Washing your face to improve acne

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Washing your face to improve acne

Gently washing your face removes oil from the surface of your skin. However, washing your face does not remove oil from clogged skin pores.

Gently wash your face once or twice a day with lukewarm water and a mild soap or cleanser. Mild soaps do not contain any harsh ingredients and are not irritating to the skin. Washing your face more often than once or twice a day may irritate and dry your skin. Avoid hot water; using hot water can make your acne worse.

• Do not scrub your face. Use gentle, circling motions instead. Dirt does not cause blackheads. Scrubbing blackheads will not remove them or prevent others from forming. Also, scrubbing irritates your skin.
• Avoid skin care products that contain scrubbing agents, such as pumice.
• Avoid soaps and skin cleansers that contain irritating substances.
• Always completely rinse your skin after you wash it.
• Gently pat skin dry. Avoid rubbing your skin.
• Use a moisturizing lotion or cream after you wash your face if your skin feels dry.

Choose a mild soap rather than a deodorant soap for washing your face.

• Deodorant soaps will not kill the bacteria that causes acne.
• Scrubbing your face with deodorant soaps irritates and dries your skin.

Credits

Last updated:	March 01, 2007
Author:	Monica Rhodes
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman