First you have to know your skin type before talking about different cleansers and their purposes. This will help you choose the right cleanser to keep your skin clean and treat specific issues. The primary categories are :-
If you have oily skin then your skin produces excess sebum which leads to a shiny appearance, enlarged pores and frequent breakouts.
Dry skin lacks sufficient moisture. This results in tightness, flaky and itchy skin, and rough texture.
If you have combination skin, then you have both oily and dry skin. You most probably have an oily T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) with dry cheeks.
Sensitive skin gets irritated very easily by certain ingredients and environmental factors. This leads to redness, itching and burning sensation on all over the face or on specific parts.
If you have normal skin, you have a well-balanced skin without excessive oil secretion and dryness. This skin type has fewer imperfections with smooth texture.
Oily Skin Cleanser
Gel Cleanser
Foaming Cleanser
For oily skin, the best cleansers are mostly gel and foaming cleansers. The formulas that this oily skin cleanser has effectively remove excess oil and unclog pores. And all this happens without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. You get squeaky clean and soft skin.
They are extremely lightweight and jelly-like as they are mostly water-based. The Cetaphil Oil Cleanser has a gel texture and is extremely light weight. The Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Cleansing Face Wash has a gel texture along with 2% Salicylic Acid. They have deep cleansing properties.
Foam cleansers are lightweight and airy. The foam lifts off the dirt easily, leaving a non-sticky finish. There is niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and ceramides in the CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Face Wash for Oily Skin.
While buying facial cleansers, you should look for ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil, known for their acne-fighting properties. You should avoid cleansers that are too harsh. They can trigger the skin to produce even more oil, increasing the problem. An oily skin cleanser should leave your skin feeling clean and refreshed, not tight or dry.
Dry Skin Cleanser
Cream Cleanser
Oil Cleanser
Micellar Water
If you have dry skin, the most suitable cleanser for your skin type is one that’s cream-based or oil-infused. These products usually have mild formulations. They cleanse the skin effectively while providing hydration. Often, they include nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides.
Cream cleansers work exceptionally well for dry and aging skin. They can be used both in your morning and evening skincare routines, particularly when your skin feels dry or tight. They leave the skin feeling smooth, soft, and well-moisturized, helping to calm and comfort dry, flaky areas.
Micellar water is another great option. Soothing Cleanser is a very good micellar water that cleans the skin, removes makeup, dirt, sunscreen and impurities without rinsing. Ideal for on-the-go usages.
Avoid foaming cleansers for dry skin types. Harsh sulfates can further strip the skin of its natural oils. A dry skin cleanser should leave your skin feeling soft, supple, and hydrated.
Combination Skin Cleanser
Gentle Foaming Cleansers
Balancing Cleansers
If you have combination skin then it requires a balanced approach as you have an oily forehead, chin and nose and dry cheeks. The best cleanser for skin type is one that effectively cleanses oily areas without drying out the drier parts of your face.
You have to look for gentle foaming cleansers or balancing cleansers that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid or aloe vera. This helps to maintain moisture levels. Best practice would be to use a micellar water, like the one from Bioderma or a cleansing oil, like The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Rich Cleansing Oil as the first step. Follow it with a gentle foaming cleanser.
Sensitive Skin Cleanser
Hypoallergenic Cleansers
Fragrance-free Cleansers
Cream Cleansers
If you have sensitive skin then your skin needs extra care and attention every day. The best cleanser for your sensitive skin is a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free formula. This is specifically designed for sensitive skin to offer respite from skin irritants.
Many suffer from skin irritation with just a little fragrance in the cleanser which might lead to sudden dryness, itchiness and breakouts. Minor chemicals bring out rashes in the face. So you have to be extra careful with what you apply on your face.
Cream cleansers are often a good choice. Avoid cleansers containing harsh chemicals, alcohol, or strong fragrances, as these can trigger irritation. Always patch-test a new cleanser on a small area of your skin before applying it to your entire face. Ingredients like chamomile or aloe vera suits the best in cleansers for sensitive skin types.
Normal Skin Cleanser
Gel Cleansers
Cream Cleansers
Foaming Cleansers
You are blessed if you have normal skin. You can use different types of cleansers and stick to the one that suits you. Gel, cream and foaming cleansers – all work equally good in cleaning the skin from dirt, dust, pollutants, impurities, sweat, excess sebum and makeup. It is also easy to find in the market. The one from Simple Kind to Skin Moisturising Facial Wash is one such product.
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