There is so much hype around skin care and lots of clever marketing techniques that entice us to buy products, so I wanted to cut out all of the hype and nail down what dermatologists really advise. Here I will talk about the best ingredients to use and recommend products I like.
It is common for patients to have tried a huge range of different creams, lotions and serums hoping that they will find the right product which will finally help their skin.
The first thing to say however, is if you have acne characterised by deep pustules, cysts and nodules – skin care alone will not clear your skin. Although skin care may be helpful to a degree you need medical treatment – see our page on treatments of acne. These days this does not necessarily mean tablet treatment – read more about the AviClear laser for long term acne clearance here.
Skin care regimes should be simple and inexpensive. The aim in oily skin is reduce the excess oil in the skin, unblock clogged pores and reduce inflammation.
The Importance of Cleansing
Cleansing removes excess oil, dirt, debris and pollutants that accumulate on the skin. A quick facial wipe or wash with soap will not be adequate. Unless these are removed, they will contribute to the blockages of our pores, which are the precursor to spots.
Cleanse twice daily – to get the best results. Often people skip the morning cleanse, but it is important to clear all the excess oil which accumulates overnight. If wearing make- up during the day – I advocate a double cleanse. Remove make – up with a simple inexpensive product such as micellar water and then use a targeted cleanser or your skin type.
Use a cleanser formulated for oily skin. It sounds simple but we find many people focus on brands rather than the right product. Check for cleansers that correct the pH of the skin and contain ingredients to remove excess oil and remove impurities. For active acne ingredients such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid can penetrate pores and reduce breakouts. In some cases, I recommend a stronger cleanser at night and a milder one in the morning. The other products you are using in combination, particularly prescription products will influence the strength of cleanser you use. If you are using topicals containing retinoids, you may want to use a milder cleanser for oily skin. Some cleansers are foam washes and some have no need to rinse off, the type you pick depends on your preference
Recommended cleansers
La Roche Posay Effaclar Purifying Gel Cleanser – Gentle cleanser for combination /oily Skin. Apply to wet skin, massage over face and rinse.
CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser – Contains salicylic acid and niacinamide to reduce breakouts. Apply to wet skin, massage over face and rinse.
Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser – a mild cleanser for combination/oily skin. Apply to wet skin, massage over face and rinse.
Clean & Clear Blackhead Clearing Cleanser – Contains salicylic acid – no need to rinse apply with cotton pads.