Hey guys, moderate acne sufferer here. I've got a question for you guys.

Do I need a non-medicated facial cleanser? By non-medicated, I mean one without salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. I've only been using those two and a little bit of clindamycin for this past year, but I wanna know if I've been skipping an important step by not using a simple facial cleanser at all.

I used a cheap Kroger-brand cleanser once, but I couldn't tell if my skin had any real improvements during that time or if I was just having a good week.

Also, could you guys suggest any good cleansers? Thanks!

No, I don't believe that medicated cleansers do much, unless they have an antibacterial added. Most cleansers do not have enough SA in them, or at the right pH for it to be effective. Plus, they are not left on the skin long enough. I am not sure about the BP, but i think those probably dry out the skin too much and are much too agressive (causing irritation and stress to the skin which makes it more reactive). My opinion is to leave medicated cleansers out and opt for a simple gentle cleanser instead. Then use whatever treatments as a leave on product like toner, serum, treatment, etc.

If your skin has been doing well on your current regimen, I say leave it alone. As far as a goof cleanser, I'm looking myself! I was using Neutrogena ultra gentle foaming cleanser (but the pH is 5.6-6.8). It doesn't have SLS in it, but coconut derived ingredients. I tried a sample of the earth sourced gel cleanser from Paula's Choice which is at 5.5pH and it seemed to dry my skin. Not sure if there is an adjustmnet period or what. But, I do like the nuetrogena one, depsite the higher pH. I'm only looking for a replacement because I read the wrong pH can damage your skin and make it MORE acne prone. Great... lol There is also a product called Sebamed that is pH 5.5. I haven't tried it, though..but the clear face antibacterial cleansing foam looks interesting.

Paula's Choice comes highly reccommended, but everyone's skin reacts differently.

I agree, I tend to go for simple, gentle cleansers that are well formulated. I switched over to Paula's choice from Cetaphil earlier this year, and I'm glad I did. I use the Skin Recovery Cleanser, and I've just started using the pore normalizing cleanser from the CLEAR line too, which is antibacterial. I like both. Skin recovery is probably gentler and more moisturizing, but the CLEAR one is surprisingly non-drying as well (I have quite sensitive and dry skin).

I agree, I tend to go for simple, gentle cleansers that are well formulated. I switched over to Paula's choice from Cetaphil earlier this year, and I'm glad I did. I use the Skin Recovery Cleanser, and I've just started using the pore normalizing cleanser from the CLEAR line too, which is antibacterial. I like both. Skin recovery is probably gentler and more moisturizing, but the CLEAR one is surprisingly non-drying as well (I have quite sensitive and dry skin).

Thanks for the info on those! I like the hydralight toner and lotion mositurizer. Thinking of trying the cleanser from that line. I like the clear toner, and didn't try the cleanser because I thought it may be too drying. But, I may try it now just to see since you said it worked well for you! Thanks!