acne face wash

2009-04-25T00:42:00.000-07:00

Do you use an acne face wash?

Using acne face washes is something we often feel compelled to try to stop our skin from becoming any worse than it already is. Once we start though, we have to ask ourselves if it is actually doing any good.

In many cases, the use of acne facial washes do result in positive changes to the condition of your skin. Others may simply be afraid that if you stop using a facial wash, your acne will get worse.

Looking at the scientific research there are some interesting papers on the effects of washing your face as an acne treatment. In one paper, two acne treatment washes were compared. They were identical in every way except one had abrasive granules while the other was non-abrasive.

The people taking part in the experiment washed each of their faces with either treatment. Statistically, there appeared to be no generalizable difference between the two acne face washes. There were however observable differences in some particular cases. Overall, it was noted that use of either acne facial wash did have a positive effect on the amount of blackheads and pimples of each test subject.

What this tells us is that we should devise our own tests to see what works best for us. We are our own best judges of what works for us and what doesn't.

Another experiment into the effectiveness of acne face washes suggests that obessional cleaning has a negative effect on the skin. Washing your skin too much, more than two or three times a day, with an acne facial wash can actually act as an irritant leading to the production of more acne. Ironic considering the goal of face washing.

In my own personal experience, while it certainly feels dirtier not washing, it doesn't make any noticable difference to the condition of my skin whether I was my face at the end of the day or not. Certainly sounds dirty mind you!

Doing your own testing with an ache face wash is certainly worth your while. You may see fantastic results. Even if you don't you'll gain valuable information on another form of acne treatment that may or may not work for you.

References:
http://archderm.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/118/9/658?ijkey=3c0ee31435f8ea3f97e69a7fc44a419d521564eb&keytype2=tf_ipsecsha
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/reprint/2/6040/834