Our Complete Guide: Best Acne Mask, Cleanser, Soap & Lotion
Contents
People constantly face the question of how to clear up acne. Although we like to think of acne as a problem suffered by those going through puberty, we can suffer this embarrassing skin problem at all stages of our lives.
Acne is most common in teens and young adults, but NIAMS notes some people still have it into their forties and fifties. One company survey claimed 12% of sufferers were in their forties; we could not confirm that figure.
What exactly is acne? Pores get plugged with oil and dead skin cells, and bacteria can grow inside. Hormones, family history and some medicines all play a role.
The link with diet is still debated. MedlinePlus says chocolate and greasy foods have not been shown to cause acne, though refined sugar or dairy may matter for some people.
One thing is for sure, they seem to crop up at the most inconvenient of times. First dates, that important meeting, a family reunion... So how do we rid ourselves of the menace of acne blemishes?
Luckily, you have a variety of ways to handle breakouts. Wash gently once or twice a day and after exercise, use noncomedogenic products, and avoid scrubbing, squeezing or picking, which can cause scarring.
Over-the-counter products with benzoyl peroxide, adapalene or salicylic acid can help, but MedlinePlus says they may take 6 to 8 weeks to work. See a doctor or dermatologist if acne is severe, leaves scars, or doesn't improve after several months.
Masks, soaps and moisturizers can be a pleasant part of a skin care routine. Most of the products below are cosmetics, not acne medicines, so keep your expectations realistic.
Always patch-test a new product on a small area of skin first.
The Method – Best Acne Mask
Who remembers slathering on masks during their teenage years; maybe at a slumber party?
I know that I have many memories of using masks as part of my nightly routine; with or without friends. Back then it was more about making silly faces than actually doing anything productive, but a mask is actually a very good way to help clear up acne.
Clay masks soak up surface oil and can leave skin feeling cleaner. Claims that masks remove "toxins" are marketing, not science.
Some use only natural ingredients and add moisture back to the skin. Natural doesn't always mean gentle, though, and any mask can irritate sensitive skin.
You can find masks that peel away or there are the rinse or wipe off options; no matter your preference, there is definitely an acne mask that fits exactly what you’re looking for.
Specifically..
If you want to try a mask as an option for helping to make your skin radiant, healthy and blemish free, I’d strongly urge you in the direction of this one; Indian Healing Clay by Aztec Secret.
The label lists one ingredient: bentonite clay, with no added fragrance.
Bentonite clay absorbs oil, which some people with oily skin like. There's little research showing it treats acne or fades scars, so think of it as a cosmetic mask, not a treatment.
This clay is usually mixed with water or apple cider vinegar. Vinegar is acidic and can sting or irritate the skin, so plain water is the gentler choice for sensitive skin.
Some people use coconut oil, which is often promoted for its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-aging properties. Heavy oils can clog pores, though, and MedlinePlus advises acne-prone skin to stick to noncomedogenic products.
Rinse the mask off before it dries completely and don't use it more than once or twice a week if it leaves your skin tight or red.
Pros and Cons
One con of this product is that if you’re looking for a lavender or peach smelling product, this isn't the one for you. As it doesn’t contain anything but natural, pure clay, you won’t find any strong, chemically enhanced fragrance when you open the jar. Just that rather earthy smell that clay is so well known for.
On the plus side, there are no added fragrances or dyes, which some sensitive skin types react to.
Another plus is the amount of product you’ll get. A thin layer goes a long way.
In Summary..
This single-ingredient clay mask is simple and affordable. It can leave oily skin feeling less greasy, but it is not a substitute for proven acne treatments.
You may read that apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties, but there's no good evidence it treats acne, and it can irritate skin.
The Method – Best Acne Cleanser
Cleanser is a popular product when it comes to fighting acne. There are a lot of different brands out there, depending on what you’re looking for. Sometimes people are swayed by brand name alone, while others focus more on exactly what the product is doing for their skin before becoming a loyal customer.
Acne cleansers should be mild, as they're generally the first step towards fighting acne and are usually followed up by other products. If your first step is too harsh, it could lead to inflammation and be counterproductive in your search for healthy looking skin!
Specifically..
The best acne cleanser, Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser, needs to be on your shelf and part of your beauty routine!
Made by Body Merry, this cleanser is marketed as cruelty-free and uses a mix of plant ingredients.
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that loosens dead skin cells on the surface. It can sting and can make skin more sensitive to the sun, so wear sunscreen.
The formula also lists jojoba, willow bark extract (a plant source of salicylates) and oils such as tea tree, olive and rosehip. Tea tree oil might help acne, but NCCIH says more evidence is needed.
Pros and Cons
Gentle exfoliation can make skin look brighter. That's handy in a single bottle.
A con of this product is that because there are a few different natural ingredients, if you do suffer from a rash or other skin breakout after using, it might be hard to determine what exactly caused it.
Always apply a new product to a small “tester” area of skin before using in full all over your face.
In Summary..
Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser is worth a try if you like an exfoliating wash. Give any acne routine 6 to 8 weeks before judging it.
If it feels too harsh, use it every other day. Acids can irritate sensitive skin, so start slowly. You only need a little each time.
The Method – Best Acne Soap
Soap; a very common household object, and one that has been around for generations. We’ve come a long way though, in specific uses for soap.
There’s special soap for household use, for dishes, for floors, and now our soap is even specific enough to have separate bars for face and body!
It stands to reason then, that we do need a specific soap for targeting different issues with our skin too; and we’re lucky enough to have acne soaps at our fingertips.
These go to work to scrub out clogged pores, exfoliate dead skin cells, and help clear acne forming bacteria. The options are endless as far as brands, scents, shapes, how well it foams, and there are soaps for men and other soaps for women!
It’s nice to know that clearer skin can be as simple as using the right bar of soap!
Specifically..
The name is maybe just a tad different from what you were expecting but don’t be put off!
African Black Soap by Incredible by Nature is one product you do not want to overlook if you’re serious about reducing acne and on the hunt for the best acne soap.
The maker calls it a “Perfect Skin Secret.” It's made with plant ingredients and is marketed as cruelty-free and fair trade (first my coffee, now my soap!).
African black soap is a traditional soap made from plant ashes and oils, and this one includes unrefined shea butter. Soap can still dry or irritate sensitive skin, so patch-test it and don't use it on a baby without asking your pediatrician.
Pros and Cons
One pro of this soap is the versatility. If you’re partial to liquid soap, just melt this down, add your favorite carrier oil (such as olive oil, jojoba oil or coconut oil) and pour it into a convenient pump bottle. It will foam up just as well as when it’s in bar form.
You can use it on your face and body, and the bar is a good size.
It is not a treatment for eczema; people with eczema usually do better with mild, fragrance-free cleansers recommended by their doctor.
A con is that there are some rough “bits” in the soap. Scrubbing can make acne worse, so rub gently.
In Summary..
This soap has a pleasant scent and is made with natural ingredients. It is a cleanser, not an acne medicine, so pair it with a proven treatment if you need one.
The Method – Best Acne Lotion/Moisturizer
I don’t know many people who don’t wrap up their beauty routine with a good moisturizer. Why not give your skin the added benefit of moisturizing while fighting those awful whiteheads? Because some acne fighting agents can be harsh on our skin, it’s best to make sure it’s replenished with a lotion so it doesn’t suffer from dryness.
One thing to remember when choosing an acne lotion is to ensure that it won’t add too much oil to our skin; this would completely defeat our attempts to fight blemishes which thrive on an overabundance of oil.
Specifically..
Retinol Moisturizer Cream to the rescue! If you’re looking to add a fabulous lotion to your daily beauty routine that can help eliminate pesky acne, let me introduce you to your salvation, by Radha Beauty!
Containing an incredible mix of (organic) aloe, green tea, shea butter (which by itself has a fantastic smell), and jojoba oil, this is one moisturizer that will leave your skin feeling supple, with no added fillers or fragrances.
It's free of dyes and parabens, for those who prefer to avoid them.
Retinol is a vitamin A ingredient used to smooth skin texture and fine lines. It can cause dryness, peeling and sun sensitivity, so start a few nights a week and wear sunscreen. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your doctor before using retinoid products.
Pros and Cons
One pro of Retinol Moisturizer Cream is its simplicity. Despite the modern, sleek look of the product, it uses good old fashioned, natural ingredients that most of us are very familiar with. They’re easy to research and discover the benefits of the ingredients that we're applying to our skin with each use.
Retinol Moisturizer lists aloe vera as its first ingredient.
A con of this product is that retinol works slowly, so anyone expecting results in a day will be disappointed.
In Summary..
I like this moisturizer's simple ingredient list. You won’t need much; follow the label, and many people use retinol products at night only.
And there you have it! These products can be a pleasant part of a routine for people of any age. None of them will erase acne scars, and results vary from person to person.
For real acne treatment, look for proven ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, adapalene or salicylic acid, and give them 6 to 8 weeks. See a dermatologist if your acne is severe, painful, scarring or affecting your mood, since prescription treatments work well.
Sources
- Acne, MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
- Acne Types, Causes, & Risk Factors, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- Tea Tree Oil: Usefulness and Safety, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
