5 Myths and Truths About Cleansing and Acne

Great Article from Skin Health Magazine

1. Myth. Cleansing multiple times a day is necessary for oily skin.
Truth. Less is more, especially when it comes to the skin. Over-cleansing can strip the skin of its acid mantle, our natural occlusive barrier, leaving it dry and expose it to external irritants. The skin may also try to compensate for the oil that has been stripped away by secreting even more oil. This can start a vicious cycle of cleansing whenever the skin feels oily. Cleansing twice a day, morning and evening, is most commonly recommended with few exceptions. Cleansing too often can also lead to irritation, rashes and/or more breakouts

2. Myth. Cleansing with a physical exfoliator is necessary.
Truth. Exfoliating daily can be harsh on the skin. Many clients think if their skin is oily and acne-prone, scrubbing it is beneficial. As estheticians, we know this can cause more harm than good, and many people with acne also have inflammation. With all the advertis­ements for rotating brushes, harsh scrubs and even home microder­mabrasion devices, it is easy for the consumer to think that these products should be used daily. Some side-effects of over-exfoliation are increased inflammation, skin sensitivity, extreme dryness, impaired barrier function, hyperpig­mentation and even potential scarring. This is true of chemical exfoliation as well. Recommending a cleanser with an alpha or beta hydroxy acid to clients with acne will assist with exfoliation without being overly aggressive.

3. Myth. If the skin feels dry, you don’t need to wash it.
Truth. Even dry skin needs to be cleansed daily. Some people with acne experience dryness along with inflammation and even the thought of cleansing can sound irritating. They may veer away from cleansing alltogether if they are used to harsh cleansers or soap, which can be uncomfortable and leave the skin drier than before. There are several creamy cleansers, and even foaming cleansers, that are effective for cleansing without over-drying the skin. Educate your client on the importance of cleansing twice a day with a suitable cleanser that won’t dry out or irritate the skin. Remember external irritants such as pollutants we experience daily can also lead to breakouts and inflammation.

4. Myth. Using a cream or oil-based cleanser will cause breakouts.
Truth. The use of pre-cleansing oils has become increasingly popular and for good reason; oil is attracted to oil. Clients suffering from acne tend to shy away from products that are oil based, as they are often afraid it will make their skin worse. Adversely, pre-cleansing oils are excellent for oily and acneic skin. The oils used in these products assist in emulsifying the oils on the surface of the skin, leaving it thoroughly prepped for another cleanser to work more effectively. Pre-cleansing oils are also great for taking off stubborn makeup, which is great for acne clients that wear heavy makeup to cover blemishes. Creamy cleansers can also be a great choice for those with dry or highly inflamed skin.

5. Myth. Harsh, drying cleansers are best for acneic skin.
Truth. Using harsh cleansers with acne will only sensitize the skin further. As previously stated, the acid mantle needs to stay intact. Stripping away the natural oils that protect the skin from external factors (dirt, pollution, etc) can easily cause damage. It will also leave the skin dry, causing it to overcomp­ensate and activate sebaceous glands potentially causing even more breakouts. Those with acne-prone skin tend to think the stronger the better, which is simply not true, especially in the case of skin conditions associated with inflammation.

Terri A. Wojak, licensed esthetician of 20 years, is an authority on skin care in a medical setting, education and business. She is director and educator at True U Esthetics, co-author of Mastering Medical Esthetics and author of Aesthetics Exposed: Mastering Skin Care In A Medical Setting and Beyond. She is also a member of the 2014–2015 Skin Inc. Editorial Advisory Board.