Clinical studies indicate between 40 and 55 percent of the adult population in the 20 to 40 age group has been diagnosed with low grade, persistent acne and oily skin, with the primary catalyst identified as chronic stress.

As it is caused by the excess production of sebum (oil) and an increased rate of skin cell production effective cleansing is very important. Cleansing helps to clear away dead tissue and allows oxygen to get to the skin. Stay well away from aggressive soaps and scrubs. By using those you are only going to make the situation worse. Fortunately these days help is at hand with many products that you can easily purchase.

If you have minimal acne a mild cleanser may be all that's required to help keep your skin clear. Mild cleansers are particularly useful if your skin is irritated or aggravated. Over cleansing can lead to dryness and irritation through stripping your skin of its natural lubrication. This often leads to a cycle of over cleansing and over moisturising.

Water soluble cleansers are an excellent soap substitute. They should be gentle, non irritating and unscented, but strong enough to remove surface oil and make-up. A good example is Cetaphil. Dermalogica are one of the companies at the forefront of the battle against acne and have a system that is designed specifically to help all those with this condition. The Clearing Skin Wash is a naturally foaming cleanser that deals perfectly with breakouts, comedomes and excessively oily skin. Like all of their products it contains no artificial fragrances or colourings. Neutrogena also has an outstanding oil-free skincare. They specialise in gentle cleansers that will keep your skin clear without excessive oil or residue left behind.

Don’t get obsessed with cleansing you should limit washing to twice a day. Once in the morning and once at night as well as after perspiring heavily should be the limit. Perspiration, especially when wearing a hat or helmet, can make acne worse, so the skin should be gently cleansed as quickly as possible after perspiring. Use a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser such as the ones previously mentioned.
Apply the cleanser and wash with your fingertips. This reduces skin irritation. Using a facecloth, mesh sponge, or anything else can irritate the skin and lead to breakouts. Scrubbing the skin clean does not clear acne. In fact, scrubbing irritates the skin and can make acne worse. The same applies to picking spots. Don’t do it, you will end up with scars. Be sure to thoroughly rinse away the cleanser with lukewarm, not hot, water and If you have oily hair, shampoo daily.