Acne cleansers are designed to gently clean by removing accumulated oil, makeup, sweat and dirt from the surface of your skin. Some cleansers that are designed for acne-prone skin may also contain medical ingredients such as salicylic acid (a mild acid that removes dead skin cells) or benzoyl peroxide (kills the bacteria that cause acne). Cleansers make it easier for your skin to absorb topical acne treatments, but make sure you are not applying too many layers of medication by using active ingredients in the cleanser and then applying a medicine on top. Excessive use of acne products can lead to further irritation and drier skin. Limit the use of acne cleansers to twice a day and select a non-comedogenic moisturizer to finish off after washing. The prevalence of acne in your 30s and beyond may require more specialized skin care products. Look for one-step moisturizers that contain a combination of salicylic acid to address the blemishes of mature acne, as well as a mixture of nourishing ingredients to combat the signs of aging.
