From the Guidelines
Using a body wash designed for acne is a crucial step in treating acne, as it helps remove excess oil, exfoliate dead skin cells, reduce inflammation, and kill bacteria, with benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid being key ingredients to look for. When selecting a body wash for acne, it's essential to choose products containing benzoyl peroxide (2.5-10%) or salicylic acid (0.5-2%), as these ingredients have been strongly recommended for the treatment of acne vulgaris 1. Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria, while salicylic acid exfoliates and unclogs pores. Other beneficial ingredients include glycolic acid and tea tree oil.
To use a body wash designed for acne effectively:
- Apply the body wash to affected areas
- Gently massage for 30-60 seconds
- Rinse thoroughly
- Use once daily initially, increasing to twice daily if your skin tolerates it well
- Allow the product to remain on your skin briefly before rinsing to maximize effectiveness
It's also important to note that regular use is crucial, as results typically take 4-6 weeks to become noticeable. If you have sensitive skin, start with lower-concentration products and gradually increase usage as tolerated. The guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris strongly recommend combining topical therapies with multiple mechanisms of action, which can be achieved by using a body wash designed for acne in conjunction with other treatments 1.
Key ingredients to look for in a body wash designed for acne include:
- Benzoyl peroxide (2.5-10%)
- Salicylic acid (0.5-2%)
- Glycolic acid
- Tea tree oil
By using a body wash designed for acne and following the recommended usage guidelines, you can effectively treat acne and improve your skin's overall health. As stated in the guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris, strong recommendations are made for benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, and topical antibiotics, as well as for oral doxycycline 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Use for the treatment of acne The FDA drug label indicates that benzoyl peroxide is used for the treatment of acne.
- The key word here is treatment, which implies that the product is intended to help manage or alleviate acne symptoms.
- Using a body wash designed for acne, such as one containing benzoyl peroxide, can be beneficial in treating acne because it is specifically formulated to address acne-related issues 2.
From the Research
Benefits of Using a Body Wash Designed for Acne
- A body wash designed for acne can help reduce the occurrence of acne lesions on the body, as it typically contains ingredients such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide that have been shown to be effective in treating acne 3, 4, 5, 6.
- These ingredients work by reducing the amount of anaerobic bacteria on the skin, which can contribute to the development of acne, and by helping to unclog pores and reduce inflammation 4, 5.
- Using a body wash designed for acne can also help to reduce the appearance of acne scars and hyperpigmentation, as it can help to exfoliate the skin and promote cell turnover 7, 6.
Key Ingredients to Look for in a Body Wash for Acne
- Salicylic acid: This ingredient helps to unclog pores and reduce inflammation, making it an effective treatment for acne 4, 5, 6.
- Benzoyl peroxide: This ingredient helps to reduce the amount of anaerobic bacteria on the skin, which can contribute to the development of acne, and can also help to dry out pimples and reduce inflammation 4, 5.
- Azelaic acid: This ingredient has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective treatment for acne, and can also help to reduce the appearance of acne scars and hyperpigmentation 4, 5.
Tips for Using a Body Wash Designed for Acne
- Use the body wash as directed, typically 2-3 times per week, to avoid over-drying or irritating the skin 3, 7.
- Be gentle when washing the skin, as rough scrubbing or exfoliating can irritate the skin and make acne worse 7.
- Consider using a moisturizer after washing, as this can help to soothe and hydrate the skin, reducing the appearance of acne and preventing dryness and irritation 7.