As unbelievable as it sounds, acne affects about 17 million Americans. One of the most important steps in acne treatment is getting rid of dead skin cells, which can be accomplished using several types of cleansers. One of the most effective types of cleansers for acne is one that contains salicylic acid. Salicylic acid, also known as a Beta-Hydroxy acid, helps keep the skin clear by normalizing the shedding of dead skin cells, which is often inconsistent in skin that is acne prone or oily.

Another excellent ingredient for acne is glycolic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid that gently refines the texture of the skin by dissolving dead skin cells in order to reveal new, healthy skin. When used to treat acne, glycolic acid may help prevent breakouts by accelerating the shedding of dead skin cells before they have the chance to mingle with excess oil and dirt on the skin.

Many skincare companies are adding another interesting ingredient to acne cleansers: triclosan. Triclosan is a powerful anti-bacterial agent often found in hand-washes or sanitizers. When applied topically, triclosan kills the bacteria that cause acne, thereby preventing further breakouts.

When using a new acne cleanser, it is important to pay close attention to the skin, noticing signs like dryness or a tight feeling after washing. It may be necessary to reduce frequency to once per day or every other day. It is also crucial to be patient when starting any sort of new skincare routine, especially when it comes to problems like acne. For long-term maintenance of acne, it will be necessary to continue using an effective product on a regular basis, not just a week or two.