HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT FACIAL CLEANSER ?

Published on April 15, 2024, by Astrid

Reading time : 6 minutes

Achieving radiant and healthy skin starts with an effective skincare routine, and a crucial element in this routine is your facial cleanser. With a plethora of options on the market, how do you choose the one that best suits your skin type and specific needs? In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to find the perfect cleanser that will help you achieve beautiful skin

SUMMARY

First step : Know your skin type
If you have an oily Skin (or acne prone skin)
If you have a dry Skin types
If you have a combination Skin types
If you have a normal Skin types

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First step : Know your skin type

The initial and crucial step in selecting an appropriate facial cleanser revolves around comprehending your skin type. Your skin type can typically fall into one of the following categories:

-Oily Skin
-Dry Skin
-Combination Skin
-Normal Skin

Each category necessitates a specific type of cleanser tailored to its unique characteristics. For instance, individuals with oily skin should seek a cleanser designed to regulate excess sebum. Conversely, those with dry skin should opt for a mild and hydrating cleanser that avoids causing dryness. Understanding your skin type is pivotal in guiding your choice towards a cleanser that aligns with your specific skincare needs and preferences.

Second step : Avoid harsh cleansers in all cases

While it might be tempting to choose a facial cleanser that leaves your skin squeaky clean, this can actually be harmful. Overly harsh cleansers can disrupt the skin's natural balance and lead to increased sebum production in response to dryness. Even if you don't have a sensitive skin types, opt instead for a gentle cleanser that removes impurities without drying out your skin.

Third step : Look for specific ingredients

Depending on your skincare needs, you may want to look for specific ingredients in your cleanser:

-Salicylic acid is excellent for combating acne.
-Hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates dry skin.
-Chamomile extract soothes sensitive skin.
-Antioxidants like Vitamin C help fight signs of aging and protect the skin against environmental attacks.

Be sure to carefully read the ingredient list to avoid products that may contain irritants or allergens for your skin.

Fourth step : Consider your routine and preferences

Think about when and how you use your cleanser. If you prefer to cleanse your face in the morning to wake up, opt for a lightweight cleanser or micellar water. In the evening, especially if you wear makeup, go for a deeper cleanse to remove impurities at the end of the day. If you’re not very fond of water, you can actually use a lotion or floral water to rinse off your cleanser.

If you have an oily Skin (or acne prone skin)

Choosing the right cleanser for oily skin types is crucial to maintain a healthy skin balance and prevent the onset of breakouts, blemishes, and excess sebum. Look for the following characteristics in a cleanser for oily skin :

Foaming cleanser, gel cleanser, or purifying cleanser: Formulas in the form of foam or gel are generally more suitable for oily skin as they effectively eliminate excess sebum. Avoid creamy cleansers or oils that may be too rich for your skin.

Avoid aggressive cleansers: While you want to eliminate excess sebum, steer clear of aggressive cleansers that dry out the skin. Balance is crucial. Your skin may react by overproducing sebum and becoming even oilier if it's too dry and stripped.

Some formulas for oily skin contain soothing ingredients like witch hazel or chamomile to reduce inflammation and calm the skin.

Common key ingredients to look for in a cleanser for oily skin include:

-Salicylic acid (BHA)
-Glycolic acid
-Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
-Green tea
-Zinc sulfate
-Clay

If you have a dry Skin types

Obviously, dry skin requires gentle and hydrating cleansers to avoid exacerbating skin dryness. Here's what you should look for in a cleanser for dry skin:

Hydrating formula: Opt for a cleanser that contains moisturizing agents such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides. These ingredients help retain moisture in the skin and prevent dehydration.

Non-irritating cleansers: Avoid cleansers containing sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), as they can be irritating for dry skin. Instead, look for mild and non-irritating products.

Creamy or milky formula: Cleansers in the form of cream or milk are often more suitable for dry skin as they gently cleanse while hydrating the skin.

Avoid harsh chemicals: Fragrances and certain chemicals can irritate dry skin. If your skin is sensitive, choose fragrance-free cleansers, those without allergens, or specially formulated for sensitive skin.

Rinse-free cleansers: Rinse-free cleansers or micellar waters can be a practical option for dry skin as they don't require water to be removed and don't strip the skin's natural oils. Note that micellar waters do not replace a deep cleansing but can be used as a supplement or on days when you want to quickly clean your skin without using water.

Soothing ingredients: Ingredients like oatmeal, chamomile extract, or aloe can help soothe and calm dry skin.

Common key ingredients to look for in a cleanser for dry skin include:

-Glycerin
-Hyaluronic acid
-Ceramides
-Plant oils (such as sweet almond oil, coconut oil, olive oil)
-Aloe extract
-Chamomile extract

Also, avoid using hot water during cleansing as it can further dry out the skin. Opt for lukewarm water instead.

If you have a combination Skin types

Combination skin presents a unique challenge as it has both oily and dry or normal areas on the face. To effectively cleanse combination skin, you need to balance the needs of each zone. Here's what you should look for in a cleanser for combination skin:

Balancing formula: Opt for a cleanser specifically designed for normal to combination skin. It should be able to deep cleanse oily areas without drying out dry areas.

Gentle formula: Ensure that the cleanser is gentle and non-irritating to avoid worsening dry or sensitive areas of your face.

Best formula: The double cleanse, a two-step makeup removal technique with an oil-based phase (cleansing oil) and an aqueous phase (gentle cleanser without sulfate surfactants).

Avoid soaps: Too depleting/abrasive, opt for gentle cleansers, a good option for normal to combination skin as they effectively remove excess sebum from oily areas without drying out dry areas.

Common key ingredients to look for in a cleanser for combination skin include:

-Salicylic acid (BHA)
-Witch hazel
-Cucumber extract
-Green tea extract
-Chamomile

If you have a normal Skin types

Normal skin is considered balanced, neither too dry nor too oily, it's basically the perfect one. For normal skin, you have the flexibility to choose from various cleansers based on your preferences.

Here are some cleanser options for normal skin:

Gentle facial cleanser: A mild and moisturizing cleanser is an option for normal skin. Look for fragrance-free products or those with a light scent to avoid irritation.

Foaming or gel cleansers: Foaming or gel cleansers provide a refreshing and clean feeling. They are effective in removing impurities and excess sebum without drying out the skin.

Hydrating cleanser: If you prefer a more hydrating cleanser without water, opt for a cream or milk-based cleanser. These products gently cleanse while moisturizing the skin.

Natural cleansers: Some prefer cleansers with natural ingredients like olive oil, coconut oil, which are gentle to the protective barrier of the skin and ultra nourishing.

Mild exfoliating cleansers: Occasionally, you can use a cleanser containing small exfoliating particles to remove dead skin cells and promote cell renewal.

Good to know :

If you have any doubt about your skin type, know that there are cleansers called "neutral" dedicated to all skin types. This is notably the case with our product "THE CLEANSING EMULSION," which purifies, hydrates, and refreshes the skin morning and night, depending on your usage.