Here's How to Choose the Right Face Cleanser for Your Skin Type

Cleansers are the first step of any good skincare routine.  A good cleanser effectively cleanses your skin without irritating it and without stripping off the moisture barrier. In simple words, your skin should not feel stretchy dry after washing your face. This is why choosing the right kind of cleanser or face wash for your skin type is very important.

Don’t know your skin type? Find out now! 

Normal skin

This skin type is ideal. It doesn’t experience excess oiliness or dryness and is free of acne and sensitivity. 

Dry skin 

This skin gets taut and stretchy and doesn’t hold moisture well. This skin type may have roughness, dry patches, dullness and visible fine lines. 

Oily skin 

This type of skin has enlarged pores, excess oil production, blackheads and pimples. It breaks out often and can have a shiny appearance. 

Combination skin

This skin type has dry and oily areas. For example, the T zone might be oily while the rest of the face may be dry or normal. 

Sensitive skin 

This skin type is very reactive to external factors, including skincare products. You may have sensitive skin if you experience tenderness, stinging, burning or redness whenever you use a new product. 

Now that you have figured out your skin type, let’s explore the different kinds of cleansers available in the market and what’s good for your skin. 

Foaming cleansers 

These cleansers dispense as a light, airy foam which penetrates deep within the pores. A foaming cleanser cleans out gunk, debris and excess sebum, leaving skin squeaky soft. It leaves skin matte and thoroughly cleansed. However, some surfactant-based cleansers can leave the skin stripped, so avoid foaming cleansers that contain SLS. 

Suitable for: Oily and combination skin 

Gel cleansers 

Gel cleansers are a more hydrating option when compared to a foaming cleanser. They may also contain exfoliating acids and actives that help in removing the deep build-up impurities and dirt from your skin, unclogs pores and leave complexion squeaky clean. 

Suitable for: Oily, acne-prone and normal skin 

Cream cleansers 

Lotions and cleansing creams are very gentle on the skin. They usually contain emollients and humectants that keep the skin hydrated and moisturized post-cleanse. They also make a great second step for double-cleansing.

Suitable for: Dry, sensitive and mature skin 

Cleansing balms 

These are a unique class of cleansers. Cleansing balms usually come in form of a buttery balm which dissolves into a slick oil on contact with skin. Use it on dry skin, as oil breaks down oil. These cleansers break down oil, dirt and makeup effectively while keeping the skin deeply moisturized. This is usually used as the first step of the double cleanse. Follow up with a water-based cleanser if needed. 

Suitable for: All skin types 

Micellar water 

This is a mild cleanser that does a good job of removing makeup, oil and dirt. They usually contain purified water and ‘micelles’, which are small molecules that attract dirt and makeup. Micellar water contains hydrating and purifying ingredients like glycerin and tea tree oil. It’s a convenient way of cleansing as you only need micellar water and cotton pads! It is advisable to follow up with a mild cleanser after cleansing with micellar water to cleanse your face thoroughly.  

Suitable for: All skin types 

Clay cleansers 

We all know clay masks and their benefits. These cleansers use bentonite, kaolin and other clays to effectively purify the skin and keep sebum production under control. They suck out dirt from deep within the pores, leaving skin squeaky clean. 

Suitable for: Oily and acne-prone skin 

Bar soaps 

It is undeniable that bar soaps cleanse the skin. However, they are too harsh and disrupt the skin’s natural barrier. Plus, the ingredients that keep the soap in bar form can clog pores and cause breakouts. 

Suitable for: None  

Now that you have an idea about what kind of cleansers would work for your skin type, go and try a few till you find one that keeps your skin clean yet supple. Good luck!