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If you struggle with acne, know that you’re not alone. This skin condition impacts 50 million Americans across the country. It’s often difficult to find adequate, affordable solutions – especially when today’s skincare products can cost an arm and a leg.
Fortunately, most drugstores offer inexpensive brands that exfoliate, soothe and moisturize. You don’t need to shell out hundreds for clear and balanced skin. The best over-the-counter face wash for acne might be just a short walk away from your home.
Here are some of the most effective over-the-counter face washes for oily, acne-prone skin.
This pick from CeraVe has been a favorite among enthusiasts for years when it comes to powerful cleansers. In fact, it may be the best over-the-counter face wash for acne. It’s a gentle but efficient cleanser that targets pimples with salicylic acid. This ingredient buffs away dirt and sebum that clogs pores. The result – fewer blackheads and whiteheads.
Like with many skin care products, it’s important not to overdo it. Thankfully, this face wash uses simple additions like hyaluronic acid for extra moisture and niacinamide to limit oil production. It’s also fragrance- and alcohol-free.
With properties like glycerin and niacinamide, this cleanser from La Roche-Posay provides a standard daily solution for oily skin. If you experience acne, it’s smart to use a product that foams. A cream-based face wash won’t clear out pores well enough.
Though this option doesn’t contain an exfoliating ingredient like salicylic acid, it’s perfect for those who wish to follow up with serums and toners. It quickly washes away dirt and makeup and leaves you with a clean slate. If you have combination skin, this face wash could be a little too drying, so be sure to patch test beforehand.
Sometimes, those with acne-prone skin can experience painful breakouts. As you wait for sore pimples to heal, it’s wise to use a gentle cleanser before you return to your regular routine. A harsh scrub or face wash may do more harm than good.
This Simple product works wonders as a mild cleanser for sensitive skin. It may surprise you to know that acne-prone skin can become dehydrated over time – and overproduce oil as a result. If you ignore moisturizers because you think they make you oiler, they don’t! All skin needs to retain some water content, and this cleanser helps achieve that.
Like CeraVe, Cetaphil’s skin care products are affordable options that cater to all skin types. This specific cleanser uses zinc coceth sulfate to clear out pores effectively without any tightness. If you have serious oil-related skin problems, this face wash can help improve them.
That said, it’s important to note that this cleanser won’t completely address severe issues, like cystic acne. If you have mild acne, then this pick should work for you. Otherwise, be sure to pair this product with other topical treatments to target breakouts.
You may already use Differin’s adapalene-based gel, but their cleanser works wonders, too. It includes properties like benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid, which help slough off dead skin and rinse away oil and grime. Plus, this face wash’s benzoyl peroxide content isn’t super high, so you shouldn’t experience irritation.
It’s crucial to seek out chemical exfoliators, like glycolic acid, over physical ones. Scrubs can cause your skin to experience micro-tears – and they sometimes use plastic beads that harm the environment.
If you want to splurge a little, choose this antioxidant-rich cleanser from Youth to the People. With cold-pressed ingredients like kale, spinach and green tea, you’ll enjoy clean, nourished skin. It targets inflammation and removes oil – and foams up to dig into those pores!
It’s essential to remember your skin’s pH level when you’re on the search for cleansers. The pH scale ranges from zero to 14. The higher the number, the more acidic the content. Our skin’s natural pH level shouldn’t go over five, so make sure your face wash offers a balanced pH level like this one does.
If you need to change up your skin care routine, incorporate an over-the-counter face wash for acne. With powerful ingredients and inexpensive price tags, you’ll be one step closer to acne-free skin. To see greater effects, try to eat foods that discourage acne appearances. When working together, you may see a difference sooner.
As always, be sure to speak to your dermatologist about any concerns!
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