Choosing an Acne Cleanser
Modern acne treatment kits almost always incorporate a cleansing stage. By using a cleanser, you help your skin dispose of dead skin cells and other contaminants that may be may be lingering on its surface. While cleansing is a rather simplistic process, technique is only half of what’s involved. A suitable cleansing product is a must, especially for acne-prone skin that responds negatively to irritation. It is common to see people use cleansers that contain harmful ingredients including sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and alcohol. These strip the skin of whatever moisture it may have and consequently leave it dry, red, and irritated. Acne breakouts run rampant in this type of environment. If you currently suffer from acne that has been unresponsive to conventional treatment, your cleanser of choice may be to blame. In the following, we will examine some of the characteristics to look for in a suitable acne cleanser.
Sodium lauryl sulfate is a chemical found in numerous household cleaning products that is just starting to see widespread attention. This additive is incorporated in products such as soap to induce a lather in the absence of soft water. Most homes in the United States are supplied with hard water, which combines with soap to from soap scum as opposed to a lather. Although SLS has not been officially labeled as dangerous, it is considered a pesticide. Further, many industrial cleaning products also contain SLS. It should be evident that SLS is a harsh ingredient. Lab tests have shown that SLS acts as an irritant when it comes into contact with skin. Irritation and acne do not mix well, and the end result is usually more breakouts. So, if you are looking for a cleanser, avoid those that contain SLS. A quick glance at the product label should reveal of a cleanser contains this harmful ingredient.
It is a mystery why most people believe cleanser is designed to remove oils from the skin, leaving it tight and uncomfortable. Despite popular belief, cleanser is actually designed to remove contaminants off your skin without drastically affecting skin moisture levels. Removing oils from your skin can prove immensely troublesome, leaving it dry and irritated. This often translates to more acne. Some studies have also suggested that the skin may overcompensate for lost oil, by producing more, causing an oily complexion. If you want to avoid such problems, it is best to avoid cleansers with astringents such as alcohol. If your current cleanser gives you that tight feeling after washing, you should switch to another, more suitable product.
Our skin is most healthy when it falls into a certain pH range. This range happens to be in 4-5, slightly acidic area. Many soaps and cleansers are highly basic, or alkaline, with a pH over 7. When we apply these products to our skin, the acidity is disrupted and our skin becomes vulnerable to a countless number of threats. For the outer layer of the skin to effectively protect us from the outside world, it needs to maintain that slightly acidic characteristic. Fortunately, there are products available which claim to be pH balanced. These often have a pH of 7, causing a minimal disruption in acidity, and thus allowing our skin to combat acne bacteria, alongside many other threats.
Locating a quality cleanser isn’t an extremely difficult feat. After you start using the right one, you should notice a marked improvement in the appearance of your skin. Although a difficult disorder to treat, acne can be managed with the right products. Gentle treatments are the key to clear skin.
Learn about the best acne cleansers from our how to get rid of acne website.
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