How to choose the right cleanser to beat maskne

Any facial cleansing product can help you shift make-up, oil and dirt but some work harder by including spot-fighting ingredients,” she says. “It’s also very important to find something that suits your skin type”.  

How to choose a cleanser for maskne if you have dry skin  

"Oily skin and acne often go hand in hand, but dry skin can be affected by pimples too, especially if you’re wearing something occlusive like a sweat-inducing mask", says van den Berg. In this case, you’ll want a gentle cleanser that contains a spot-busting salicylic acid, but you will have to shop carefully. “The majority of blemish-blitzing products are aimed at people with oily skin, so they’ll give you the antibacterial ingredients you need, but in a formulation that’s too drying,” she says.  
 
To ensure you meet your best match, she suggests you look out for acne-focused products formulated for sensitive skin as they won’t contain drying, irritating ingredients like alcohol. “Remember, cleansing milks and micellar waters will always be less drying than high-foaming face washes,” she says. “You can also do the occasional deep-clean using a clay mask, provided it’s made for those with sensitive or dry skin in mind. These usually include pink clay or kaolin as they can draw out impurities but aren’t as drying than other types of clay.” 

Which cleanser should you use for maskne if you have oily skin? 

“Anyone with an oily or combination skin will have an easier time shopping for a spot-fighting cleanser,” says van den Berg. As this skin type is the most prone to getting pimples, cosmetics companies tend to cater to them, more so than anyone with drier skin who still gets spots, she adds.   
 
“Oilier skins will do well with cleansing bars, foaming face washes and cleansing gel formulations, but just be careful when it comes to exfoliators,” she says. “If you have active, inflamed acne, harsh, scrubbing exfoliators can irritate your skin and cause inflammation,” she says.  
 
“As far as deep-cleansing goes, look out for masks that contain proven impurity absorbers like activated charcoal or bentonite, a very absorbent type of clay best suited to those with an oilier skin type,” she says.   

IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com