Acne is a common problem that occurs in everyone. Acne can be caused by various factors, one of which is clogged pores. Clogged pores can occur if dirt accumulates on the skin layer. Therefore, facial cleanliness must always be maintained to prevent acne from appearing. In the treatment of acne-prone skin, one of them is by maintaining facial cleanliness using facial wash.

Facial wash serves to cleanse oil, blackheads, and dead skin cells that cause acne. The right product and consistency of using facial soap determine its effectiveness in treating acne-prone skin. To optimize acne-prone skin care, combine it with other skincare products such as serum or spot cream for the best results. The following are ways to choose the right facial soap.

Make sure the product has a pH description or choose one that is labeled as low pH or pH balanced. In addition, when choosing a facial wash, check the content of surfactants in it. The higher the concentration, the more alkaline the pH tends to be. Choose a facial wash that contains gentle surfactants and avoid harsh surfactant content as it can make sensitive skin prone to irritation and acne.

The following is a list of surfactant names commonly found on facial wash labels. Gentle Surfactants: Cocamidopropyl betaine, Potassium cocoyl glycinate, Lauryl glucoside, Polyglucoside (decyl glucoside or coco glucoside), Sodium cocoyl isethionate, Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate. Harsh Surfactants: Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), Ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS), Sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate.

Choose a facial wash with a light moisturizer to maintain skin moisture. Humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid can provide moisture without clogging pores. Glycerin works to attract moisture into the skin, while hyaluronic acid works to retain water and moisturize the skin. Avoid moisturizers with ceramide and oil content to prevent the skin from feeling even more oily.

The ingredients that help control oil are zinc, bentonite, kaolin clay, and charcoal. Here are the benefits of the ingredients contained in facial wash. Zinc: A mineral that reduces excessive oil production on the skin and has anti-inflammatory properties. Bentonite and kaolin clay: Absorb oil and dirt, cleanse pores, and reduce excessive shine. Charcoal: Binds oil and dirt, cleanses the skin, and reduces excessive shine on oily skin.

Salicylic acid: Exfoliant that cleanses pores, reduces inflammation, and eliminates acne. Niacinamide: Able to reduce inflammation and soothe redness on the skin. Chamomile: Has calming effects and can alleviate skin irritation. Aloe vera: Effective as a coolant, reduces inflammation, and provides hydration to the skin.

In addition, for sensitive skin, consider using a facial wash that does not contain alcohol, dyes, or synthetic fragrances as they can trigger allergies and irritations on the skin.