How to Wash Acne-prone Skin

Dermatologists recommend the following for their patients who have acne or acne-prone skin:

• Limit washing to twice a day – and after perspiring
  Once in the morning and once at night as well as after perspiring heavily should be the limit. Perspiration, especially when wearing a hat or helmet, can make acne worse, so the skin should be gently cleansed as quickly as possible after perspiring.
   

• Use a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser
  Wash the face and other acne-prone areas with a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser that does not contain alcohol.
   

• Use your fingertips
  Apply the cleanser and wash with your fingertips. This reduces skin irritation. Using a washcloth, mesh sponge, or anything else can irritate the skin and lead to breakouts.
   

• Never scrub your skin
  Scrubbing the skin does not clear acne. In fact, scrubbing irritates the skin and can make acne worse.
   

• Rinse with lukewarm water
  Be sure to thoroughly rinse away the cleanser with lukewarm, not hot, water.
   

• Shampoo regularly
  If you have oily hair, shampoo daily.

All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology