Neutrogena, as a brand, is known to churn out great products as far as skincare is concerned. From creams and lotions to cleansers and scrubs, the list is endless. Before now, we have been reviewing unisex cleansers and scrubs. But today, we are looking at Neutrogena Men Skin Clearing Acne Wash, a face wash strictly for men.
It contains 2% salicylic acid, which is effective enough to treat acne from the roots up and prevent more breakouts.
The acne wash is also free of oil, which means it does not add to the existing acne-causing sebum. Plus, it is non-comedogenic, having little or no ability to clog your pores.
Looking at the above, you may wonder what makes this acne wash stand out from the rest. Here’s what: it may be able to soften your facial hair for shaving while you use it as a face wash. This is not the usual softening that soap and water can do but a deeper one. This would help keep your jaw clean for a while.
To reduce the incidence of burns and rashes from shaving, especially for sensitive skin, Neutrogena Men skincare products are made with the Pro-Soothe technology. It keeps the skin from being irritated, leaving it clean and comfortable.
They are also made with the Helioplex technology to protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays for as long as possible.
These technologies are specially made to meet the specific needs of men’s skin.
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Who Can Use Neutrogena Men Skin Clearing Acne Wash?
Men can use it. It is specially formulated to suit their skin’s special needs. You may be surprised to know male skin is different from female skin. Sometimes, what would work wonderfully for a woman may not fare so well on a man.
This is because the skin of a woman is naturally softer than that of a man. So it may need a little more to keep it healthy and clean than normal.
User-friendliness of Neutrogena Men Skin Clearing Acne Wash
The face wash is easy to use. Like most other face cleansers and scrubs, wet your hands and your face before applying. It is preferable to use warm water when doing this because it is more effective in opening pores than cold water.
Put a little of the wash in your palm and rub together. Then apply it to your face as gently as possible, massaging it into your skin as you do.
Do this for a few minutes until you are sure the wash has reached every part of your face. Then you can rinse it off thoroughly. The rinsing part is always important; it is not good for your skin to leave residues. So be as thorough as possible.
There are other ways of handling acne and preventing breakouts generally. To learn more about this, check this out.
Features of Neutrogena Men Skin Clearing Acne Wash
Salicylic Acid
This beta-hydroxy acid is oil-soluble. So it is quick to be absorbed by the skin and acts fast within. It gets to the root of acne and starts treating from there. Once it is in constant use, it has the power to keep off acne.
Its oil-soluble nature increases its potency in getting debris and excess oil that clog pores dissolved. When this oil and dirt mix, they block hair follicles and cause inflammation. This inflammation, in turn, manifests as red and black pustules on the surface of the skin.
Salicylic acid is also mild on the skin when used in reasonable amounts in topical creams, lotions and cleansers, like the featured one. When used excessively, however, it could lead to dryness and irritation.
It is best to find out if you have any allergy to the acid before you use any treatment that contains it. And if you have very sensitive skin, you may want to test the product on a small area of skin first before going all out.
Apart from salicylic acid, there is no other active ingredient in the face wash. But the Pro-Soothe and Helioplex technologies add to make the face wash potent.
Pro-Soothe Technology
This technology protects sensitive skin and other allergy-prone skin from any irritation that could happen due to shaving. Instead, you get clean, comfortable and healthy skin.
Helioplex Technology
On its own part, the technology provides strong protection from UVA and UVB rays. This is especially needed after shaving, when the skin is still sensitive to different elements.
And even after the sensitivity has worn off, the photostable formulas in it will keep providing a defence for as long as possible.
Pros of Neutrogena Men Skin Clearing Acne Wash
i. The acne face wash contains no oil to clog pores.
ii. It is non-comedogenic, containing little or no ingredients that could clog pores.
iii. With 2% salicylic acid, it is potent enough to treat breakouts and prevent future ones.
iv. What’s more, the face wash makes facial hair soft prior to shaving.
v. Plus, it is easy to use.
vi. And it is affordable.
Check out these interesting acne product reviews/articles:
AcneFree Oil-free Acne Cleanser and Cleansing Brush – Detailed Review
Clean and Clear® Oil-free Deep Action Cream Acne Cleanser – In-depth Review
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Oil-Eliminating Foaming Acne Facial Cleanser – In-depth Review
AcneFree 24 Hour Severe Acne Clearing System – Detailed Review
Cons of Neutrogena Men Skin Clearing Acne Wash
i. It may be a little drying, especially for those with combination or dry skin.
ii. And it has a strong smell.
Alternatives to Neutrogena Men Skin Clearing Acne Wash
Opposite Spectrum Option – Neutrogena Body Clear Oil-free Acne Body Scrub
This scrub contains salicylic acid and is good for treating body acne. Seeing as acne also crops up on the chest, shoulders, face and even thighs, you can use this while in the shower. It does not contain plastic beads, is non-comedogenic and is gentle enough to be used daily.
Higher-end Options
Minamul Clean Organic Men’s Face Wash
This formula steadily sloughs away stubborn grime and oil that mix and clog pores. It uses purely organic ingredients to keep breakouts at bay. It leaves the skin clean and receptive of other skincare products. But it goes beyond just treating acne to giving anti-aging benefits. It slowly but surely causes the appearance of wrinkles to reduce, leaving the face younger.
Brickell Men’s Purifying Charcoal Face Wash
Much like the Minamul, this face wash removes dirt and fights acne using organic ingredients. But unlike the Minamul, it uses charcoal in this fight, which reduces the chances of dryness or irritation. The charcoal cleans out the pores and makes the skin able to breathe. If you would rather not use salicylic acid on your skin, charcoal is a great alternative.
Comparison Table
| Neutrogena Men Skin Clearing Acne Wash
|
Neutrogena Body Clear Oil-free Acne Body Scrub
|
Minamul Clean Organic Men’s Face Wash
|
Brickell Men’s Purifying Charcoal Face Wash
|
|
| Active Ingredients | Salicylic acid | Salicylic acid | Not specified | Charcoal |
| Ideal Skin Types | Acne-prone | Skin prone to acne | Sensitive, dry, oily and combination | Sensitive, dry and normal |
| Best for | Face | Body | Facial cleansing | The face |
What Users Think about Neutrogena Men Skin Clearing Acne Wash
Users think this acne face wash is great. They like that it works fast, clearing new and old breakouts in no time. Plus, the fact it fits snugly into any budget is an added advantage.
But there were those who found it too drying. And while some users found the scent manly and just right, others thought it was too much so close to their noses.
Overall, it got the job done for most users.
Our Take on Neutrogena Men Skin Clearing Acne Wash
We like its simplicity and effectiveness. It is a good alternative for high-end men’s face washes for acne. However, there is nothing extraordinary about it. We only recommend it because it gets the job done for a much-lesser price and it is readily available.
