The Best Cleansers For Adult Acne

Although acne typically shows up in your teens, even adults in their 30s and 40s can get this skin malady, warns the University of Maryland Medical Center. An acne-targeting cleanser can act as an important element of your acne skin care routine, helping to remove contaminants and oil that may lead to pimples or zits.

Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Cleanser

Clean & Clear's acne-targeting cleanser contains salicylic acid at a strength of 2 percent, reports acne skin care expert Paula Begoun in her book, "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me." The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that salicylic acid can help treat acne by exfoliating your pores and preventing blockage, as well as helping to make your skin drier and less oily. The cleanser also contains herbal extracts, including cinnamon extract, which may help nourish the skin.

Proactiv Clear Purifying Mask

Not all cleansers come in soap form. For deep cleaning, try Proactiv's purifying mask, which won a top finalist position at the 2010 beauty awards hosted by the Cosmetic Executive Women, one of the beauty industry's biggest trade groups. The CEW liked its use of sulfur---which can help fight the bacteria that cause acne, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center---and its ability to help minimize your pore size.

Clinique Acne Solutions Cleansing Bar for Face and Body

Acne may arise on other parts of your body, not just your face. Begoun reports that Clinque's acne-focused body and facial soap comes formulated with 2 percent-strength salicylic acid. The acid is encapsulated and is slowly released as you use the bar. Besides the acid, standard detergents help cut through oil and dirt to cleanse and refresh your skin.

Clean & Clear Advantage Blackhead Eraser

Clean & Clear's blackhead-removing exfoliating treatment comes with medicated cleaning pads and a handheld cleaning applicator that you press against your skin. It won the acne skin care category at the CEW's 2009 beauty awards. The CEW liked its combination of proprietary chemical exfoliants and acne-curing salicylic acid to help dissolve oil and dead skin cell buildup that might be clogging your pores.