For the most part, you want to stay away from anything that has oil or lotion in the name of the product, since these can clog your pores and cause acne. If you find yourself suffering from acne and wondering what to do about it, consider switching to one of these UK face washes for acne before trying harsher treatments such as prescription creams or antibiotics. You’ll find relief in no time!
What ingredients should I look for in a face wash for acne?
There are a few things to look for when you’re shopping for a face wash that will help with acne. First, you want something that’s gentle and won’t irritate your skin. Second, you want something that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which are both great at fighting acne. Third, you want something that’s oil-free, since oil can clog pores and make acne worse. Finally, you want something that is noncomedogenic (does not block pores) so it doesn’t aggravate acne breakouts. With all of these criteria met, it’ll be much easier to find a good face wash for acne!
Salicylic acid is one of the best ingredients to look for when you’re shopping for a face wash because it helps get rid of acne fast. And unlike some other common treatments, like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid does not dry out your skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which means that it helps reduce redness and inflammation from acne too. The downside? You have to use it daily and over time if you want results – there’s no quick fix here!
Benzoyl peroxide – One advantage of benzoyl peroxide is that it dries up excess oils on your skin, which can help prevent future breakouts from occurring. A drawback, however, is that benzoyl peroxide may cause irritation and dryness in some people.
Tea tree oil – Another great ingredient to look for is tea tree oil. Like salicylic acid, tea tree oil is anti-inflammatory and works by getting rid of bacteria that causes acne. Unlike other ingredients though, tea tree oil kills bacteria without drying out your skin like benzoyl peroxide can. And while it isn’t as strong as benzoyl peroxide at drying up excess oils, it still has this ability to some degree. As an added bonus, tea tree oil also smells really nice and feels refreshing on the skin!
Glycolic acid and lactic acid – These two acids are both exfoliants, meaning they remove dead skin cells and can help keep your pores unclogged. However, glycolic acid is much stronger than lactic acid and should only be used every couple of days because it can sometimes cause redness, peeling, or sensitivity in some people. Lactic acid is gentler than glycolic acid but requires a longer period of time before you see significant results; it’s also less effective at removing blackheads than glycolic acid.
Oleanolic acid – Oleanolic acid is derived from plants, including oat kernels and tomatoes. If you have oily skin, oleanolic acid might be just what you need to help balance your skin’s natural oil production and prevent acne flare-ups. On top of this, oleanolic acid inhibits P. acnes’ growth so it can combat existing pimples too! It also works synergistically with another powerful acne fighter: benzoyl peroxide!
Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel for Oily, Blemish Prone Skin 400ml
If you’re on the hunt for a face wash that will help clear up your acne, this one from Avène is a great option. The gel formula is perfect for oily and blemish-prone skin, and it’s enriched with zinc gluconate, which helps to reduce sebum production. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel 200ml
La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel is one of the best face washes for acne in the UK. It’s gentle but effective, and it can be used on both the face and body. The gel formulation contains salicylic acid to help exfoliate and unclog pores, and it also includes La Roche-Posay’s unique Thermal Spring Water to soothe and calm skin. 200ml will last you a long time, making this an affordable option as well.
Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash 177ml
This face wash is specifically designed to target blemishes and breakouts, and it’s gentle enough for everyday use. The foaming formula is oil-free, non-comedogenic, and contains salicylic acid to help exfoliate your skin and prevent future breakouts.
Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Foaming Face Wash 150ml
This foaming face wash from Boots is a great option for those with acne-prone skin. The tea tree and witch hazel help to cleanse and soothe the skin, while the foaming action helps to remove any excess oil. This face wash is also suitable for sensitive skin types.
Acnecide Face Wash 5% w/w Gel 50g
This face wash contains Benzoyl Peroxide, which is an effective ingredient for treating acne. The gel formulation is also less likely to dry out your skin than other types of face wash.
