Many acne care facial cleansers are labeled as ”medicinal” and contain active ingredients such as bactericides. There are many different types of products, such as facial cleanser brands that sell products for acne, brands that sell basic cosmetics for acne that sell facial cleansers, and brands for sensitive skin that sell facial cleansers that treat acne. is commercially available.
In addition to the wide variety of facial cleansers available, the causes of adolescent acne and adult acne are different, so many people may be confused about which facial cleanser to choose.
In this article, I will introduce medicated facial cleansers recommended for acne care from a pharmacist’s perspective, focusing on ingredients and texture.
Points to consider when choosing the best medicated face wash for acne
When choosing a medicated face wash for acne treatment, it’s a good idea to check the active ingredients, texture, and the presence of harsh additives.
Below, I will introduce the main active ingredients, irritating additives that should be avoided in the case of adolescent acne, and the types of textures.
Point1: Check active ingredients
Ingredients found in facial cleansers that are effective against acne include dipotassium glycyrrhizinate, salicylic acid, and isopropylmethylphenol. Most face washes for acne are medicated face washes that are based on disinfectants and contain these active ingredients.
Dipotassium glycyrrhizinate has been shown to have anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and skin irritation-alleviating effects, and has the ability to suppress inflammation caused by acne. Also, adult acne is often caused by dryness, but dipotassium glycyrrhizinate is also effective for dry skin.
Salicylic acid has the effect of softening dead skin cells, making pores less likely to become clogged. This action prevents new acne from forming. It also has acne bactericidal properties.
Isopropyl methylphenol is expected to have a bactericidal effect against P. acnes, which mainly causes acne on the face, and Malassezia bacteria, which causes back acne.
Point2: Check the type of additive
Skin that has acne during puberty is especially sensitive. You can avoid further skin irritation by using products that contain as few additives as possible that tend to cause itching and redness.
Ingredients that are considered to be highly irritating to the skin include fragrances, synthetic colorants, parabens, alcohol, synthetic surfactants, and mineral oil.
Point3: Check the texture
Facial cleansers come in a variety of forms, including bar soaps, pastes, foams, powders, and non-foaming types such as gels and creams. Understand the characteristics of each and use a face wash with a texture that suits you.
Solid facial soap has fewer additives, so it is less of a burden on the skin, and has high cleaning power. Paste face washes are easier to lather up than solid soaps and are more convenient to carry. Foaming face washes, which have recently become more popular, are a great way to wash your face easily even when you don’t have time or are tired.
Powdered face washes contain enzymes that can break down dead skin cells and sebum and wash them away. Gel-like and cream-like non-foaming face washes have slightly less cleaning power than other textures, but they are gentle on the skin.
6 recommended medicated face washes
Acne care facial cleansers are further divided into targets such as those for sensitive skin and those for men.
There are many different types of products on the market, but here are six of our most recommended products that can be purchased at drugstores.
Curel sebum trouble care foam face wash
Contains anti-inflammatory agents to prevent acne and rough skin. Protects ceramides, cleanses and maintains moisture. Contains sebum-dissolving ingredients (cleaning agents). Thoroughly removes dirt from pores and excess sebum. It comes out as a fine foam that spreads smoothly over the entire face. There is no bothersome tightness.
[Efficacy]
To prevent acne and rough skin
[Active Ingredient]
Dipotassium glycyrrhizinate
Mentholatum Acnes Medicated fluffy foam face wash
Contains bactericidal and anti-inflammatory ingredients that kill acne-causing bacteria deep within the pores, suppressing inflammation and preventing acne. Contains moisturizing ingredient vitamin C derivative. Your skin won’t feel tight. It comes out as a fluffy foam, so it’s easy and doesn’t need to be lathered up. Perfect for busy mornings.
[Efficacy]
For acne prevention
[Active Ingredient]
Isopropylmethylphenol, dipotassium glycyrrhizinate
Skin Life Soft face wash with medicated foam
No whisking required, just press to create fluffy foam. Contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients and moisturizing ingredients to prevent acne while caring for your skin. Moisturizing ingredients include fruit acids, enzymes, and pearl barley (Yokuinin extract).
[Efficacy]
For acne prevention
[Active Ingredient]
Isopropylmethylphenol, dipotassium glycyrrhizinate
Hadabisei CHOI Face Wash Medicinal Acne Care
A medicated formula containing two active ingredients (sterilizing ingredient + skin roughness prevention ingredient). Thoroughly care for recurring acne and rough skin. Contains tartaric acid, an exfoliating ingredient, and hop extract, a moisturizing skin ingredient. Dissolves and removes plugs from pores, leaving your skin smooth and moisturized. Fluffy foam that is gentle on the stressed skin of adults.
[Efficacy]
To prevent acne and rough skin
[Active Ingredient]
Isopropylmethylphenol, dipotassium glycyrrhizinate
Rosette face wash pasta acne clear
A medicated face wash for adult acne and rough skin that contains two types of clay and anti-inflammatory and moisturizing ingredients. A creamy foam containing two clay powders, sea mud and gasoul, protects moisture while washing away excess sebum, clogged pores, and dead skin cells that cause acne. Suppresses inflammation, prevents acne, and leaves your skin clean and healthy.
[Efficacy]
Prevents acne, rough skin, sebum, and dryness
[Active Ingredient]
Stearyl glycyrrhetinate
GATSBY Facial Wash Medicated Triple Care Acne Foam
Contains bactericidal and anti-inflammatory ingredients to sterilize acne bacteria and suppress inflammation to prevent acne. Contains keratin softening ingredients to soften and remove clogged pores (old keratin, etc.) that cause acne. Contains the sebum-absorbing ingredient degreasing rice bran, which thoroughly dissolves and washes away oil stains on the face.
[Efficacy]
For acne prevention
[Active Ingredient]
Salicylic acid, isopropylmethylphenol, dipotassium glycyrrhizinate
Precautions when using medicated face wash
Below is a summary of the side effects of medicated facial cleansers, precautions for use, and target age groups.
Side effects of medicated face washes and who should be careful when using them and who should not use them
For some people, medicated facial cleansers may cause side effects such as rash and itching.
Especially during adolescent acne, the skin is sensitive. In this case, some of the ingredients contained in the cosmetics may not be suitable for your skin.
If you have had a rash or itching caused by a facial cleanser in the past, there is a possibility that the skin symptoms will occur again if you use a facial cleanser that contains the same ingredients.
Also, if you have particularly sensitive skin, be sure to check your skin for any abnormalities when using a facial cleanser for the first time.
Can medicated face washes be used by elementary school, middle school, and high school students?
Basically, there is no age limit when it comes to facial cleansers for acne.
However, products targeted at adult acne may not be suitable for the sensitive skin of adolescent acne due to differences in active ingredients and additives.
Cases in which it is better to visit a hospital
If your skin becomes red or itchy after using a facial cleanser, you may be suffering from a rash from the ingredients in the cleanser.
It is recommended to stop using the product and, if the symptoms are severe, apply an over-the-counter anti-itch medicine or consult a dermatologist.
Q&A regarding “acne” and “face wash”
I have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about acne and face washes.
Most facial cleansers are basically unisex, so there is no problem using them.
However, men secrete more sebum than women, so some people may feel like they don’t wash their skin enough.
First of all, I recommend washing your hands to keep them clean before washing your face to prevent acne-prone skin from getting worse due to bacteria.
Wet your face with lukewarm water (about 32℃), and if you are not using a foaming face wash, lather up the face wash. Once the foam becomes elastic, apply the foam to your T-zone, chin, and cheeks in that order and wash for about 30 seconds. Then, rinse with lukewarm water for about 1 minute, then pat with a clean towel to absorb moisture.
Conclusion
Face washing is an important part of acne care. Facial cleansers for acne have slightly different active ingredients depending on whether you are dealing with adolescent acne or adult acne, and they come in a variety of textures, so please use this as a reference when choosing a product.