I have found that only certain soaps will break through the oils we produce in the skin that causes acne. When I get a bit of a breakout, I use a glycerin based soap that contains some essential oils or shea butter (I know that sounds contradictory, but it isn't really). The glycerin soap gets rid of the bad oils and bacteria, and then the good oils in the soap re-moisturize the skin. If you just washed all the oils off the skin would get too dry and the breakout would get worse. One place I get these soaps is Suite716.com. Absolutely LOVE their products. I often get their lemongrass essential oil soap or the African black soap with shea butter.