Best cleanser for hormonal acne
Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser is the most effective pick for hormonal acne. Its key active, salicylic acid, is oil soluble, so it can get inside pores and dissolve the mix of oil and dead skin that clogs them and leads to breakouts, which with hormonal acne often cluster along the jaw and chin. Aloe, chamomile extract and hyaluronic acid are added to help offset dryness. Give it time to see clearer skin, and keep going, because acne care works best with steady daily use. To help it work, massage the lather over damp skin for about 30 seconds before rinsing, then follow with an oil-free moisturizer. Start once a day if your skin feels dry or tight, and since it contains fragrance, patch test first if you're sensitive. If you see little improvement after about 8 to 12 weeks, or sooner if breakouts are painful or leaving scars, a dermatologist can prescribe treatments that over-the-counter products can't match.
| Option | Product | Price | Price per use | Days to results | Compared with most effective |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Most effective | Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser | US$15 (177 mL) | 17 |
Why it works
Salicylic acid (BHA)
Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid. Because it mixes with skin oil, it can work inside pores, where it loosens the bonds between dead cells and helps clear plugs, so it works best on blackheads and whiteheads. It also has mild anti-inflammatory effects. US over-the-counter acne products may contain 0.5% to 2%. Much of the published research covers stronger peels done in clinics, so evidence for everyday cleansers and leave-on products is more limited. Dryness and peeling are the main side effects. Body-wide toxicity from absorption is very rare and has been linked to strong preparations applied over large areas.
Moisturizing acne-prone and oily skin
Many acne treatments, including benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and adapalene, dry and irritate the skin, and a daily moisturizer helps people tolerate them and stick with treatment. Dermatologists suggest products labeled oil-free, non-comedogenic or won't clog pores, applied after washing while skin is still slightly damp. In a 12-week double-blind study of people using a strong prescription acne gel, adding a ceramide cleanser and lotion reduced dryness and water loss and was linked with fewer inflamed spots. Glycerin and dimethicone are common acne-friendly moisturizer ingredients. Evidence on specific ingredients comes mostly from small studies and product surveys.
Best cleanser for oily sensitive skin
Best moisturizer with SPF for sensitive mature skin
Best night cream for mature skin in men
Best face and body sunscreen for men with acne
Sources
- Adult acne treatment dermatologists recommend
- eCFR :: 21 CFR Part 333 Subpart D -- Topical Acne Drug Products
- Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review
- Moisturizer: Why you may need it if you have acne
- Moisturizers for Acne: What are their Constituents?
- Ceramide-Containing Adjunctive Skin Care for Skin Barrier Restoration During Acne Vulgaris Treatment
Reviewed by Emilie Sydney-Smith