The Best Acne Body Washes Dermatologists Recommend
If you’re struggling with acne and want to get your skin under control, body wash can play an important role in eliminating breakouts. Washing up daily and changing your pillowcases often can help eliminate breakouts and dead skin cells, but the right body wash can take it a step farther. Dermatologists have some top-notch advice and have shared their recommendations for the best acne body washes available today.
Understanding Acne
Acne is a skin condition that usually impacts people who have reached puberty and beyond. Hormones fluctuate and create a surge of oil production, leaving skin vulnerable to breakouts. Acne appears as pimples, bumps, cysts, whiteheads, and blackheads, which can appear on the face, neck, shoulders, back, and chest. The production of androgens (male hormones) also increases during puberty, which makes the sebaceous glands in the skin produce more oil. This combination – excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria build-up – creates the infamous zits that plagues so many.
Using Body Wash For Acne
Once you understand what causes acne, it’s easier to select the right acne body wash. Look for gentle, non-compulsive cleansing ingredients that can help keep your skin clean of dead skin cells and oil. Avoid fragrances that can be irritating, as well as using bar soaps, scrubs, or antibacterial washes. These typically do more harm than good because, when overused, they can strip the skin of its natural, beneficial oils and cause burning or irritation.
The Best Acne Body Washes Dermatologists Recommend
Once you’ve identified the mistake you were making with your skin care routine, it’s time to find the right kind of acne body wash. Here are ten top picks from dermatologists, listed in alphabetical order.
- Alpha Skin Care Renewal Body Lotion
This exfoliating formulation helps to remove dead skin cells while nourishing and hydrating the skin. It contains lactic acid, a natural exfoliant to help reduce acne redness, swelling and scarring.
- Consonant Skincare All Natural HydrExtreme
Consonant Skincare’s All-Natural HydrExtreme is packed with natural ingredients that are designed to provide an all-day hydration to the skin. It helps to reduce acne-causing bacteria and also helps keep the skin hydrated, reducing flakiness and redness.
- CeraVe Salicylic Acid Cleanser
CeraVe’s Salicylic Acid Cleanser combines the acne-fighting power of salicylic acid with glycerin and hyaluronic acid, two ingredients well known for their hydrating properties. Not only does this help get rid of acne, but it helps soothe the skin and ensure you don’t suffer from dryness or irritation.
- Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash
Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Acne Wash is a great staple in any acne-prone skin routine. It combines salicylic acid and Glycerin to help reduce breakouts while hydrating the skin.
- Paula’s Choice Skincare Skin Balancing Body Wash
Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Body Wash is designed to combat body acne without stripping the skin of its natural oils. This wash includes beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) to fight oil and breakouts without over drying.
- Proactiv Green Tea Moisturizer
Proactiv Green Tea Moisturizer is an oil-free acne wash designed to moisturize and treat skin while providing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients like green tea extract, honey extract, and willow bark.
- Sheila-G’s Key Lime Cleanser
Sheila-G’s Key Lime Cleanser is perfect for acne-prone skin. It contains a blend of essential oils, like tea tree oil, that are well known for their anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
- SkinCeuticals Clarifying Cleanser
If you’re looking for a cleanser that works to combat acne and purify your skin, SkinCeuticals Clarifying Cleanser is a great option. It relies on salicylic acid and botanical extracts to rid skin of impurities and excess oil.
- Vanicream Cleansing Bar
The Vanicream Cleansing Bar is a dermatologist-recommended daily cleanser and is non-comedogenic. It works to rid the skin of impurities without stripping it of the natural oils that are beneficial for skin.
- ZO Skin Health Brightening Cleanser
The ZO Skin Brightening Cleanser is a powerful cleanser formulated with exfoliating ingredients that specifically target acne-causing bacteria. It also works to get rid of dead skin cells and excess oils, while helping to reduce the appearance of dark spots, discoloration, and breakouts.
Acne is an unfortunately common skin condition and finding the right kind of body wash can be intimidating. Luckily, there are some great options available that dermatologists recommend, and all of the aforementioned body washes feature ingredients that have anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties, which can all help combat acne. Finally, it’s important to remember that diet and lifestyle factors also affect acne, so be sure to keep your overall health in check as well.
