How to treat acne prone skin by choosing the right facial cleanser?

Acne is one of the skin problems that everyone has experienced regardless of age and gender. Washing your face is an important activity so that you avoid acne. How to treat acne differs depending on the type of acne and the skin condition of each person.

This time, plengdut.com will provide tips on choosing and recommending face wash products for oily and acne prone skin. Apart from Cethapil, Garnier, Pond's, and Acnes, there are many facial wash products for acne prone skin.

Why does the face become acne prone?

The main cause of acne is clogging of skin pores by excess production of oil (sebum) and sweat. Acne bacteria is not the trigger. In fact, acne bacteria are often referred to as good bacteria. This is because these bacteria can trigger the production of glycerin and fatty acids which are useful for skin beauty. However, when sebum and dead skin cells clog a pore, acne bacteria grow. These growths cause inflammation plus sebum, which triggers irritation skin. As a result, those annoying pimples appear on your face.
The main cause of acne is clogging of skin pores by excess production of oil (sebum) and sweat. Acne bacteria is not the trigger. In fact, acne bacteria are often referred to as good bacteria. This is because these bacteria can trigger the production of glycerin and fatty acids which are useful for skin beauty.

However, when sebum and dead skin cells clog a pore, acne bacteria grow. These growths cause inflammation plus sebum, which triggers irritation skin. As a result, those annoying pimples appear on your face.

To prevent pore clogging, you don't need to wash your face with products that contain strong cleansing ingredients. However, choosing a facial cleanser that is suitable for your skin type is preferable. If you choose the right products and wash your face properly, pimples won't stay on your face for long!
There are four factors that contribute to acne prone. Some of these factors are clogged pores or follicular estuaries and excessive production of sebum or oil glands.

In addition, acne prone can arise due to the presence and activity of Propionibacterium acnes bacteria and inflammation. Each of these causative factors are interrelated with each other and occur under the influence of hormonal factors, namely androgen hormones.

How to choose a face wash for acne prone skin?

Choosing a face wash based on skin type and acne type is an important point that should not be missed. Next, we will explain in detail the points that need to be considered when choosing a face wash.

  • Choose a cleanser that matches your skin

Acne is divided into two types, namely teen acne and adult acne. The causes vary, so you need to choose a facial cleanser that suits the type of acne.

In general, teenage acne appears in the T zone, namely the forehead and nose, which is caused by excess sebum production. If you want to completely treat pubic acne, choose a product that is effective at removing excess sebum. Foam face wash or foam with a high level of cleansing power is also recommended.

On the other hand, adult acne appears around the U zone, namely the cheeks and chin. This one acne is usually caused by stress, dry skin, and lack of sleep. If you have trouble with this type of acne, avoid scrubbing your face. You should also avoid products with high cleaning power, which can strip away too much sebum.

The purpose of cleaning products or cleansers on acne prone skin is to clean dirt and sweat. In addition, cleansers are also intended to clean excess oil, cosmetic residue, and bacteria on the surface of the skin without making the skin dry and irritated. The ideal cleanser for acne prone skin should be non-comedogenic, non-acnegenic, non-irritating, and non-allergenic.

  • Check whether the product contains active ingredients

If you want to prevent acne breakouts, you may want to choose a facial cleanser that is labeled medicated. This type contains a number of active ingredients that are suitable for acne prone skin, such as the following:
  • Anti-inflammatory ingredients: Dipotassium glycyrrhizinate, allantoin, stearyl glycyrrhetinate. 
  • Antiseptic ingredients: O-Cymen-5-OL (Isopropyl methylphenol).
  • Ingredients for thick and hard skin problems: Salicylic acid (salicylic acid).
With not too many active ingredients, of course this medicated product is not as effective as pharmaceutical drugs or doctor's concoctions. However, you can still use it for acne prevention. It should be noted, acne is not guaranteed to heal one hundred percent even if you choose medicated products over regular cleaning products.

Medicated cleansers that contain active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, and salicylic acid (BHA) can help heal acne. Other cleansing ingredients that can be used to clean and control oil on the surface of the face are Zinc PCA and kaolin. Ingredients that function to soften keratin such as AHA and BHA can also cleanse and control oil on the face.

There are also facial cleansers that contain moisturizers such as glycerin, propylene glycol, and others. This moisturizing content is used to help repair the skin barrier and reduce the dry effect after washing the face. Use a facial cleanser that contains a moisturizer or gentle cleanser if your skin feels dry from the acne treatment.

  • Make sure the product is tested for noncomedogenic

A noncomedogenic test is performed to ensure that the oil content in the product will not trigger acne or clog pores. Products that have passed the test usually get a "Noncomedogenic" claim on the packaging.

Of course, even though it has been tested, it doesn't mean that this product is able to prevent acne due to other factors. Facial cleansers labeled noncomedogenic are generally also quite expensive in the market.

Make sure the product you are using is labeled non-comedogenic. With this label, it means that the product does not clog pores or cause blackheads to form.

Even though it is labeled non-comedogenic, it does not mean that the skincare product is 100% unable to cause blackheads. To see whether a skincare product can cause blackheads or not, you need about 4 weeks to find out.

Rohto Acnes Creamy Facial Wash Many teenagers have a problem with acne. As a teenager, I was never separated from this one problem. I recommend the Acnes Creamy Wash which accompanied my adolescence against acne. Apart from having a nice citrusy smell, this face wash will help dry out your pimples. After rinsing, I admit that my skin will feel dry. Therefore, after using this face wash, you must use toner and moisturizer. This Acnes Creamy Wash is also pocket friendly and easy to get, you know. In fact, you can find it at the convenience store. With prices that are still around twenty thousand, this facial wash can be an option for those of you who are still confused when buying face wash soap.

Rohto Acnes Creamy Facial Wash

Many teenagers have a problem with acne. As a teenager, I was never separated from this one problem. I recommend the Acnes Creamy Wash which accompanied my adolescence against acne.

Apart from having a nice citrusy smell, this face wash will help dry out your pimples. After rinsing, I admit that my skin will feel dry. Therefore, after using this face wash, you must use toner and moisturizer.

This Acnes Creamy Wash is also pocket friendly and easy to get, you know. In fact, you can find it at the convenience store. With prices that are still around twenty thousand, this facial wash can be an option for those of you who are still confused when buying face wash soap.


COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser COSRX Low pH Facial Good Morning Gel Cleanser always accompanies me to start the first steps of facial care. This face wash has a low pH which aims to keep the skin moisturized so that after washing my face, my face won't feel dry. The gel texture of this product is very light, used by all skin types including acne prone skin. In addition, this product is also able to clean up the pores of the face without feeling sore. I like this face wash because it doesn't make my sensitive face feel sore and red after washing my face. The oil on my face is reduced, and my face is not prone to acne. There is no brightening effect, this product is good enough to maintain the natural moisture of facial skin. Even though the name contains the word "morning" it doesn't mean that this product can only be used in the morning, you know. You are free to wash your face anytime. I myself routinely do it twice a day, morning and evening.

COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

COSRX Low pH Facial Good Morning Gel Cleanser always accompanies me to start the first steps of facial care. This face wash has a low pH which aims to keep the skin moisturized so that after washing my face, my face won't feel dry. The gel texture of this product is very light, used by all skin types including acne prone skin.

In addition, this product is also able to clean up the pores of the face without feeling sore. I like this face wash because it doesn't make my sensitive face feel sore and red after washing my face. The oil on my face is reduced, and my face is not prone to acne. There is no brightening effect, this product is good enough to maintain the natural moisture of facial skin.

Even though the name contains the word "morning" it doesn't mean that this product can only be used in the morning, you know. You are free to wash your face anytime. I myself routinely do it twice a day, morning and evening.


Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser is a facial foam that contains a good moisturizer and is suitable for all skin types. The texture is quite thick, but not sticky. One thing that is interesting, this facial foam can be used whether the skin is clean or still wearing makeup. For those of you who are often lazy to clean your makeup with cleansing oil or micellar water, you can try this product. This facial foam can remove up to 95% of the remaining makeup. So, you don't need to worry about acne due to the remaining makeup. In addition, this product also has a neutral aroma and is safe for use by people with sensitive skin. After using this facial foam, your skin will feel clean, moisturized, soft, and supple. This product is very easy to wash off and does not leave a slick, soap-like feel. In addition, this facial foam can also relieve breakout symptoms and indirectly relieve acne.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser is a facial foam that contains a good moisturizer and is suitable for all skin types. The texture is quite thick, but not sticky. One thing that is interesting, this facial foam can be used whether the skin is clean or still wearing makeup.

For those of you who are often lazy to clean your makeup with cleansing oil or micellar water, you can try this product. This facial foam can remove up to 95% of the remaining makeup. So, you don't need to worry about acne due to the remaining makeup. In addition, this product also has a neutral aroma and is safe for use by people with sensitive skin.

After using this facial foam, your skin will feel clean, moisturized, soft, and supple. This product is very easy to wash off and does not leave a slick, soap-like feel. In addition, this facial foam can also relieve breakout symptoms and indirectly relieve acne.

The best facial soap recommendations for acne prone skin


Next, we will review the ten best facial soap recommendations for acne prone skin. Based on the points we have described above, choose a soap that suits your acne type and skin condition!


Clorismen Soap Clorismen Facial Soap is formulated for men's skin that has a high potential for acne problems such as oily skin and large pores. In addition to eliminating acne, this soap, which is claimed to be rich in natural irritation-free ingredients, can remove black spots and rejuvenate the skin. For you, men with a myriad of activities, there's nothing wrong with trying this product!

Clorismen Soap

Clorismen Facial Soap is formulated for men's skin that has a high potential for acne problems such as oily skin and large pores. In addition to eliminating acne, this soap, which is claimed to be rich in natural irritation-free ingredients, can remove black spots and rejuvenate the skin. For you, men with a myriad of activities, there's nothing wrong with trying this product!


Rohto Acnes Natural Care Complete White Facewash If you desire acne-free white skin, this product is the right choice! Its natural active ingredients and vitamin C work effectively to ward off acne-causing bacteria. This content is also able to brighten the skin and disguise acne scars. Enriched with moisturizer, this product is even more ideal for your dry skin.

Rohto Acnes Natural Care Complete White Facewash

If you desire acne-free white skin, this product is the right choice! Its natural active ingredients and vitamin C work effectively to ward off acne-causing bacteria. This content is also able to brighten the skin and disguise acne scars. Enriched with moisturizer, this product is even more ideal for your dry skin.


Garnier Sensitive Anti-Acne Cleansing Gel This facial cleanser from Garnier has a gel texture that gently cleanses. The combination of purifying zinc and witch hazel extract is claimed to soften sensitive facial skin. That is why this product is comfortable to use by skin that is prone to acne as well as chemicals. Not only that, this product is also able to reduce excess oil and redness on the face. As a result, your face will appear clearer. If you are confused about choosing a face wash for acne prone skin that requires special treatment, this product is the solution.

Garnier Sensitive Anti-Acne Cleansing Gel

This facial cleanser from Garnier has a gel texture that gently cleanses. The combination of purifying zinc and witch hazel extract is claimed to soften sensitive facial skin. That is why this product is comfortable to use by skin that is prone to acne as well as chemicals.

Not only that, this product is also able to reduce excess oil and redness on the face. As a result, your face will appear clearer. If you are confused about choosing a face wash for acne prone skin that requires special treatment, this product is the solution.


Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Powder Wash This Japanese facial soap has a unique shape, which is in the form of a powder. The small cube packaging will certainly facilitate your mobility. One cube can be used for 2-3 times, you know! For those of you who are interested in feeling the sensation of this unique powder face soap, there's nothing wrong with trying. This soap is also claimed to be effective in clearing clogged pores, moisturizing, and preventing breakouts!

Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Powder Wash

This Japanese facial soap has a unique shape, which is in the form of a powder. The small cube packaging will certainly facilitate your mobility. One cube can be used for 2-3 times, you know! For those of you who are interested in feeling the sensation of this unique powder face soap, there's nothing wrong with trying. This soap is also claimed to be effective in clearing clogged pores, moisturizing, and preventing breakouts!


ElshéSkin Acne Cleansing Wash Do you use more than two types of facial cleansers to remove makeup residue and treat acne prone skin? Now, you can get both with just this one product. As the name implies, this product was created for acne prone skin. However, not only that, this product is also able to clean the face from dirt and make-up residue! Not to forget, the combination of salicylic acid and sulfur will help soothe problematic skin and reduce the incidence of new acne.

ElshéSkin Acne Cleansing Wash

Do you use more than two types of facial cleansers to remove makeup residue and treat acne prone skin? Now, you can get both with just this one product. As the name implies, this product was created for acne prone skin.

However, not only that, this product is also able to clean the face from dirt and make-up residue! Not to forget, the combination of salicylic acid and sulfur will help soothe problematic skin and reduce the incidence of new acne.


Pond's Acne Solution Anti-Acne Facial Foam The Pond's brand is indeed favored by the people of Indonesia because of the definite properties of its products and its pocket-friendly price. Those of you who have problems with acne should consider Pond's Facial Foam series. Lock + Clear's patented technology and active ingredients can solve your acne problem in just three days! With regular use twice a day, excess oil in the T zone of your face will be better controlled. Without excess sebum production, acne will not come back easily. If you want to get rid of pimples in a relatively fast time, you can try this product!

Pond's Acne Solution Anti-Acne Facial Foam

The Pond's brand is indeed favored by the people of Indonesia because of the definite properties of its products and its pocket-friendly price. Those of you who have problems with acne should consider Pond's Facial Foam series. Lock + Clear's patented technology and active ingredients can solve your acne problem in just three days!

With regular use twice a day, excess oil in the T zone of your face will be better controlled. Without excess sebum production, acne will not come back easily. If you want to get rid of pimples in a relatively fast time, you can try this product!


La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Acne Face Wash Sensitive skin plus hormonal acne often makes it difficult for you to find a suitable facial cleanser. Fortunately, La Roche-Posay has come out with a medicated face wash that is recommended for your problem. Effaclar Medicated Acne Face Wash is able to reduce excess sebum as well as treat breakouts and severe congestion on your face. The side effects are minimal as this product has been tested to be irritant and fragrance free!

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Acne Face Wash

Sensitive skin plus hormonal acne often makes it difficult for you to find a suitable facial cleanser. Fortunately, La Roche-Posay has come out with a medicated face wash that is recommended for your problem.

Effaclar Medicated Acne Face Wash is able to reduce excess sebum as well as treat breakouts and severe congestion on your face. The side effects are minimal as this product has been tested to be irritant and fragrance free!


Kao Biore Facial Foam Acne Care One more facial cleansing soap labeled medicated that you can consider to prevent acne. Biore Facial Foam Acne Care effectively cleans acne prone skin while keeping moisture locked in. As a result, your skin feels soft, comfortable, and fresh all day long. Because the formula is able to gently cleanse, even problematic areas of the skin will not feel sore. Your skin is also more protected thanks to the combination of two active ingredients that will prevent inflammation and bacterial growth. Choose this product if you want your skin to be protected from acne without drying it out!

Kao Biore Facial Foam Acne Care

One more facial cleansing soap labeled medicated that you can consider to prevent acne. Biore Facial Foam Acne Care effectively cleans acne prone skin while keeping moisture locked in. As a result, your skin feels soft, comfortable, and fresh all day long.

Because the formula is able to gently cleanse, even problematic areas of the skin will not feel sore. Your skin is also more protected thanks to the combination of two active ingredients that will prevent inflammation and bacterial growth. Choose this product if you want your skin to be protected from acne without drying it out!


The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash Tea tree oil is known to be effective in preventing post-acne blemishes, inflammation due to acne, as well as controlling excess oil production. All the goodness you can get by choosing this product! The texture of the soap face is clear with a fresh mint aroma of tea leaves when used. Those of you who are prone to acne and have oily skin types are very suitable to use this product.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash

Tea tree oil is known to be effective in preventing post-acne blemishes, inflammation due to acne, as well as controlling excess oil production. All the goodness you can get by choosing this product! The texture of the soap face is clear with a fresh mint aroma of tea leaves when used. Those of you who are prone to acne and have oily skin types are very suitable to use this product.


Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser has been widely recommended by doctors and skin health experts. The formula is gentle on the skin and is non-irritating. Thus, this soap is safe for use by users of all age ranges, except babies and children. You can provide it at home as a face wash for the whole family! In addition, excess oil, dirt, and makeup residue can be cleaned thoroughly. Clean facial skin makes acne not feel at home for long on the face. If you want to keep pimples from coming back, this product deserves to be an option.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser has been widely recommended by doctors and skin health experts. The formula is gentle on the skin and is non-irritating. Thus, this soap is safe for use by users of all age ranges, except babies and children. You can provide it at home as a face wash for the whole family!

In addition, excess oil, dirt, and makeup residue can be cleaned thoroughly. Clean facial skin makes acne not feel at home for long on the face. If you want to keep pimples from coming back, this product deserves to be an option.

To deal with acne prone skin problems, go to a dermatologist first

When you experience serious enough acne skin problems, you can immediately see a dermatologist. Some acne problems may require special treatment. So, you can't take it for granted, especially if the pimples appear repeatedly, cause scars, and are painful. Therefore, please go to the nearest dermatologist's clinic to cure it and prevent acne from coming back.

If your acne is not that bad, you can use over-the-counter skincare or over the counter (OTC) products. Choose products that contain salicylic acid or BHA, AHA, sulfur, niacinamide, tea tree oil, and retinoids such as retinol esters, retinol, or retinaldehyde.

If this OTC product works well, acne improvement will be seen from the 4th to the 6th week. Conversely, if the acne does not get better and is getting bigger, consult a dermatologist immediately. Likewise for those of you who have moderate to severe acne severity, you should immediately consult the nearest skin specialist.

How many times a day wash your face for acne prone skin?

You may have heard rumors that it is better not to wash your face when you have skin problems with acne. Of course, this prohibition against washing your face is completely wrong.

The right advice is that you shouldn't over-wash your face. For washing your face, the recommended time is a maximum of two times a day. If you are worried that your skin is getting oily, washing your face too much will have the opposite effect.

You can wash your face after waking up or before going to sleep, then check your skin condition. If you have oily skin, feel free to wash your face, but make sure your skin won't dry out afterward.

Acne, including sensitive skin. Cleaning your face too often and scrubbing your face can make acne worse. For that, it is enough to wash your face twice a day when going to bed, waking up, or when your face is sweating a lot.

How to treat acne prone skin?

All the facial soap products that we discussed above are certainly effective for treating acne prone skin. However, the benefits will not be maximized if you do not wash your face properly. Below, we'll share the tips!

To minimize irritation, wash your face gently with foam

The correct way to wash your face is as follows:
  1. Wash your hands, then wet your face with warm water with a temperature of 30 degrees to 36 degrees Celsius,
  2. Pour enough cleaning soap to foam,
  3. Wash your face with foam for 20 seconds starting from the T zone, namely the nose and forehead which tend to be oily, and
  4. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, then dry with a towel.
  5. Don't forget to wash your hands with warm water first before starting the initial stages. Lather as much as possible, then rub it gently on your face. Try not to put too much pressure on your face.
In fact, the lather will shed sebum as soon as you rub it on your face. That's why you don't have to wash your face for a long time. After twenty seconds, you can rinse your face with warm water. To dry your face, you just need to gently press your face with a towel. Avoid rubbing your face with a towel so as not to irritate the skin.

Use a moisturizer after washing your face

If you have oily and acne-prone skin types, you may feel anxious about washing your face all the time. However, if you wash your face too often, your skin will lose its natural moisture. This certainly has a bad impact on your skin.

To fix this, immediately use a moisturizer after you wash your face. However, keep in mind that moisturizing creams and emulsions generally contain oil. Excess oil content will certainly cause acne. So, for acne prone skin types, choose a moisturizing product that only contains a little oil.

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