While my relationship with my skin has evolved (a result-oriented approach perfected over time), I still cannot outright evade the inexplicable bouts of acne popping out of the blue. It has been an ongoing struggle since circa 2008, yet it triggers a full-blown meltdown on many occasions. The zit plopped conveniently between my brows right before a big date or a handful of pimples wreaking havoc on my chin — I have my fair share of similar episodes well into my late twenties.
Not to undermine my gripe with acne (or that of the readers here), it is essential to remember (even as a beauty editor) that 'real' skin breaks out. Due to a myriad of reasons such as hormonal imbalance, gut health or in my case, exceedingly greasy skin. So, if you (like me) have acne-prone/acne-affected skin, I recommend checking in with your dermatologist to discern the root cause. Not only will it help dwindle these outbreaks (with conscious efforts), but also make you feel more in control of your skin.
For the greasy skin gang — while a stubborn, lone zit now and then may be inevitable (speaking from experience), you can also take measures to curb the outbreak and maintain a healthy skin microbiome. To help you in this endeavour, I, with the team of editors at Nykaa, am bringing you the best face washes for pimples. Some of the top featured products in the mix have helped alleviate the stress my skin was experiencing due to an outbreak. Before we get to the list, I answer some of the most frequently asked questions with regards to acne caused due to oily skin.
What Causes Acne?
There are several reasons why you may be grappling with acne. I have already touched upon poor gut health and hormonal imbalances in the last section. But one shouldn’t discount the impact that an individual's lifestyle can have on their skin. Case in point: smoking can cause acne to aggravate, certain medications or allergies might also be a cause (check with your doctor). So can stress — excessive stress levels in the body releases hormones like cortisol that can impact the skin’s immunity, making it susceptible to breakouts. For people with overactive sebaceous glands (like me) — copious amounts of oil on the face attract dust and debris, leading to congestion of the pores. This inevitably leads to acne breakouts. Moreover, this plug can also breed bacteria that may result in inflammation. To help circumvent this problem, it is important to employ the best possible face wash for acne in your skincare regimen.
What Ingredients Should You Look For In Best Face Wash For Acne?
The unrestrained amount of oil on the face leads to accumulation of gunk in the pores (as discussed earlier). To help unclog these pores, you can employ a face wash with salicylic acid. With an oil soluble structure, the formula adeptly removes surplus oil and grime. Use a glycolic acid or lactic acid based formulation to gently exfoliate the skin of unwarranted buildup (caused due to excess oil production). Alternatively, you may also give activated charcoal a shot– with its considerably large surface area that attracts toxins only to cast them out, the offering can work wonders. To tackle the bacteria head -on, breeding in these clogged pores, you should look up benzoyl peroxide in the ingredient list of the pertinent offering. Scroll ahead, for the best face wash for pimples imbued with the aforementioned ingredients.
Best Facewash For Pimples
The following face washes from Nykaa can help you battle acne. Ensure to integrate the relevant offering into your AM /PM regimen, basis the stage of acne and the severity. Rule out offering boasting ingredients that might aggravate your allergies (if any).
Infused with salicylic acid, witch hazel and willow bark, this cleanser which doubles as an exfoliator has a permanent spot on my vanity. I especially turn to this offering during the summer months— I sweat profusely and hence become more susceptible to stubborn episodes of acne. The terrific trifecta of ingredients works well through the different stages of acne, from oil control to exterminating bacteria breeding in the clogged pores to diminishing acne pocks! One of the best face washes for pimples available in the market, would surely recommend it if you battle with active acne.
The humble yet efficacious drugstore brand has received the stamp of approval from A-listers such as Reese Witherspoon, Gigi Hadid and more recently, Alia Bhatt. The oily skin cleanser from the same line is a soap-devoid and non-irritating formulation that works wonders for acne-affected skin. Infused with niacinamide (which treats acne) and panthenol (aids in soothing inflammation), an infallible, gentle formula that has always worked for my skin.
Leveraging the immense power of advanced Ayurveda, the Neem Pimple Control Face Wash boasts a dynamic blend of neem, ritha and kulanjan. Neem leaves have anti-bacterial properties that not only fight active acne but also aid in prevention. Ideal for those who are inclined towards clean, conscious offerings to remove germs and impurities from the skin.
One of the best face washes for acne, I would recommend grabbing this wonderful offering if your pores get clogged, at the slightest inconvenience. True to its name, this pore cleansing face wash adroitly removes the excess oil, grime and clears the dead cell buildup from the skin. Speaking from personal experience, the formulation is effective and bears desired results very swiftly. A healthy mix of tea tree and glycolic acid, the product has been deemed fit for oily, acne prone and combination skin.
A no frills, no fuss whatsoever– Simple Kind To Skin Face Wash aims at uncomplicating the art of skincare. The formulation devoid of dyes and harmful chemicals can be seamlessly integrated into your AM/ PM regimen without any hassles (and side-effects). Infused with amino acids, vitamin E and vitamin E, the offering maintains the skin’s pH, protects the acid mantle from aggressors and elevates overall skin health. A must -have according to the editors back at the Nykaa office, for all seasons.
