Medical science has made some amazing breakthroughs in the treatment of acne. However, gentle cleansing must precede treatment in order to prevent irritation, because irritation can lead to more breakouts. Keep in mind the suggestions below when you wash your face before applying medication.
 1. Look for the terms "non-comedogenic" and "oil-free" when you are selecting a facial cleanser. You know you are on the right way when choose "mild", "non-irritating" and "non-overdrying" cleaner.
Many acne cleansers also include other medications. For example, Neutrogena Acne Wash "Oil-Free Cream Cleanser" contains 2% salicylic acid in it. Clean & Clear "Continuous Control Acne Cleanser" contains 10% benzoyl peroxide. In addition, you may automatically be layering medications if you start with a medication containing cleanser and then apply a second medication afterward. A gentle cleansing followed with application of medication is what works best.
2. Wash your face only twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. Over-washing can cause irritation. Be as kind to your skin as possible.
3. Use only your bare hands to wash. Any washcloth is irritating for your skin. The act of washing is a simply prepping your skin for medication. Washing itself does not clear breakouts since dirt does not cause acne, so there is no need to scrub.
4. Do not rub a face. Rubbing the skin is irritating and can lead different other bad after effects.
Once your face is properly cleansed, you are ready to apply whichever medication you and your doctor have chosen.
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