forkids's Full Review: Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash
Neutrogena Acne Wash Oil-Free Cream Cleanser is not just for those who suffer from severe acne. I use it when my forehead, nose, and chin (the t-zone) need a little extra help. I wanted something that would be gentle to the rest of my skin while I dealt with any breakouts. Enter the new formulation Neutrogena Acne Wash Oil-Free Cream Cleanser not to be confused with the pump product pictured.
I questioned the validity of a cream cleanser to deal with blackheads and oily patches and was rather frightened when I applied the first dollop to my face.
Appearance and texture:
It’s a white cream with the consistency of a balance between Pond’s Cold Cream and Noxzema Skin Cream. The shock will be in your first application because of how creamy the cleanser feels. But my fears were washed away with the first splash of water.
It comes off easily with no resulting residues.
Fragrance
Slight but not overpowering fragrance with Coconut Alcohol, Chamomile extract, and aloe extract all part of the ingredient makeup.
The active ingredient of this product is salicylic acid (2%). It is one of the best ingredients you’ll find to treat acne. It helps to reduce blackheads and any pimples you’ve tried to attack. This acid is not as strong as alpha hydroxy acid, which can really bother some people. Neutrogena Acne Wash has a high percentage of salicylic acid which when used regularly will do all that the product claims.
Medicated, it helps eliminate most acne blemishes, keeps pores clog-free, and effectively removes excess oil
Product tip: If you do choose to use this only to combat breakouts on your forehead, nose, and chin, use a moisturizer when you’re done to keep the other areas, like your cheeks and around your eyes, from drying out.
What you have to remember with acne is, don’t over-wash your face. Stay away from washcloths because the harder you are on your face, the worse it gets. Twice a day washing will keep acne in check. Leave the cleanser on for a minute before you wash it off to let the medication go to work.
If you want a good night cream for acne prone skin, try Clinique’s Turnaround Lotion which contains salicylic acid.
The cleanser comes in a 6.7 oz. tube that is great for keeping in the shower. You’ll find it at most mass merchandisers in the cleanser section or you can buy it online from drugstore.com which happens to be $.50 cheaper than Target. ($4.49)
Remember this is an exfoliating acid and can be irritating if used everyday for those with minor breakouts. Give your skin a rest and go back to a regular cleanser for combination skin if need be.
Product Ingredients for Those Who Suffer From Any Skin Allergies:
Active Ingredients: Salicylic Acid
Inactive Ingredients: Purified Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Di-C12-15 Alkyl Furmate, Cocoglucoside, Coconut Alcohol, DEA-cetyl Phosphate, Matricaria Extract, Aloe Extract, Chamomile Extract, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Potato Starch, Propylene Glycol, Fragrance
I trust this brand because I’ve been using it for years. Shampoo and the infamous glycerin soap are the two products our family uses on a frequent basis. Neutrogena became famous for this bar of soap and kicked open its doors in 1930 though they are now under the corporate umbrella of Johnson & Johnson and have been since 1996. They are noted for their skin care, hair care, and now makeup lines as of early 1999. They are a mega-brand with quality products.
As with any brand, check with your dermatologist for some recommendations. If you have serious acne that needs more attention than what an over-the-counter product can do, seek help. You’d be surprised by some of the basic advice offered.
• Keep your hands away from your face.
• Keep your face clean by washing at least twice per day and not much more.
• Don’t aggravate your condition by using harsh products.
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