When looking for the best salicylic acid face wash, you need to consider your skin type and what you need the face wash for. People who have pimples and acne may use salicylic acid to clear up blemishes. As you age, you may use it to reduce the signs of wrinkles and fine lines. The acid helps exfoliate your skin and kills bacteria. Choose a face wash that contains the right amount of medication and that does not irritate or overly dry your skin. You may need to try several brands before finding the best cleanser for you.
Look at the concentration of salicylic acid in the cleanser. You may wish to start with a face wash that has a low concentration and then work your way up to reduce the risk of irritation to your skin. Most products contain between 0.5 and 2% salicylic acid.
If acne is a big problem for you, you may need to use a combination benzyol peroxide and salicylic acid face wash. Scan the active ingredients listed on the back of the cleanser's bottle or tube to see how much of each medication it contains. When using a combination cleanser, you should also start with a low concentration and switch to a higher concentration only if you need to.
Adolescents who are dealing with hormonal acne should avoid cleansers with harsh or irritating ingredients. The best facial cleansers for teenage acne should have a relatively high concentration of salicylic acid. Teenagers should avoid facial cleansers that strip the skin of its natural oils, as well as any perfumes or exfoliating beads. Some young people may find scented cleansers or features like exfoliating beads appealing, but these extra ingredients rarely help the skin and usually cause more harm than good.
Consider your skin type before choosing a face wash. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid using a cleanser with salicylic acid, as it can irritate your skin. If your skin is overly dry, look for a moisturizing cleanser. Cream face washes are usually more moisturizing and better suited for dry skin than gel cleansers.
Always check to make sure the face wash is oil-free and will not clog your pores. Usually, a salicylic acid facial cleanser will state that it is non-comedogenic on its package. A cleanser that clogs pores will not help improve your acne and won't improve the appearance of your skin.
Be gentle on your skin when washing your face. Even if you have the best salicylic acid face wash available, it will not do you any good if you scrub your face raw when washing or if you wash so often that your skin becomes overly irritated. The acid itself will work to kill bacteria and gently slough off excess dead skin cells. Use the cleanser once or twice a day for the best results.