Cetaphil Gentle Clear Clarifying Acne Cream Cleanser cleans the skin by removing excess oil, dirt, and impurities that can clog pores and lead to acne breakouts. Here are the steps you should follow when using this acne foaming cream cleanser:

1. Dampen your face with lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water as it can dry out your skin and make acne worse.
2. Squeeze a small amount of your acne foaming cream cleanser onto your fingertips, a cotton pad, or a soft wash cloth.
3. Gently massage the cleanser onto your face using circular motions, focusing on areas where you have acne or oily skin. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as this might irritate your skin and make acne worse.
4. Rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water, making sure to remove all traces of the cleanser.
5. Pat your face dry with a clean towel. Again, avoid rubbing.

Cetaphil offers several cleansers that can be helpful for acne-prone skin, but we recommend using Cetaphil Gentle Clear Clarifying Acne Cream Cleanser or Cetaphil Gentle Clear Complexion-clearing BPO Acne Cleanser. Both are especially tailored to deep clean and soothe breakouts without drying your skin. Also, both are science-based, clinically tested and defend against the five signs of skin sensitivity including dryness, irritation, roughness, tightness, and a weakened skin barrier.

Cetaphil Gentle Clear Clarifying Acne Cream Cleanser has a gentle cream-to-lather formula and comes with a balanced formula of salicylic acid to help clear and minimize breakouts, plus soothing aloe and white tea extract to nourish your sensitive skin.

Cetaphil Gentle Clear Complexion-clearing BPO Acne Cleanser comes with a creamy, soothing formula plus 2.6% micronized benzoyl peroxide (BPO), zinc, and licorice root to soothe irritated skin and help reduce acne-related redness and surface level oils.

Cetaphil cleansers are designed to help gently remove excess oil and impurities from the skin without over-drying or irritating it. This can be beneficial for those with acne-prone skin, but it may not be enough to clear acne on its own.

Cetaphil Gentle Clear Clarifying Acne Cream Cleanser starts working immediately by unclogging your blocked pores to help reduce acne blemishes, blackheads, and whiteheads while maintaining your skin’s moisture barrier.

Cetaphil Gentle Clear Complexion-clearing BPO Acne Cleanser also starts working immediately to help clear breakouts by targeting acne causing bacteria while helping to maintain your skin’s moisture barrier.

The length of time it takes for Cetaphil products or any skincare product to clear acne can vary depending on the severity of your acne, your individual skin type, and your skincare routine. It's important to note that while a good cleanser can help manage acne, it's not a cure-all solution.

A comprehensive skincare routine that includes a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and acne-fighting treatments like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid may help improve breakouts. We recommend following up a cleanser with a serum that is suitable for acne-prone skin, such as Cetaphil Gentle Clear Triple-action Acne Serum. Don’t forget to help keep your skin hydrated by also applying a moisturizer for acne-prone skin, such as Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer.

Cetaphil products can be a helpful part of a skincare routine for cystic acne-prone skin, but results depend on the individual's specific skin type and concerns. Cystic acne is a severe form of acne that is characterized by large, painful, and inflamed cysts beneath the skin's surface. It's important to consult a dermatologist for appropriate medical treatment options.