne quickly.
1. Don’t Use Soap Bars
People normally wash their hands with any bar soap. But when it comes to acne pimples, bar soap doesn’t seem too good. Why? Everyone is using that piece of soap, there are chances that it has some bacteria accumulation or something that may make your acne worse. So, it’s better to wash your hand with a liquid handwash, especially before washing your face.
2. Don’t Forget To Wash Your Towel
Using dirty towels can contain bacteria and bring new bacteria to your skin, perhaps leading to additional pimples. No matter if you have your own towel, it is very necessary to wash your towel every week.
3. Don’t Rely On A Cleanser Only
Cleansers aren’t the only over-the-counter acne treatments available. Toners, medicated cleansing pads, and moisturizers containing salicylic acid or benzoyl acid are also excellent options. Use them in the correct manner after washing your face.
4. Don’t Forget Post Workout Cleaning
“After sweating, immediately use an exfoliating cleanser to help keep your pores clear and remove excess oil,” says Dr. Zein Obagi
It is a wise act to wash your face after a workout. Taking a bath as quickly as possible after exercising is also important if you have body acne. Staying long in elastic, sweaty fitness clothing sets you at the most risk of acne and skin irritation.
5. Don’t Touch Your Face
There is no point in washing your face and then constantly touching it with your hands, what if they are not clean? One of the most fundamental acne treatment methods is to keep your hands away from your face. Dirt beneath your fingernails and unnecessary touching or rubbing of your face can cause acne to spread or lead to additional breakouts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How should you wash your face to get rid of acne?
Wash your face twice a day with a mild foamy cleanser, try to use one that has salicylic acid. Don’t overwash your face and always pat dry it with a clean towel.
Can you get rid of acne just by washing your face?
Taking care of your skin entails eliminating debris, excess oil, and makeup. It can aid in the prevention of clogged pores. However, only cleanser and water don’t perform magic for you. You have to pick up the right skincare routine with the right ingredients as per your skin type.
Why do I get acne even though I wash my face?
Washing your face isn’t a big thing, but washing it in the correct manner is. Also, check what ingredients you have in your face wash. Are they suitable for your acne-prone skin or just making it worse?
Should I wash my face with hot or cold water?
Lukewarm water is good if you have normal skin. However, cold water can calm your skin if you have breakouts and irritated skin.
Now, It’s Your Turn!
Have a date next week? What about this MF acne? This is a very common situation that’s why I told you the appropriate manner of washing your face to get rid of acne. Now, it’s your time to follow the above details. Just keep in mind, before touching or stroking your face, wash your hands and avoid resting your face on your hand. Consider all of the items you may have touched with your hands throughout the day! Breaking this behavior may assist you to solve the majority of your problems. Also, don’t forget to wash your towel, and pillowcases every week. Face cleansing does magic for you when you keep your face away from any dirt, you may not see the bacteria with your naked eyes but they are present everywhere.
Moreover, start with OTC acne products for mild acne, then contact a doctor for a professional skin care regimen for obstinate acne or severe acne. Also, do share your acne care routine in the comments.
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