It’s a question that has plagued many of my clients: Can Face Wash Cause Acne? I get asked this question by many of my clients constantly. Some swear by the power of face wash to clear up their skin, while others claim that the harsh chemicals in many face washes are what cause acne in the first place.
The answer, as it turns out, is complicated. So what’s the truth?
What is acne?
Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when the pores on the face become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. This can lead to blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, and pustules. Acne is most commonly found on the face but can also occur on the chest, back, upper arms, and buttocks.
What causes acne?
There are a variety of things that can cause acne, including genetics, hormones, and lifestyle choices. But the most common cause is clogged pores. Sebum, an oily substance produced by the skin, can clog the pores and lead to acne. Dead skin cells can also accumulate on the skin’s surface and clog the pores. And finally, bacteria can build up on the skin and cause inflammation.
Symptoms of acne
Common symptoms of acne include:
- blackheads
- whiteheads
- cysts
- pimples
Can using face wash cause acne?
Most people think that all face washes are created equal, but that’s not true. Although face wash is designed to clean your skin, sometimes it can have the opposite effect by causing acne breakouts. Oftentimes this occurs because the face wash contains harmful ingredients or is simply unsuitable for your skin type.
Plus, the type of face wash you use and how often you use it are big factors in whether or not your face wash is causing your breakouts. Washing your face too often can actually irritate the skin and cause dryness, redness, and inflammation. This can lead to dry and flaky skin building up dead skin cells, which can clog the pores and cause acne.
Occasionally, the face wash you’re using may not cooperate well with other products in your skincare routine. The ingredients in moisturizers, serums, exfoliants, toners, and sunscreen might not get along too swimmingly with your face wash of choice. So, inspect well before using any conflicting ingredients within the skincare products.
In short, face wash can cause acne if it contains harmful ingredients or is unsuitable for your skin type. Pay attention to any new breakouts that may occur after using a new product, and immediately consult with your dermatologist in case of extreme acne breakouts.
Learn the Four Steps Of A Skincare Routine!
I stopped washing my face and acne went away
As mentioned earlier, sometimes stopping the use of face wash can actually improve your skin. This is because the wrong selection of face wash for your skin type, combined with over-washing, can irritate and dry out the skin. So if you find that acne breakouts are getting worse after using a new face wash, it might be time to ditch it.
So what’s the bottom line? Can a face wash cause acne?
Face wash can be a helpful tool in keeping your skin clean, but it’s not a cure-all. If you’re using a face wash containing harsh chemicals or other irritants, it could make your acne worse. It’s important to find a face wash suitable for your skin type and use it only as often as needed. When in doubt, always consult with a dermatologist to get tailored advice for your individual skin needs.
Do you have any questions about acne or face wash? Leave them in the comments below!
