First of all, the myth of scrubbing your skin with strong soaps and scrubbing pads to get rid of an oil surplus is false, you’ll probably only end up aggravating the problem. Always look for these words: non-comedogenic and oil free when searching for acne soap.

Beware: Some acne cleansers contain additional medications. You may have valid reason for concern that the anti-acne medication might be removed with such cleansers carrying their own medications. For best results, cleanse your skin thoroughly before applying the medication.

Acne sufferers need a soap that is mild (so it doesn’t further irritate your skin) but also one that will cleanse the skin thoroughly to help remove blemishes.

Facial acne soaps can contain a variety of strong ingredients used as: preservatives, synthetic fragrances, foaming agents and chemical stabilizers. Despite manufacturer’s claims, these substances may not be entirely safe. Long-term use of these ingredients can result in a continuing low grade irritation, accelerated aging of the skin and dehydration.

For facial acne you’ll need to be especially careful to choose a mild, pH balanced, hypoallergenic, chemical and perfume-free soap. Added perfume ingredients can clog your pores or irritate sensitive skin even more.

Before choosing an acne soap it is important to understand your skin type, here are the 5 different types:

Normal skin
This is the type we would all love to have. It’s not too oily, nor too dry; it has very few blemishes and is usually smooth and firm with tiny pores.

Oily Skin
Oily skin can appear shiny, thick and rough. Often a chronically oily skin has recurring acne, big pores and is prone to blackheads. The overactive oil-producing sebaceous glands produce more oil than needed. This excess gives your skin a greasy shine.

Often people with this skin type are acne prone in their teenage and later years. The causes can be many and include: heredity, diet, hormone levels, birth control, pregnancy, humidity and hot weather as well as cosmetics. People with oily skin are highly advised to select a gel cleansing product rather than a cream-based one.

Dry Skin
This skin type produces low levels of sebum (oil) and can be overly sensitive. The skin has a tight, parched look caused by its lack of natural oils and inability to retain moisture. Unless some type of moisturizer or skin cream is applied after washing it will seem tight. It can be irritated or chapped by things like: changes in temperature or
humidity, or wind and air conditioning.

It is more prone to expression lines and wrinkling later in life. Those with dry skin are advised to select a cream, rather than a gel cleanser. Gels are usually made with alcohol which can further dry out skin.

Its main causes are: genetics, under active oil glands, exposure, poor diet, harsh soaps or cosmetics, skin conditions (eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis), under active thyroid, diabetes and side effects from a drug(s).

Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is usually a hereditary condition, you have it or you don’t. It often affects the face and can be easily irritated by a wide variety of triggers including: the kind of cleanser you use, various cosmetics, water temperature, wind, heat, cold, moisturizers, food, stress, pollution and certain medications. This skin type may easily grow dark red, itchy or blotchy. Individuals with sensitive skin are also more likely to suffer from allergies.

Skin care product manufacturers are restricted from making any drug-specific claims for treating conditions such as acne, dermatitis or rosacea. Therefore, the term sensitive skin has become a catch-all phrase for many of these products.

Combination Skin
This skin type generally refers to skin that is dry to normal around the eye area and oily on the forehead, nose and chin (the T-zone).

For combination skin pick the acne cleansing product that does a great job on affected areas. For example, if your acne condition breaks up in oily areas, select a gel. If your pimples appear on areas of dry skin then select a cream.

Use the following list of acne soap ingredients to help make the best choice for your skin type:

Glycerin – Is great for itchy skin since it provides natural moisturizing and is sulfate free. Glycerin soap is made from vegetable oil rather than tallow (animal fat). Glycerin can also balance the pH of the skin, creating a hostile environment for bacteria.
Sulfur – Can help eliminate excess oils on the face and has a natural anti-bacterial property. Fragrance is often used to counter the strength of sulfur.
Tea-tree oil – Has natural antiseptic properties. An Australian study compared it to benzoyl peroxide and found it to produce fewer side affects like: itching, stinging, burning, and dryness although it took longer to produce positive results.
Oatmeal - Helps absorb excessive oil from the pores. It also promotes softening and smoothing of the skin. The roughness also helps exfoliate the skin.
Lavender - Promotes healing from acne breakouts. Also known for its natural antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and cytophylactic (encourages new skin cells growth) properties. It can also assist in the formation of healing scar tissue while preventing keloids (acne scars).
Shea butter – Some call it nature’s best kept secret. The unrefined (pure) version is an ivory-colored natural fat extracted from fruit of the African shea tree. It’s a natural moisturizer and emollient (softens and smooths the skin).
Pure honey – Antibacterial and moisturizing. Maniku Honey is popular for dryer skin types.
Witch hazel – Cheap and natural liquid astringent. It is often used as a toner replacement.

You should wash your face twice daily preferably in the morning and evening. Keep in mind that washing too often can cause further skin irritation. To wash your face properly you should start from beneath your jaw and continue right up to the hairline. Always use your hands when washing, no scrubbing pad or washcloth will wipe away a skin disorder. Acne is not caused by dirt so scrubbing is not necessary.

Also remember to rinse the skin thoroughly using warm water and only pat your face dry since rubbing your skin with a towel can lead to further irritation.

After you’ve thoroughly rinsed the acne soap from your face, you’re ready to apply any acne medication, cream, or lotion.