Acne is not directly caused by a dirty face, but Acne.org, a website affiliated Daniel Kern's line of Acne.org skin-care products, says that proper cleansing before applying a topical treatment can help fight pimples. It is essential to use the right kind of cleanser and apply it in the correct way. Otherwise the cleansing can make things worse.
Definition
Acne is a common skin condition that causes lesions on the face and other areas of the body, such as the back, arms, chest and neck. Most people call them pimples, but there are actually several types. The Mayo Clinic says they can take the form of comedones, which may be open or closed at the top, pus-topped pustules, tender papules or deep nodules and cysts.
Cause
Acne is caused by clogged skin pores. A natural skin oil called sebum, which is often overproduced during adolescence, and old skin cells clog the pores. Bacteria often join the mix. The National Institutes of Health says that oil production can also be accelerated by hormones from menstruation or pregnancy, and acne can be worsened by sweating and using oily hair and skin-care products. Dirt is not a factor, so acne cleanser is not intended to be a grime removal-product. Washing affected skin more than once or twice a day can actually irritate it and cause more breakouts.
Purpose
People with acne should use a mild cleanser to prepare the skin for topical treatment, according to Acne.org. Acne is most commonly treated with gels, lotions, pads and creams containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. They should be applied to a clean surface, but not to irritated skin.
Types
Some cleansers are not appropriate for people with acne. Avoid any product with beads, balls or other scrubbing agents. Suitable acne cleansers are usually labeled gentle, mild, nondrying or nonirritating. Some say they are oil-free or noncomedogenic, which means they do not aggravate acne.
Use
An appropriate acne cleanser is applied twice each day during normal face washing. Acne.org recommends washing in the morning and evening. The cleanser should be applied with hands rather than a washcloth. Wash for no more than 10 seconds, then rinse off the cleanser and pat the skin dry. Never scrub it while washing or rub it dry afterward. The cleanser will have served its purpose of preparing the skin for medication.
Warning
Some acne cleansers also contain pimple-fighting medication. Their active ingredient is usually salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. This can cause problems if the user applies an acne treatment after cleansing, because two different remedies applied one after the other can inflame the skin.
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