We all know that washing your face twice a day is a must for having good skin, but what you wash your face with is just as important! Find out everything you need to know about choosing the right facial cleanser. How do you really choose facial cleanser?
Why do you need a cleanser?
Facial cleanser is used to wash away dirt, debris, makeup, and oils that build up all day and night. Cleansing the skin not only helps to wash away dirt and grease but also helps to cleanse the pores and keep your skin healthy and glowing.
Some general rules are:
- Dry skin: Choose cleansing milk, cream-based cleaning or cleaning oils
- Sensitive skin: Choose mild products without fragrances and dyes, preferably with a pH value as close to the skin as possible.
- Bold skin: Choose products that regulate sebum production. Preferably gel-based creams that have exfoliating ingredients.
For oily skin:
For oily skin, the best types of cleansers are oil-free alternatives that usually come in gel form. Be sure to look for acne-sensitive ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide if you are worried about pimples.
For Combination Skin:
This skin type can use quite a variety of cleansers, but the recommendation is to stick to one that focuses on what your major skincare concerns are.
For dry skin:
Cleaning dry skin can be difficult, as some cleansers can exacerbate dryness. For drier skin types, look for milk or oil cleansers that help you wash away imperfections without removing the skin from essential oils.
For Sensitive Skin:
Start with clean hands: You don’t want to put more dirt and germs on your face, or undo the work you are about to do.
Use lukewarm water: Water temperature is important, but not for the reason you think. Pores do not open or close in response to hot or cold water. Rather, hot water dilates the blood vessels, which can irritate or dry out the skin, and cold water is less effective at releasing dirt. How about washing your face in the shower? Don’t do it if your showers are fast and lukewarm
Massage the skin in circular movements: After rinsing the face, apply your favorite hand cleansing and massage in small, circular movements. Pay special attention to your T-zone, where there tend to be more oil, and areas where you sweat, such as along the jawline and hairline.
Take your time: When you work on face cleansing and it foams, it is tempting to cut this process short, but Phan recommends soothing between 30 seconds and up to a minute.
Use your fingers: When you wash your face, make it easy. Fungi, scrub pillows, or other rough fabrics will probably irritate the skin.
Dab your face dry: Be careful. Use a clean, soft towel to dab your face dry, and not focus on removing every drop of moisture.
How often should you wash your face?
Most experts agree that twice a day and then usually once in the morning and once in the evening. Of course, this recommendation is not for everyone, and too often will wipe your face. For others, too rarely leaves their face oily and dirty. How often you wash your face depends on your skin type as well. Those with oily and acne-prone skin, in general, should wash twice a day.
Acne Cleansing
If you have acne, choose the right cleanser to help rid your skin of the bacteria that clogs into hair follicles and leads to pimples. Thorough cleaning also removes dead cells on the surface of the skin, making it easier for your acne cream to penetrate the skin.
To help control acne, look for a cleanser that is strong enough to remove dirt and keep your skin clean. Avoid harsh soaps that can deprive the skin of its natural oils. Hard cleansers and scrubs will only leave you with red and irritated skin that can promote the scab of existing acne.
You can ask your dermatologist to recommend a prescription or cleanser that works on acne-prone skin, but also pay close attention to your daily acne skincare routine.
Some brands of face soap have a very alkaline pH, which can be irritating and dry on the skin.
Choose a gentle, non-scratching, and non-alcoholic cleaning.
