It would be best if you tailor your skincare routine to your personal preferences, whether for their texture, scent, efficacy, or brand. But, there’s one non-negotiable you have to take note of— having the right facial cleanser for your skin type.
Cleansers should depend on your skin type and should not be a one-size-fits-all solution!
Oily Skin
The right facial cleansers for you should be able to regulate your skin’s oil production but without leaving your face dry. Skin experts recommend deep pore cleaning ones to slow the growth of bacteria and help prevent breakouts.
Look for cleansers with:
- A formula that balances pH
- An oil-control face wash, preferably those infused with charcoal and digs deep
- Alpha hydroxy acid in low strength (like salicylic and lactic, or glycolic)
- A bit of lactic acid
- Ingredients like tea tree and aloe vera
What to avoid:
- Harsh or drying cleansers (formulas with alcohol, for example)
- With oil and pore-cloggers like coconut oil or shea butter
Dry Skin
Cleansers for this skin type should be hypoallergenic, free of fragrance and chemicals, and should attract much-needed water to the surface of your skin as much as possible.
Look for cleansers with:
- Gentle formula with moisturizing ingredients and fatty acids
- Hydrating properties, like those with glycerin or essential oils
- Rich formulas without any acids, clays, or exfoliating beads
- Humectants including hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate
- Petrolatum, lanolin, and mineral oil
What to avoid:
- Antibacterial soaps or cleansers with deep exfoliators (salicylic or glycolic acid)
Normal Skin
A healthy oil balance defines normal skin. To maintain your skin’s clear and even complexion, it can maintain radiance with just about anything. However, it is best to use potent and non-drying cleansers that pose several benefits like toning, hydrating, and anti-aging ingredients.
Acne-prone Skin
Acne-prone skin types’ have too much oil. To avoid skin impurities that can lead to acne scars or dark marks, choose cleansers with deep-pore cleansing.
Look for cleansers with:
- Salicylic acid-base
- Naturally-derived ingredients such as sweet almond oil, hazelnut oil, and rose oil.
What to avoid:
- Cleansers with detergents, alcohols, and salts
- With oil and pore-cloggers like coconut oil or shea butter
Combination Skin
Since combination skin is a mix of dry and oily, a formula that can efficiently clean your skin and leave it hydrated would be best.
Look for cleansers with:
- Lighter base like a gel or creamy cleanser
- Skin’s lipid barrier protecting ingredients
What to avoid:
- Cleansers with detergents, alcohols, and salts
Mature Skin
As one gets older, the skin starts to lose collagen and elastin, and the rate of cell shedding decreases as well. The right cleansers should have skin benefits with moisture retention and increase collagen production and cell turnover.
Look for cleansers with:
- A rich formula with AHA, retinoids, Vitamins A, C & E, glycolic acid, and B5.
- Mild properties similar to those recommended for sensitive skin
- Cream base or light enzyme
As using the wrong cleanser can overly strip your skin from functioning optimally, it’s best to know what kind of skin you have. It can feel baffling at first due to tons of available products but don’t worry, shopping depending on your skin type can help you avoid those that won’t work for you.