The formation of skin defects can negatively affect a person’s life and cause discomfort, especially for women. There are a large number of products, including acne gels.
Products in gel form have the properties of quickly penetrating the problem area and reducing inflammation. Also, the gel structure does not clog pores and reduces the likelihood of side symptoms.
To achieve the desired result, it is necessary to correctly determine the cause of the rash and choose a product that will not only mask the inflammatory formation, but also reduce the re-formation of skin defects.
Types of acne wash gels
There are several types of gels for the care of problem skin. When choosing a product, you must first study its components and determine which type is needed to solve the problem.
The following types of gel-based products are distinguished:
- Amphoteric – products that gently cleanse and restore damaged areas of the skin. Such drugs do not irritate the skin and reduce the likelihood of side symptoms.
- Anionic drugs are intended for minor problems. The constituent components do not penetrate deep into the layers of the epidermis. When using such products, it is necessary to take into account that they dry out the skin excessively and are more suitable for oily types.
- Cationic - able to penetrate deeply into the layers of the epidermis and allows you to quickly reduce the process of inflammation. However, in some situations, symptoms of allergy and irritation may appear.
- Nonionic products are considered the most common type of facial gels. Such funds are not very expensive and are the most common. The drugs can cause allergic reactions and have virtually no therapeutic effect.
Drugs can have a mixed composition and be aimed at eliminating and masking defects.
Gels also differ into the following subtypes:
- tonic;
- cleansing;
- anti-inflammatory;
- antibacterial;
- to tighten pores and eliminate oily shine.
When choosing combination drugs, you should take into account your skin type and predisposition to allergic reactions.
What tasks should cleansing gels perform?
Depending on the purpose of the acne remedy, it should perform the following tasks:
- do not irritate the skin;
- eliminate the inflammatory process in the deep layers of the skin;
- prevent the occurrence of an allergic reaction;
- have a high level of penetration into the layers of the epidermis and cleanse the skin;
- eliminate dead cells;
- contain medicinal components that not only mask the rash, but also have a healing effect.
The quality of an acne gel does not always depend on cost; the main condition is compliance with the specified qualities that are indicated in the instructions.
Useful components
IMPORTANT! Mild surfactants, unlike anionic surfactants, do not harm the skin, but also actively cleanse it. They are usually called “amphoteric”; these substances have a much lower charge of particles that stick to the layers of the skin. They wash and clean, but not to the point of squeaking. Typically they are listed on the packaging as follows: cocoaminopropyl betaine and imidazoline (sodium cocoamphoacetate). You can distinguish them in their composition by foaming; it is not as active as that of aggressive components.
Therefore, they are often used together with anionic surfactants, as they make aggressive substances less dangerous. The substance is obtained from natural raw materials, for example, from coconut oil. Many hydrophilic oils also contain such surfactants.
Gel selection
When choosing a product, it is necessary to proceed from the type of skin and the reason why the rash formed on the skin.
When choosing a gel you need to consider:
- Oily skin . With this type of epidermis, it is necessary to give preference to products without alcohol, since alcohol tends to disrupt the normal functioning of the sweat glands and increases oiliness. Experts recommend choosing gels containing zinc and retinol; these components eliminate excess fat and cleanse pores.
- Dry skin with rashes . For this type of skin, it is recommended to avoid the presence of abrasive components in the gel, which damage inflamed areas and provoke the re-formation of acne. The composition must contain moisturizing components to regenerate damaged areas.
- Combination skin . It is recommended to purchase gels that have antibacterial properties and reduce the recurrence of acne, while being suitable for all skin types.
When choosing a product, the consistency of the drug is of great importance.
The acne gel should look like this:
have a medium thick consistency;
- do not have a strong odor or bright color;
- foams well after application;
- do not contribute to the appearance of a film on the skin;
- do not have a large amount of abrasives and fragrances;
- do not contain large quantities of alcohol and chemical ingredients.
The acne remover should wash off well and not clog pores. The substance should spread well over the skin and not cause discomfort after application.
Trends 2020
When choosing the best cleanser, you should pay attention to fashion trends. Popular trends for 2020 include:
Organic
You need to understand that natural and organic cosmetics are radically different in composition. A natural product can be filled with various dyes, fragrances and other ingredients that cause allergies and dryness. To write “natural” on a product, it is enough to add 1-2 natural products to the composition (possibly in minimal quantities).
Organic cosmetics consist entirely of natural ingredients and do not use chemical technologies in their production. Such cosmetics must be labeled “COSMOS ORGANIC” or “COSMOS NATURAL”.
Korean cosmetics
Korean-made decorative and care products have become popular for a reason. Firstly, they are actively promoted on YouTube, and secondly, almost all products originating from Korea can boast of high quality.
It is worth noting that Korean products may not be suitable for women with very oily skin, since the cosmetics of this production are aimed at a fashionable trend in Asia - a dewy face. Asian women specifically try to give their face a “wet” effect, so manufacturers meet them and make products containing moisturizing and highlighting components.
Belarusian and Polish cosmetics
Lovers of inexpensive cosmetics believe that the best washing gels are made in Belarus or Poland. Surely, all the girls who follow fashion trends have noticed that cosmetics from these countries have become truly popular, even the most famous beauty bloggers recommend them to their subscribers.
Prices allow you to try different products and choose the ideal option, but in order not to buy everything, it is better to first look at reviews (with detailed descriptions and photos before and after use) or video tests.
Composition and fashion trends are not everything. Before purchasing a product, you should read the reviews on thematic websites. Choose a cleansing gel that has many good reviews from customers and cosmetologists. Look through the relevant tops, make your rating of the best washing gels based on skin type, financial capabilities and composition.
Age-related skin features
To achieve visible results, the correct selection of products depending on age-related skin changes is of particular importance.
The following factors should be considered:
- Age up to 20 years - it is recommended to use preparations that contain zinc components, without adding alcohol. This type of product allows not only to eliminate inflammatory formations, but also to normalize the secretion of fat and cleanse pores. In adolescence, it is necessary to cleanse the skin and follow regular antibacterial care, so when choosing a product, you should take into account recommendations for use and age restrictions.
- Age up to 25 years – at this stage, the skin requires a large amount of vitamins and additional substances that strengthen the natural protective properties of the epidermis. The gels should contain plant components that not only have anti-inflammatory properties, but also have nutritional and moisturizing properties. It is recommended to use drugs that contain medicinal herbs, such as calendula, string, and chamomile.
- Age after 25 years - at this stage, the skin requires regular cleansing and moisturizing. It is recommended to use products containing lactic and fruit acids. Such drugs can provide a rejuvenating effect and eliminate skin defects such as skin rashes and acne.
When choosing a product, it is necessary to pay great attention to the individual characteristics of the skin and the reasons that caused such a deficiency.
To eliminate the problem, proper use of the drug and preparation of the epidermis before procedures play a special role.
Rules for washing your skin
The use of gel for problem skin requires compliance with the following rules:
- For washing, it is recommended to use only water at room temperature; hot or cold water will provoke the formation of additional acne.
- It is recommended to use the helium preparation no more than twice a day.
Before applying the substance, it is necessary to moisten the skin. Foam a small amount of gel and apply to the face area.
- If you have a large number of pimples, it is prohibited to use gel with abrasive particles. Such drugs contribute to damage to the inflammatory formation, which leads to aggravation of the problem.
- After washing with the gel, it is recommended to rinse the skin with cool water to close the pores and thoroughly remove the substance.
It is forbidden to apply the gel for a long time without thoroughly rinsing off. Before starting the procedure, it is recommended to remove decorative cosmetics. Do not allow the substance to eliminate acne to come into contact with the mucous membranes; in case of such contact, rinse the damaged area with plenty of running water.
Soaps and cleansers
Most skin cleansers, with a few exceptions, have a pH between 9.5 and 10.5. Almost everyone understands that soap, in general, makes the skin more alkaline than synthetic cleansers. Whether or not you will experience irritation from these products depends on many factors, including the pH level and how much the soap raises it. Acidic cleansers are less likely to cause irritation than neutral or alkaline cleansers, so people with dry skin are recommended to use them.
Using products with cleansing ingredients that are slightly acidic or neutral, without ionic surfactants (surfactants), is preferable for people at increased risk of irritation. Therefore, it is a professional duty to recommend gentle, low-pH cleansers to people with skin conditions. Even a small difference in the pH of cosmetic products can make a big difference in maintaining healthy skin. This needs to be taken into account when choosing the best soap for you.
Below, for comparison purposes, is the result of product selection. These are the cleaning products that are most often used at home.
| pH products | Brand/Product | Type of product |
| 3.2 | J&J Clean & Clear Blackhead clearing cleanser | Cleanser |
| 4.6 | Rodan & Fields Proactiv Solution | Revitalizing cleanser |
| 4.8 | Nimue Youth Facial wash | shower gel |
| 5.6 | ASAP daily facial cleanser | Cleanser |
| 5.6 | Ajax spray and wipe | Household cleaner |
| 5.8 | Olay daily facials | Cleanser |
| 6.4 | Soft as soap | Liquid soap |
| 6.6 | Environ Interactive | Cleansing gel |
| 6.7 | Cetaphil | Cleanser |
| 6.7 | Natures Organics | Cleansing foam |
| 6.8 | Blast Ultraplus | Dishwashing concentrate |
| 6.8 | Mila dpiz | Cleansing gel |
| 6.8 | Palmolive Softwash | Liquid soap |
| 6.9 | Dove beauty bar | Bar soap |
| 7.2 | Bubble magic | Bath foam |
| 8.0 | Environ B active Sebuwash | Cleanser |
| 8.0 | Redwin Sorbolene | Bar soap |
| 8.0 | Gatineau nutritional | Cleanser |
| 8.2 | Clean and clear | Cleanser |
| 9.5 | Palmolive Aroma cream | Bar soap |
| 9.6 | Palmolive Naturals | Bar soap |
| 9.6 | Radox herbal bath | Bath salt |
| 9.7 | J and J (Johnson and Johnson) Baby soap | Bar baby soap |
| 9.9 | Honey kids soap | Baby soap |
| 10.0 | Nelum Sandalwood | Bar soap |
| 10.0 | Lux supreme cream | Bar soap |
| 10.3 | Simple soap | Bar soap |
| 10.3 | Sunlight pure soap | Bar soap |
| 10.3 | AMBR (Hotel brand) | Oatmeal bar soap |
| 10.5 | Nivea cream bar | Bar soap |
Types of gels
Among the wide variety of means, the following should be highlighted:
- Anti-acne gels , the effect of such drugs is aimed at relieving inflammation and increasing skin tone.
- Anti-oily cleansing gels . It is used to normalize the secretion of subcutaneous fat and reduce the degree of contamination of pores.
- To tighten pores . The action of such products is aimed at cleaning and eliminating inflammatory formations, and narrowing enlarged pores. Also, such gels often have a nourishing and moisturizing effect.
- Antiseptics . Gels have been developed directly to eliminate acne. They have a drying and antibacterial effect. Prevents further formation of acne and inflammatory formations.
- Soothing and tonic agents . The action of the gel is aimed at eliminating the inflammatory process and caring for problem skin.
- Combination drugs are designed for a comprehensive effect on the problem area. Very often used to eliminate several problems and activate the natural protective processes of the epidermis.
An incorrectly selected gel very often causes deterioration of the skin and can contribute to the formation of dryness.
Acid mantle
The acid mantle is the skin's “first line of defense.” Skin care professionals understand that the skin is the first barrier to microorganisms, external conditions and polluted atmosphere. However, we sometimes forget (and patients completely underestimate it) the importance of the acid mantle: a thin, slightly acidic hydrolipid film on the surface of the skin, which is its first line of defense.
The acid mantle plays a critical role as an integral part of the protective function of the stratum corneum. Therefore, its proper functioning will begin a domino effect on the remaining cells and systems below the surface. More importantly, it promotes the proper functioning of the skin's immune system.
It is noted that if the pH of the skin is allowed to increase too much, it becomes vulnerable to bacterial skin infections, lesions and diseases. Before we talk about what exactly can directly affect the pH of the acidic mantle, let's look at its properties and characteristics.
The acid mantle contains lactic acid and various amino acids from sweat, free fatty acids from sebum, and amino acids and pyrrolidine carboxylic acid from keratinized skin particles.
Any reduction in the proper functioning of the acid mantle will have a domino effect on other cells and systems beneath the surface of the skin, especially the proper functioning of the skin's immune system.
An increase in the enzyme activity of phospholipase A2 (regulates many inflammatory processes) is one of the causes of the formation of an acid mantle. In healthy people, the acid mantle has a pH balance of 4 to 6.5. Ideally, its value will be 5.5 (the balance varies depending on the area of the skin). This is an acidic environment with its own microflora. In addition to protecting the skin from harmful bacteria, it does not allow water and other polar substances to pass through, and also regulates transepidermal moisture loss.
The primary function of the acid mantle is to protect the skin from bacterial and fungal infections. It represents an indirect mechanism of protection against the proliferation of foreign microorganisms and a direct mechanism of protection against alkaline substances (due to the ability to neutralize alkali). It also ensures the formation and maturation of lipids in the epidermal layer and, as a result, the maintenance of the skin barrier function.
Gels containing salicylic acid
The presence of the salicylic acid component in cleansing gels allows you to effectively combat skin defects. This component is the most commonly used and allows you to cope with a large number of problems, including pimples and acne.
Preparations with salicylic acid have the following features:
- normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands, reduce the secretion of subcutaneous fat;
- have a high level of antibacterial effect on the problem area;
- help eliminate dead skin particles;
- penetrate deeply into the layers of the epidermis and cleanse pores;
- eliminate inflammatory formations;
- reduce the risk of recurrent acne;
- help eliminate comedones.
Most often, such washing gels contain additional components of medicinal plants to care for problem skin.
We are responsible
It is known that cleansers with a low pH value are found to be effective, so it would be logical to expect that product manufacturers will accommodate the consumer. However, finding low pH soap or cleanser on store shelves is not easy.
Most "popular" bars of soap, with a few exceptions, have a pH value between 9.5 and 10.5. This level is characteristic of sulfate soap made from fatty acids. Neutral products are synthetic detergents—technically, they don't contain soap, they're a synthetic cleaner in bar form.
When we see patients who are apparently eroding or have a delicate or damaged acid mantle, it is our duty to offer them alternative skin care options. They probably won't learn about the importance of using low pH products and won't know what to look for among the advertised brands until we, the skin care experts, tell them about it.
Review of gels
Among the large number of gels with salicylic acid, it is necessary to highlight:
Salicylic gel for washing
Contains medicinal plant components and salicylic acid.
The drug has the following advantages:
- Does not contain dyes or flavors.
- Effectively dries formations and eliminates oily sheen.
- Cleanses the skin and has an antibacterial effect.
- Suitable for all types of epidermis.
Among the disadvantages, it is necessary to note the possibility of a feeling of dryness after use.
The average cost is 90 rubles .
Korean cleansing gels
Recently, the use of Korean cosmetics against acne has become increasingly popular.
The main popular drugs include:
- Innisfree Jeju volcanic pore cleansing foam is a washing gel designed specifically for deep cleansing of the epidermis. The active component of the product is volcanic ash, which effectively combats imperfections of the epidermis and eliminates the inflammatory process. The disadvantage of this drug is its high cost and the possibility of a reaction in people with hypersensitive skin. Cost 1200 rubles .
- Washing gel from Holika Holika is designed to reduce inflammatory formation. Allows drying and eliminates pimples and acne. Designed for comprehensive care of problematic epidermis. The disadvantage is the possible occurrence of an allergic reaction and irritation. Price 900 rubles .
- Unpa Bubi Bubi Face Bubble Peeling Gel is a drug for the treatment of acne. It has the property of soothing the skin and eliminating inflammation. The active components prevent the problem from reoccurring and is suitable for long-term use. Disadvantage: no instructions in Russian and high cost. Price 1600 rubles .
Innisfree Jeju volcanic pore cleansing foam Gel Holika Holika Unpa Bubi Bubi Face Bubble Peeling Gel
Korean preparations are expensive compared to other types of gels. Therefore, before deciding to purchase this type of anti-acne gel, you must carefully study the instructions and consult with a specialist.
pH and cleansers
Acidity and alkalinity are two extremes that determine the chemical properties of a substance. If a substance is neither acidic nor alkaline, then it is called neutral (for example, pure water has a neutral pH of 7.0). The pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is. The scale starts at zero and ends at fourteen, where seven is a neutral environment. A pH less than 7 is considered acidic, and a pH greater than 7 is alkaline. The pH scale is logarithmic, and therefore each division below 7 is ten times more acidic than the previous one. For example, pH=4 is ten times more acidic than a pH of 5 and one hundred times more acidic than pH=6. The same applies to pH values above 7: each subsequent one is 10 times more alkaline than the previous one. For example, a pH of 10 is ten times more alkaline than a pH of 9 and a hundred times more alkaline than a pH of 8. Notice the illustration below.
pH is a logarithmic scale. A difference of one division is equal to a tenfold difference in pH.
Rating of the best gels
Based on user surveys, a list of popular anti-acne wash gels should be highlighted:
- NIVEA.
- Garnier "against blackheads and pimples."
- Purete Thermale from Vichy.
- "Daily care" from Clearasil.
- Pure Zone from L'Oreal.
- Clean line.
- Himalaya Herbals.
- Green Pharmacy.
When selecting products, there may be individual preferences of users, which may differ depending on the type of epidermis.
Reviews
The appearance of acne can occur for various reasons, however, any inflammatory process on the epidermis requires treatment. Timely use of special anti-acne medications can not only hide the deficiency, but also completely cure the problem.
When choosing a gel for washing against acne, the individual characteristics of the epidermis are of great importance. Before starting use, it is recommended to study the instructions for use in detail and consult with a specialist.
Dermatologist of the highest category and author of the website dermgid.com. For more than 15 years I have been helping people suffering from skin diseases of various origins.
