Acne facial cleanser comes in a number of different forms, including bar form, foaming gel, and non-foaming liquid forms. Different types of acne facial cleanser also come with different active ingredients. To choose the best facial cleanser, it will take some trial and error, depending on your skin type and type of acne you have. Trying a cleanser for a few days, or a few weeks, then deciding if it is right for you, is the most effective way to choose the best acne facial cleanser.
The form of acne facial cleanser you choose is really a manner of personal preference. These cleansers tend to be equally effective whether they are in bar or liquid form, or foaming or non-foaming. Foaming cleansers can be slightly more drying, however. The only thing to remember here is not to use a cleanser for the body, especially an acne cleanser for the body, on the face. This will likely be much too harsh and drying for the sensitive skin on the face.
There are two primary active ingredients often found in acne facial cleanser, and most cleansers will contain just one of the two. These are salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Their effectiveness varies from person to person, and a cleanser with salicylic acid might work better for you, while one with benzoyl peroxide works better for someone else. Cleansers that contain these ingredients can be drying, but are often more effective against acne than a cleanser without them.
Non-medicated acne facial cleanser exists as well, and can be effective for those with mild acne or blackheads. It is also an option for those who find the medicated cleansers to be too harsh. If you experience an allergic reaction with an acne cleanser, it is a good idea to switch to another brand. Some cleansers might cause slight peeling or itching when used for the first few times.
Those taking prescription acne medication should probably avoid medicated cleansers. The combined use might be too drying on the face. It is also important to always wear sunblock when using any type of acne cleanser. If you have persistent acne that doesn't seem to improve with acne facial cleanser, it is also a good idea to consult with a dermatologist.