by Skylar Blue

Created on: January 22, 2010   Last Updated: February 13, 2012

Acne can have a major impact on one’s self esteem. I’ve had acne since I hit puberty in year 6 and it’s still a raging battle right now with the scars they left behind. I’ve experimented with countless different cleansers and I have found the most effective ones aren’t the most expensive either. So for all those who think that having clear skin will have collateral damage to your wallet, do continue reading.

It is am myth that you get acne from very dirty skin. Over cleansing can instead have the opposite effects of a clear complexion because it dries your skin out.  Cleansers should only be used twice a day; when you wake up in the morning and before you sleep at night.

I am not a dermatologist so I can’t give you all the scientific concepts behind what I am about to say but I have read somewhere that if you have blemishes and breakouts, you should be treating your skin as sensitive. Don’t worry about whether you have oily, combination or dry skin. My reasoning behind this is because your skin is already tender from having acne. Using products that are targeted for the above mentioned different skin types would be too harsh for your skin. Sensitive is the way to go.

Choose a cleanser that is gentle and targeted for sensitive skin. I recommend Cetaphil because it can be used without water, which means it will not be too drying nor is it too harsh. If you have a super oily face and are worried that a simple sensitive cleanser won’t cleanse your face thoroughly then I can assure you that Cetaphil also has an oily sensitive skin cleanser as well. I haven’t used this though I have oily skin because I find the one for dry sensitive skin is sufficient to keeping my skin cleansed. I have, however, heard good reviews about the one for oily skin and that it even lowers sebum level!

I find that most commercial cleansers aren’t very effective and that aside from the attractive packaging and the allure of fascinating ingredients such as ginger extract or rice water, they barely yield results. Even some medicated cleansers such as Phisohex were way too aggressive on my skin and resulted in dry flakiness. Yuk.

So basically, don’t be fooled by all the big brands and the exotic sounding cleansers with exotic sounding extracts and ingredients. If you look at the ingredient list, you will most likely find that it is at the bottom of the list. Commercial companies only incorporate a tiny bit of the extract or the ingredient-little enough so you can smell it but not enough to have the desired effects.

I can guarantee you that all you need to get clean, clear skin is a decent sensitive cleanser and an effective moisturizer for sensitive skin. I have been using Cetaphil cleanser for a while now in conjunction with Cetaphil moisturizing lotion (it absorbs super fast and leaves skin feeling plump and moist) and this Asian cream called Rojzy Jiali (it works for me somehow) and my forehead which was before rampaged and ravaged by moderately severe acne has cleared.

Sometimes simple is best. I know acne can be very trying and lower one’s self esteem. When I first hit puberty I was very upset and disgusted with my skin. I avoided looking at the mirror and I wanted instant results. However, some things unfortunately take time to work and I think regular use of a suitable sensitive cleanser and moisturizer will help in the long run. Also, try to incorporate regular exercise as you pores will purge out bacteria and whatnot when you sweat and eat a healthy, balanced diet with lots of veggies and fruits.  Good luck!

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