Hormonal acne is a prevalent skin condition that affects individuals at various stages of their lives. Hormone fluctuations during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause are the leading causes of hormonal acne. Hormonal acne usually affects the lower part of the face, such as the chin, jawline, and cheeks.
Hormonal acne can be frustrating and persistent, but it can be treated with the right skincare products and routine.
There are many hormonal face washes for hormonal acne nowadays. This article will focus on only the best face washes for hormonal acne and their pros and cons.
What to Look for in a Face Wash for Hormonal Acne
When shopping for a face wash for hormonal acne, you should look for products that contain ingredients that can help fight acne-causing bacteria, reduce inflammation, unclog pores, and balance oil production. Some of the most effective ingredients for hormonal acne are:
- Salicylic acid: This beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) exfoliates the skin and unclogs the pores. This substance possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristics that may assist in reducing inflammation and swelling.
- Benzoyl peroxide is another powerful ingredient that kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation. It also helps prevent future breakouts by preventing the pores from getting clogged.
- Glycolic acid: Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) exfoliates skin, improves texture and tone, fades acne scars and hyperpigmentation, and stimulates collagen production and cell renewal.
- Sulfur is an ancient remedy with antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps dry out pimples and reduce oil production. It also helps calm irritated skin and reduce redness.
- Zinc: This is a mineral that has anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. It helps regulate oil production and reduce bacterial growth. In addition, it has a calming effect on aggravated skin and aids in the healing process.
What are Some of the Best Face Washes for Hormonal acne?
There are many face washes available for hormonal acne, but some of the best ones, according to dermatologists, experts, and users, are:
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash is a popular product for treating and preventing acne. Containing salicylic acid, this facial cleanser helps reduce inflammation and unclog pores. According to the Neutrogena website, this product has the following benefits:
- It is dermatologist-recommended and clinically proven to help fight acne.
- It rinses clean without overdrying or irritating the skin.
- It is oil-free and noncomedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores.
- It has exceptional skin soothers that help prevent irritation and redness.
You may get this item at any retail location or online. Retailers’ prices may vary, but expect to pay about $8 for a 6-ounce bottle. This product’s various formulations are available, such as a cream cleanser and a pink grapefruit foamy scrub, to cater to your specific needs and preferences.
Apply this product to your hands, add water, and work it into a lather. Then, massage your face gently and rinse thoroughly. You can use it twice daily, in the morning and at night. You should also follow it with a moisturizer suitable for your skin type.
There are some pros and cons to using this product. Here are some of them:
Pros:
- It is dermatologist-recommended and clinically proven to help fight acne.
- It rinses clean without overdrying or irritating skin.
- It is oil-free and noncomedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores.
- It has exceptional skin soothers that help prevent irritation and redness.
- It has a fresh scent and a nice foaming texture.
Cons:
- The product includes harsh surfactants, which can cause dryness and skin irritation, increasing breakouts.
- It contains irritating ingredients and is not fungal acne-safe.
- It may not be effective for severe or hormonal acne.
- It may cause allergic reactions or sensitivities in some people.
- It may not be compatible with other acne products or medications.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser is an oily, acne-prone skin face cleanser. It includes 2% salicylic acid, a chemical exfoliant that aids in unclogging pores and reducing irritation. It also contains lipo-hydroxy acid, a mild micro-exfoliating ingredient that aids in smoothing skin texture and refining pores. This cleanser removes excess oil and impurities from the skin without overdrying or irritating it. It is devoid of oil, parabens, or scent and is non-comedogenic.
Some of the benefits that they have reported are:
- It helps clear acne breakouts and prevent new ones from forming.
- After use, this product will give your skin a clean, fresh, and balanced feeling.
- It has a nice foaming texture and a fresh scent.
- This product is good for people with sensitive skin because it won’t irritate or dry out their skin.
However, some customers have also reported some drawbacks or issues with this product, such as:
- It may not be effective for severe or hormonal acne.
- It may cause allergic reactions or sensitivities in some people.
- It may not be compatible with other acne products or medications.
- It may be too drying or harsh for some skin types.
Vichy Normaderm Daily Acne Face Wash
Vichy Normaderm Daily Acne Face Wash is a product that claims to remove dirt, oil, and impurities while reducing acne blemishes and blackheads. It is a gel cleanser that contains salicylic acid, zinc, copper, and Vichy volcanic water as its main ingredients.
This product is ideal for those with oily and acne-prone skin. It has been tested for allergies and is free of parabens and alcohol.
If you want to buy this product, you can find it online. You can also check out local pharmacies that may carry this product, such as Life Pharmacy. The cost of the product might differ based on the size and the vendor. The average price for a 6.7 oz bottle is around $22.99.
Some of the pros and cons of Vichy Normaderm Daily Acne Face Wash are:
Pros:
- It clears current acne blemishes and helps prevent new ones from forming1.
- It helps visibly improve skin tone and texture over time.
- It visibly removes dirt, excess oil, and impurities.
- It gently and effectively cleanses skin without over-drying.
- Its main ingredients are salicylic acid, zinc, copper, and Vichy volcanic water.
- This product is ideal for those with oily or acne-prone skin. It has been tested for allergies and is free of parabens and alcohol.
Cons:
- It contains fragrance, which may irritate some sensitive skin types.
- It has a low concentration of salicylic acid (0.5%), which may not be enough for some severe acne cases.
- It may peel or gunk up on the skin if not rinsed well.
- It may not add enough moisture for dry skin types.
- It may cause breakouts or allergic reactions for some users.
PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash
This product is an excellent option for those struggling with severe or cystic acne. It contains 10% benzoyl peroxide, the highest concentration available without a prescription. It is most effective for people with oily or acne-prone skin by killing bacteria and rapidly clearing blemishes. The best part? It won’t leave any residue or bleach marks on your clothes or towels.
Others include
- Humane Acne Face Wash
- Differin Daily Deep Cleanser
- Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser
- InstaNatural Glycolic Cleanser
- DERMA-E Vitamin C Daily Brightening Cleanser
- Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Treatment
- Clinique Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel
- Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 Acne Medication
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
- ZitSticka KILLA Kit
- CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
How to Use a Face Wash for Hormonal Acne
A face wash for hormonal acne is not enough to treat your condition. You must also follow a regular skincare routine that includes toner, moisturizer, sunscreen, and treatment products as needed.
To treat hormonal acne, choose a face wash with ingredients that reduce inflammation, oil production, and bacteria based on your skin type.
Here are some general steps to follow when using a face wash for hormonal acne:
- It is recommended to wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face to prevent transferring bacteria and dirt.
- Wet your face with lukewarm water and apply a small amount of the beginning wash to your fingertips.
- Massage the face wash into your skin in small circles, avoiding the area around your eyes.
- Rinse your face with lukewarm water and pat it dry with a clean towel to keep it from getting red and irritated.
- When going out in the sun, apply a moisturizer suitable for your skin type and containing SPF. Moisturizing can help prevent dryness and protect your skin from sun damage.
- Use the face wash once or twice a day, depending on your skin’s needs and tolerance. Washing your face too often may remove essential oils and lead to acne.
You can also use other products such as toners, serums, spot treatments, or masks designed for acne-prone skin, but make sure to patch test them first and follow the instructions carefully.
