Acne.org Products
I have mild acne (male, 19 years old) . I currently use a cleanser with salicylic acid but I feel like it's too harsh and leaves my skin dry, tight, sometimes peeling, and uncomfortable. Same goes for cleansers in the past with benzoyl peroxide.
1 - I'm guessing that means I have sensitive skin?
2 - How necessary are cleansers with either of those in them? Do I ABSOLUTELY need one with one of those ingredients?
Of course you don't! Try an AHA (Glycolic) wash instead. They come in different percentages. If that's still too much, then go the opposite direction and use something even more gentle
Cetaphil is what's in most dermatologist's offices. Some have success with pHisoderm.
Castille soap, Calendula soap, Goat's milk soap are also gentle and pH balanced.
Tea Tree cleanser or soap is another option.
Avoid sodium laureth sulfate (the ingredient in anything foaming like shampoo) and glycerin if your skin is sensitive.
All the AHA's/BHA's are doing is chemical exfoliation. You can get comparable results via mechanical exfoliation, as with a soft bristled face brush.
Reserve BP for spot treatment, just a tiny bit around the pimple at night.
I agree with TurnOver, you certainly don't need a facewash with one of those ingredients, just use them for spot treatment instead. I currently use a mild glycolic acid and vitamin face wash and it's really lovely. Doesn't dry out the skin at all. I've also used Simple anti-blemish face wash as well as a Tea Tree cleanser in the past - both gentle cleaners and naturally anti-bacterial.