“Mirror, mirror on the wall, tell me who got the pimple size of a ball?” Not literally, but you might want to ask this question nth number of times in the mirror after watching your face every morning. But don’t worry acne with that pesky skin condition, is pretty normal and seen among 85% of teenagers. It also persists in varying degrees well into adulthood. That is around the age of 20 to 29.

As we take a go-through on figuring out how to stop this menace scientifically, we need to learn how acne occurs in the first place and which type of facewash you must buy before this widespread takes over your skin.  

Your skin is one heck of a battlefield at this point. On one corner you’ve your sebaceous glands, always churning out sebum and your skin’s natural oil. On the other hand, piling up of dead skin cells, which can be constantly shedding. Thus, when these two come in contact with your acne-causing bacteria it leads to clogging of pores, paving a rise for more pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. 

Different reasons of formation of acne in people:

Hair Follicles & Glands 

You can get Prone to Acne via Hair and Oil Gland Structure: Acne primarily targets what’s known as the pilosebaceous unit. This unit is made up of a hair follicle and an associated sebaceous gland. You can find these units all over the skin, except on the palms and soles of the feet. 
Sebaceous Glands: These glands are responsible for producing an oily substance called sebum. The sebum plays a crucial role in keeping the skin well-lubricated, preventing it from drying out. 

Influence of Hormone 

Androgens, hormones that exist in both males and females, play a crucial role in amping up the production of sebum, which is the oily substance on the skin. When a person goes through puberty, there’s a surge in the levels of androgens, leading to an increased production of sebum.
This hormonal influence is one of the great factors when changes are happening in the skin during adolescence. 
Your family tree might have a hand in how much sebum your skin cranks out and how likely you are to deal with acne. If your parents had their share of pimples, there’s a chance that you might be more prone to facing similar skin challenges. It’s like a genetic link to the acne experience. 

Buildup of Dead Skin

Sometimes, the skin cells inside a hair follicle can get a bit sticky and not fall off like they should. This can result in a clog, also called a comedones or blackhead. 

Menstrual Cycle and Hormonal Effects: 

The natural hormonal shifts that occur throughout the menstrual cycle can have an impact on the development of acne in women. The ebb and flow of hormones during different phases can sometimes lead to skin issues. It’s not just limited to younger years—hormonal imbalances continue to be a contributing factor for acne even in adulthood.
So, the influence of hormones is not a one-time thing; it’s an ongoing consideration for skin health throughout a woman’s life. 

Take Note: Picking the right facewash is really important. Talk to a skin expert for personalized advice based on your skin type and how bad your acne is. 

Types of Facewash or Cleansers to consider according to skin types & conditions:

For Oily Skin: If your skin tends to be on the oilier side, your go-to face wash should ideally be oil-free or of the gel variety. These types are designed to control excess oil, leaving your skin feeling fresh and balanced. Look out for ingredients like salicylic acid – they’re excellent for keeping those oil levels in check. 

For Dry Skin: For those with dry skin, a hydrating or creamy face wash is the way to go. These formulas are crafted to add an extra dose of moisture to your skin. Seek out ingredients like glycerin, which helps lock in hydration, ensuring your skin feels nourished and not overly parched after cleansing. 

For Combination Skin: If your skin is a mix of oily and dry areas, finding the right balance is key. Look for a face wash that strikes that delicate equilibrium, neither overly drying nor excessively moisturizing. Gel-based cleansers often fit the bill, providing a gentle cleanse without upsetting the natural balance of your combination skin. 

For Acne-Prone Skin: Dealing with acne requires a targeted approach. Opt for a face wash that includes salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, known for their effectiveness against acne. Non-comedogenic options are essential; they won’t clog your pores, helping to prevent further breakouts. 

For Sensitive Skin: Sensitivity calls for a gentle touch. Choose a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic face wash to minimize the risk of irritation. Ingredients like chamomile or aloe vera can work wonders in soothing sensitive skin, providing a calm and refreshing cleansing experience. 

For Aging or Mature Skin: As our skin matures, it benefits from extra care. Look for face washes enriched with  Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark. These ingredients contribute to maintaining skin elasticity, enhance the quality of the skin, and may even help stimulate collagen production, promoting a more youthful appearance. 

For Hyperpigmentation: Tackling hyperpigmentation requires a brightening approach. Consider a face wash with vitamin C, a powerhouse ingredient known for its brightening properties. Additionally, exfoliating face washes can aid in reducing dark spots over time, unveiling a more even complexion. 

For Redness or Rosacea: Redness or rosacea demands a soothing regimen. Opt for a gentle, fragrance-free face wash to avoid aggravating sensitive skin. Ingredients like jojoba oil, shea butter, chamomile, or green tea are renowned for their calming effects, helping to reduce redness and promote a more balanced complexion. 

Key ingredients of Facewash and their impact on acne-causing factors:

• Exfoliators: 
  Some amazing ingredients, such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid, work to get rid of dead skin cells. They stop these cells from teaming up with natural oils and blocking your pores.
  Salicylic acid, a special type of acid, even goes deep into your pores to clear out any clogs that are already there. 
  In a study from 2013 in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, they discovered that using a cleanser with 2% salicylic acid really helped lessen acne. And the good part? It didn’t make the skin too dry or irritated. 

• Antibacterials: 
  Benzoyl peroxide is like the superhero in this group. It goes straight after the P. acnes bacteria, reducing inflammation and helping your skin stay healthy. 

• Oil Balancers: 
  Niacinamide and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), like lactic acid, do a great job at keeping the production of natural oils in check. They help manage any excess oil on your skin. 

Using the right facewash is important for fighting acne, but it’s not the only thing that helps. Find a cleanser that matches your skin while determining how bad your acne is. But remember, facewash is just part of the plan. Take care of your lifestyle, try other treatments, if necessary, be kind to your skin, and most importantly, accept yourself. Keep at it regularly to get healthy, glowing skin.