Everyone’s skin is different, and what works for most may not work for you, and that’s perfectly normal. But because of this, it can be really discouraging when your skincare routine just isn’t working, and you can’t figure out why. To help you formulate a better and more effective skincare routine, let’s review how to choose the best facial cleanser for your skin type.
Cleansers for Sensitive Skin
When building a skincare routine, identifying the root of the problem is key, especially for sensitive skin. Knowing exactly what your skin is sensitive to can help you pick the right cleanser, but there are some generalizations to help you steer clear of harsh cleansers.
First, you’ll want to steer clear of any cleansers scented with perfume; while these may smell nice, perfumes typically have alcohols in them that can strip your skin and cause inflammation. You’ll also need a non-comedogenic cleanser, so avoid ingredients such as lanolin, carrageenan, coconut oil, and other similar ingredients. In truth, the best cleanser for sensitive skin is micellar water, as it does a fantastic job of loosening and removing dirt and excess sebum while still being extremely gentle on the skin.
Cleansers for Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, your first thought may be to steer clear of moisturizing cleansers and use a product that strips your skin of that oil, like witch hazel. This can cause your skin to produce even more oil to compensate for the lack of hydration. Oily skin needs more than moisture; it needs to be hydrated.
Cleansers with AHAs, such as salicylic acid, will remove dirt and sebum from your pores and act as a humectant, drawing water to the skin’s surface. This way, when you apply your moisturizer, the water pulled up from the humectant will become trapped by the moisturizer and lock in that water. This way, your skin can reabsorb the water on its surface and hydrate itself.
Cleansers for Dry Skin
Just like oily skin, you want to avoid cleansers with ingredients that strip your skin of oil, such as sulfates, ethanol, and alcohol. If you have dry skin, you need a product packed with fatty lipids to repair damaged skin and lock in the moisture that your skin naturally produces.
However, glycolic and salicylic acid can also be too stripping for dry skin, meaning that oil-based cleansers are the way to go. Aim for cleansers with ceramides in them, such as hyaluronic acid, as these contain the lipids necessary to retain water and begin the process of rehydrating your skin. You can also look for a cleanser high in emollients that leave a clear and moisturizing layer atop your skin.
Now that you know how to choose the best facial cleanser for your skin remember to test a new product on a small patch of skin before the actual application. Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it needs to be protected. Putting new products on the back of your hand or under your jaw can help prevent unnecessary inflammation and irritation.