The global skincare market is currently worth over 100 billion dollars. With so many options, how do you ensure that you’re buying the right facial cleanser for your needs?
Well, with these tips, you won’t have reason to fear.
Let’s go through how to choose the right facial cleanser for your skin.
1. Know Your Skin Type
Determine your skin type (oily, dry, combination, sensitive, etc.) before choosing a facial cleanser. Different skin types will have different issues, and will therefore require different products.
Oily skin, for example, produces more sebum, making the skin appear shiny and greasy. Oily skin tends to be more prone to acne.
Dry skin, on the other hand, can lack moisture and appear dull, flaky, and rough. Dry skin can be caused by genetics, environmental factors, or aging.
You could also have combination skin. This skin type is a combination of both oily and dry skin, with oily skin on the T-zone ( which is the area around your forehead, your chin, and your nose) and drier skin on the cheeks and jawline.
Some people have so-called “normal skin”. Normal skin is well-balanced, with a healthy amount of sebum production and moisture.
You could also have sensitive skin. This skin type is easily irritated by external factors such as weather, fragrance, or harsh ingredients in skincare products. People with sensitive skin may often suffer from redness, itching, or burning.
Determining Your Skin Type
To determine your skin type, cleanse your face and wait for an hour without applying any skincare products. Check your T-zone and cheeks for any oily or dry areas.
If your T-zone is oily and your cheeks are dry, you may have combination skin. Dry and tight-feeling skin is obviously a sign that you have dry skin. If you notice excessive oiliness, you may have oily skin.
If your skin feels comfortable and balanced, you may have normal skin. If you experience redness, itching, or burning after cleansing, you may have sensitive skin.
2. Avoid Harsh Ingredients
Avoid cleansers with harsh ingredients like alcohol that can strip your skin of necessary oils and cause irritation.
Alcohol is a common ingredient in facial cleansers and can dry out your skin especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. Fragrances are another common irritant.
Sulfates are commonly-used detergents that can dry out your skin, while synthetic colors can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Parabens are preservatives that may cause hormone disruption and allergic reactions. Triclosan is an antibacterial agent that can cause skin irritation and contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
When choosing a facial cleanser, look for products that are labeled as “gentle” or “non-comedogenic,” and that are free from harsh ingredients.
Natural ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and glycerin can be gentle and effective at cleansing the skin without causing irritation. Always read the ingredients list on the product label and do research on any unfamiliar ingredients to ensure that you are using a gentle and effective facial cleanser.
3. Consider Your Skin Concerns
If you have specific skin concerns you want to address, choose a cleanser formulated to combat those concerns.
If you have acne-prone skin, for example, look for a facial cleanser that contains ingredients such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which can both help to unclog your pores and reduce the frequency acne breakouts.
For those with aging skin, you should be trying to find a facial cleanser that contains antioxidants like vitamin C and E, which can help to protect skin from environmental damage and promote your skin’s collagen production for firmer, more youthful-looking skin.
People with hyperpigmentation should look for a facial cleanser that contains alpha-hydroxy acids or beta-hydroxy acids, which can help to exfoliate your skin and can then reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Those struggling with dry skin should be looking for a facial cleanser that is hydrating and moisturizing, with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides.
People with sensitive skin should look for a facial cleanser that is gentle and fragrance-free, with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile.
Those struggling with oily skin should search for a facial cleanser that contains glycolic acid, which can help to exfoliate the skin and control oil production.
If you have rosacea-prone skin, look for a facial cleanser that is gentle and fragrance-free, with soothing ingredients like chamomile, green tea, or aloe vera.
It’s important to note that even if you have a specific skin concern, you should still choose a facial cleanser that is appropriate for your skin type.
For example, if you have acne-prone skin but also have dry skin, you should choose a facial cleanser that is formulated for both acne-prone and dry skin. Always read the product label and do research on any unfamiliar ingredients to ensure that you are using a cleanser that is appropriate for your skin concerns and type.
If you’re not sure how to begin your skincare journey, shop for Seratopical Revolution here.
4. pH Balance
Maintaining the pH balance of your skin is important for overall skin health. The skin’s natural pH level is slightly acidic, ranging from 4.5 to 5.5, which helps to protect the skin from harmful bacteria and maintain its moisture barrier.
Using a facial cleanser that is pH balanced can help to maintain this natural pH level and prevent skin irritation and dryness.
5. Consider Texture
The texture of a skin cleanser can have a significant impact on how effective it is at removing dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin.
Creamy cleansers are typically best for dry or sensitive skin, as they are gentle and hydrating. They can also be beneficial for removing makeup and dirt while maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier.
Foaming cleansers are generally best for oily or acne-prone skin, as they can help to remove excess oil and unclog pores. However, they can be drying, so it’s important to choose a gentle formula if you have sensitive skin.
Gel cleansers are often ideal for combination skin, as they can help to balance oil production without over-drying the skin. They are also typically lightweight and non-greasy.
Oil cleansers are becoming increasingly popular, as they can be effective at removing makeup and impurities without stripping oils from the skin.
These tend to be suited to all skin types, but it’s important to choose a formula that is non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog pores).
6. Consider Environmental Factors
The climate in which you live can have a significant impact on your skin, and it’s important to choose a skin cleanser that is appropriate for the climate.
For example, if you live in a dry climate, you may want to choose a creamy or oil-based cleanser that can help to hydrate your skin. If you live in a humid climate, you may want to choose a foaming or gel cleanser that can help to remove excess oil and sweat.
If you live in a city or an area with high levels of pollution, it’s important to choose a skin cleanser that can help to remove pollutants from your skin.
Look for cleansers that contain antioxidants or other ingredients that can help to protect your skin from environmental damage.
The quality of the water in your area can also affect your skin. If you have hard water, which contains high levels of minerals, it can be drying and irritating to the skin. In this case, you may want to choose a cleanser that is gentle and moisturizing.
If you spend a great deal of time out in the sun, it’s important to choose a skin cleanser that can help to remove sunscreen and other products that can clog your pores. Look for cleansers that contain ingredients like salicylic acid or glycolic acid, which can help to exfoliate and unclog pores.
7. Avoid Common Pitfalls
Once you’ve chosen a skin cleanser, there are still guidelines you should follow to ensure that it’s doing its job.
Don’t over-cleanse your skin, as this can lead to dryness and irritation. Stick to cleansing twice a day. Always check the expiry date of your facial cleanser so that it is still effective.
Use lukewarm water to cleanse your face, as hot water can dry out your skin. Always follow up your facial cleanser with a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
Before using a new facial cleanser, do a patch test on a small area of your skin to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction.
If you’re unsure which facial cleanser is right for your skin type, consult with a dermatologist who can recommend a product tailored to your needs.
Choose The Right Facial Cleanser For Your Needs Today
There’s a lot that goes into choosing the right skin cleanser. You may have to try a few different varieties, but eventually you’re sure to find something that works for your skin.
Do you need more skin advice? We’ve got you covered. Scroll through some of our other helpful posts.
