Acne, also known as pimples, zits, blackheads and whiteheads, is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting approximately 40 million to 50 million Americans, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Treating acne takes time, generally four to eight weeks. Soap is one part of a complete skin care regimen to prevent and treat acne.
Causes
When your body makes too much of the oil called sebum, your pores become clogged and acne occurs. The body makes too much sebum when your hormones surge, such as in puberty, before a menstrual cycle, during pregnancy or in the years leading up to menopause. Stress and genetics can also cause acne. Contrary to popular belief, diet does not cause acne, though certain foods may make your acne worse, cites the American Academy of Dermatologists.
Definitions
What you may think of as "soap" may actually be a cosmetic or a drug, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Association's labeling. As defined by the FDA, soap is a product in which the bulk of the nonvolatile matter consists of alkali-fatty acids and the product's detergent properties are due to the alkali-fatty acid compounds. Additionally, the product must be labeled and sold solely as soap. When the product consists of detergents or primarily of alkali salts of fatty acids and is intended for moisturizing or beautifying, the product is a cosmetic, according to the FDA. If a soaplike product is intended to cure, treat or prevent acne, the product is a drug. Soaplike products that the FDA defines as cosmetics or drugs may be harsher on your skin than true soaps.
Treatment
On its own, soap cannot prevent or treat acne. A mild soap can help remove excess surface oils and dead skin. The American Academy of Dermatologists recommends washing your face once or twice a day with a mild soap or cleanser and lukewarm water. Apply the soap or cleanser with your fingertips. Wash your skin after sweating, as well. Apply over-the-counter acne products, based on your skin type, 15 to 20 minutes after face washing. If you don't notice a difference within four to eight weeks, contact a dermatologist.
Skin Type
Choose acne cleansers and soaps based on your skin type. To find out your skin type, wash and pat dry your face. After an hour has passed, press a tissue on the different parts of your face and examine the tissue. If the tissue shows wetness or an oily residue, you have oily skin. If your face feels tight or you notice flaking, you have dry skin. If your skin is neither dry nor oily, you have normal skin. You may have sensitive skin if your face stung during or after washing. Many people have combination skin, where the forehead, nose and chin are oily, but the cheeks are normal or dry, the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated says on its DermNet NZ website.
Warnings
Over-washing your skin with soap can actually make your acne worse. Abrasive soaps, fragrant soaps, facial scrubs, toner, astringents and masks may also worsen your acne. Scrubbing your skin with a washcloth, puff or anything other than your fingertips may irritate the skin and lead to more breakouts. Popping or squeezing your acne may make your acne worse and lead to scarring.
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