You’re looking for the best cleansing gel for your acne-prone skin, and here’s some good news: cleansing is the very first step that can make a difference. But you still need to choose the right product, because the harshest one isn’t always the most effective. A cleanser that’s too harsh strips the skin of its protective barrier, causing it to defend itself by producing even more sebum. Breakouts return, and a vicious cycle sets in. To make the right choice, three criteria really matter: the gentleness of the formula, the sebum-regulating active ingredients it contains, and how well it suits your skin. We’ll explain everything below, including a point that other guides tend to overlook: for medium to dark skin tones, your cleanser also plays a role in the appearance of dark spots.

A facial scrub that is poorly chosen or applied incorrectly can irritate and weaken the skin, or even contribute to the development of hyperpigmentation spots, especially if you have dark or particularly sensitive skin.