Why is the Best Face Wash for Acne Leaving My Skin Dry?

When you first realize that you have an acne problem that you need to deal with, the process of looking for the best face wash for acne begins. What you have to remember before you start, however, is that getting rid of regular breakouts doesn’t happen overnight and even the very best products are likely to leave your skin feeling dry – as it’s actually a sign that it’s working. 

While dryness can seem a touch counterintuitive, particularly when using high-quality products marketed as the best for acne-prone skin, it’s down to the way the formula works, as you’ll find out more about by reading below.

Why Does the Best Face Wash for Acne Cause Dryness?

The reason why the best face wash for acne often leads to skin dryness is because it contains chemical compounds that are designed to clear out your skin. Ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are particularly effective at tackling excess skin oil, dirt and bacteria, but they can be drying – hence the feeling after you’ve used them. 

So, a little dryness is entirely to be expected, so it shouldn’t stop you from continuing to use these products. However, if your dryness feels excessive, you might want to consider stopping and rethinking your approach. Here are a couple of reasons why that might happen…

• You’re Over-Cleansing – If you’re using acne wash products too frequently for your skin, it could lead to excessive dryness. As such, if you’ve been using it twice a day, maybe drop it down to once a day to see if it makes a difference. 

• Your Product is Too Strong – There are different strengths available that range from 4% to 10%, with the latter being designed for severe acne. It could be that you’re using a product that’s too strong for your complexion, so it might be an idea for you to drop down to a lower concentration. 

• You’re Using Water That’s Too Hot – Hot water is known to dry out your skin quickly, so when paired with a strong acne face wash, it’s a recipe for dryness. Using hot water during cleansing strips the skin’s natural oils, intensifying dryness, so use lukewarm water instead. 

In addition to avoiding these issues, having a good acne-friendly moisturizer at hand will also help you combat the dryness without contributing to your breakouts. 

Even the Best Face Wash for Acne Needs to Be Used Correctly

Acne face washes are designed to deeply cleanse and treat breakouts, but sometimes the price you have to pay as a user is moisture loss. However, when you take what we’ve covered into consideration, you can circumvent the issue by choosing the right product for your needs. 

Understanding the balance your skin needs and adjusting your skincare routine accordingly can make all the difference. Also, by incorporating gentle cleansing, regular moisturizing, and perhaps adjusting your product choice, you can treat acne effectively while keeping your skin healthy and hydrated.