Finding the best face wash for oily skin and pimples can be frustrating.
Your skin feels oily by midday, you may have spots appearing around your forehead, cheeks or chin, and just when one pimple starts disappearing, another one seems ready to take its place.
The temptation is to buy the strongest face wash you can find. But harsh is not always better.
A good face wash for oily, acne-prone skin should help remove excess oil, dirt and daily build-up without leaving your face feeling dry, tight or irritated.
Look for ingredients that support oily and spot-prone skin
One ingredient commonly found in cleansers for oily skin and pimples is salicylic acid. It is often used in products designed to help unclog pores and reduce the build-up that can contribute to blackheads and breakouts.
You may also come across ingredients such as niacinamide, which is commonly included in skincare products for oily and blemish-prone skin.
The key is not to throw every active ingredient at your face at once.
If you are starting a new cleanser, give your skin time to adjust and pay attention to how it responds.
Don’t wash your face too much
When your face feels oily, washing it repeatedly can seem like the obvious solution.
But constantly stripping your skin with strong cleansers can leave it feeling irritated and uncomfortable.
For most people, keeping a simple routine is easier to manage: cleanse, moisturise and use additional treatment products carefully where needed.
Yes, oily skin still needs moisturiser. Skipping it completely because you are afraid of looking shiny may not give your skin the balance you are hoping for.
Gel or foaming cleanser?
Many people with oily skin prefer gel or foaming face washes because they feel light and refreshing.
However, the best cleanser is not necessarily the one that creates the most foam or leaves your skin feeling squeaky clean.
After washing your face, your skin should feel clean and comfortable — not dry, sore or as though it has been stripped of everything.
Be patient with your skin
One of the biggest mistakes people make is changing products every few days.
A new pimple appears, so they buy another cleanser. Then another serum. Then another scrub.
Before long, the bathroom shelf is full, but the skin is confused and irritated.
Try to keep things simple and give a suitable routine time to work.
If your pimples are severe, painful, persistent or leaving scars, it is worth speaking with a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist for appropriate advice.
The bottom line
The best face wash for oily skin and pimples is one that cleanses excess oil without being unnecessarily harsh on your skin.
Look for products designed for oily or blemish-prone skin, consider ingredients such as salicylic acid, and avoid the temptation to use too many strong products at once.
Sometimes, a simple routine — and a little patience — can be more helpful than a shelf full of products.
