How Often Should You Wash Your Face?

You need to wash your face every morning and night. No exceptions. I don’t recommend using washcloths to wash your face if you have acne. Washcloths are too abrasive and can irritate your acne making it worse. Also, if you don’t use bleach in your laundry your washcloths can recontaminate your skin with bacteria that may have not been killed with regular washing. I recommend using clean hands or cotton pads you can buy at your local grocery store. These cotton pads are disposable, inexpensive and work great.

What Is The Correct Way To Wash Your Face?

1. Wash your hands with an anti-bactierial soap. Leave a small amount of water on your hands.

2. Use a dime size amount of your acne face wash and with your fingers lightly rub on the wash. Use a circular motion, but make sure not to press too hard or massage too long. Facial massage actually stimulates your sebaceous glands making your skin more oily.

3. Rinse your face with tepid water. Extremely hot or cold water can break down the walls of your follicles making it harder for your acne to heal. After I rinse my face I like to use a dampened cotton pad and rub it over my face to make sure I got all of the wash off completely off.

4. Follow with an alcohol free toner, an acne spot treatment, and an oil free moisturizer.Your acne face wash will exfoliate your skin making it easier for the products you put on after to penetrate into your skin. So, make sure your using high quality products that are oil-free.

Can Makeup Make Your Acne Worse?

Yes, makeup can certainly aggravate of acne. Avoid wearing it as often as possible. If you must wear it never use a sponge to apply your makeup. Makeup sponges are known for carrying bacteria. If you use makeup brushes I recommend thoroughlycleaning them with soap and water at least once a week.

What Are Some Common Things That Aggravate Acne?

Pillowcase- I change my pillowcase every other day. I only sleep on one side once before washing it. Here is why, if you have acne and you lay on your pillowcase all night most likely there will be some bacteria on your pillowcase.

Cell Phone- Make sure you are cleaning your cell phone with rubbing alcohol often, daily if you can. Cell phones are covered with bacteria and often make acne worse.

Hair- If your not washing your hair often enough this will make your skin oilier and aggravate your acne. Also, certain shampoos and conditioners can cause breakouts. You can try switching brands to see if it helps.

Hands- The oils from your hands touching your face can make acne worse. Also, avoid picking, scratching, or squeezing your pimples. Doing so can cause scarring. Be especially careful not to pick pimples on your cheeks. Your cheeks tend to scar the easiest.

What Vitamins and Minerals Help Acne?

Chromium aids in reducing infections of the skin. High quantities of sugar can cause loss of chromium from the body. Good sources of chromium are found in meat and whole grains.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant. It enhances healing and tissue repair. Vitamin E is found in many lotions and lipsticks. This vitamin also plays an important role in the immune system and can prevent cell damage. Vegetable oils, nuts, green leafy vegetables and fortified cereals are common food sources of Vitamin E.

Magnesium plays a major role in hormone balance. It can also help maintain muscle and nerve function. This mineral supports a healthy immune system and keeps bones strong. Green vegetables like spinach are good sources of magnesium.

Selenium is needed for skin elasticity and boosts the action of other antioxidants. It is only required in small amounts. Plant foods are the main source

Zinc aids in healing tissues and prevents scarring. It regulates the oil glands and promotes a healthy immune system. Zinc can be found naturally in oysters, red meat and poultry. There are also cereals and dairy products that have been fortified with zinc.

Chemical Ingredients VS Natural Ingredients…Which are Better?

Having worked for years in a Dermatology office you would think I would recommend prescription acne treatments that are aggressive and concentrated. But seeing the negative side effects of these harsh treatments I tend to lean more towards acne products that are more natural. I have seen and used many types of both natural and unnatural products in treating acne. The unnatural products tend to be harsher on the skin causing a lot of irritation and inflammation. This inflammation will not only make your acne worse, but it will also cause premature aging.

Harsh prescription acne treatments often break down the protective layer of your skin called your barrier function. Your barrier function provides protection for the skin against invasion or injury. This protection is very important. If these inter-cellular lipids that make up your barrier function become compromised by harsh products this can result in dryness, dehydration, sensitivity, redness, and/or a tight stinging feeling. This is not good short term or long term for your skin.

Below is a skin diagram of the outer layers of your skin. The barrier functions is the “brick and mortar” using harsh chemicals like Benzoyl Peroxide and Salycilic Acid can strip this barrier (sometimes entirely) away. Leaving the sensitive layers below vulnerable to infection, allergens, and sun damage. This results in irritation, dehydration (lack of water), dryness (lack of oil), redness, sensitivity, and premature aging.

Also, acne often worsens when your barrier function becomes compromised. This is the reason that products like Proactiv and Murad often end up making your acne much worse. Enough said, I recommend acne face washes with natural ingredients.

How I Rate Acne Face Washes:

  1. Consumer and Professional Reviews
  2. My personal experience with the Product
  3. Ingredients found in the product
  4. Price of the product
  5. Full Money Back Guarantee

Best Acne Face Wash

The main reason I consider Acnetix to be my "best acne face wash" is because it really works. After using it for a week my acne was completely gone. My patients and friends started using it and got the same results. Acnetix is an all natural face wash that contains 35 organic ingredients. The formula in Acnetix is full of natural acne fighting compounds that work to heal current breakouts and stop future ones from happening.

Acnetix is effective for clearing acne, yet gentle and is perfect for all skin types. This product doesn't contain any harsh chemicals that cause damaging inflammation. I also recommend Acnetix because its very affordable, one bottle will easily last you four months. With Acnetix you're not forced into an annoying auto-shipment and it comes with a full money back guarantee if you're not totally satisfied. Learn More About Acnetix

Second Best Acne Face Wash

Acjuva is a three step acne kit that contains an acne face wash, toner, and repairing lotion. Acjuva provides everything you need for clear, acne-free skin. Acjuva's natural formulation has impressive ingredients that are perfect for stopping acne, while providing hydration that damaged skin needs. I especially love the Acjuva repairing lotion, its great for acne prone skin. I use this repairing lotion every morning and night and can't live without it! Acjuva will last you four months, these bottles are double the size of similar acne kits! Acjuva comes with a 100% Money Back Gaurantee and you are not put into an auto-ship program. Learn More About Acjuva


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