Glowing, smooth, and blemish-free skin every single day: isn’t that the aim? However, in modern times, with its daily stress, pollution, and fast-food diets, getting such glowing skin naturally is difficult. This is why you need a custom skincare regime that takes care of your specific skin troubles. And one of the first steps to that skincare regime is to choose the right face wash.
But choosing a face wash is not as easy as buying anything you can lay your hands on. You need to understand your skin type well to buy the right face wash.
What does a face wash actually do?
Essentially, a face wash needs to get rid of makeup, dead cells, bacteria, sebum, sweat, and dirt from the skin surface. Therefore, it is highly vital to clean your face in the right manner. And for that, you will need a face wash that suits your skin type. For instance, a rich cleanser might clog pores, and a drying cleanser can irritate the skin.
You need to look for ingredients that are sulfate-free and do not irritate your skin. Also, it is better not to use regular soap that you use for your hands or body on your face. It tends to be too drying and harsh and can lead to skin damage over time.
Choosing the best face wash as per your skin type
Figuring out your skin type is a crucial step in the process of selecting the right face wash. However, it is also important to remember that skincare categories are pretty broad. Some people have sensitive or dry skin with an oily T-zone.
Also, the skin type you have now is not the same as that you had as a teenager. Your skin might get less oily as you age or drier due to hormonal fluctuations. Your skin might turn more or less sensitive than before, as well.
Keeping everything in mind, this is a general discussion on choosing the right face wash as per your skin type.
1. Dry skin
You have a basic idea about how dry skin feels like. You might have experienced it on your hands during the winters. However, dry skin is even more uncomfortable on your face and looks unsightly if not taken care of. In addition, dry skin tends to lose moisture easily, so you might find it flaky or bumpy.
If you have dry skin, it is best to go for hydrating cleansers that clean your face without making it drier than before. Also, remember to moisturize your face with an oil-based moisturizer right after cleansing.
2. Oily skin
The issue with oily skin is that it makes excess oil or sebum, which results in the almost wet-like look of this skin type. Therefore, oily skin needs an intense cleanser in either foam or gel consistency that might have exfoliating ingredients, such as lactic acid or salicylic acid. It helps to remove excess oil from your pores.
You can also look for deep cleansing gel formulations that have copper and zinc minerals. It helps to remove blemishes, clogged pores, reduce breakouts, excess oil, and remove dirt. You can use light moisture afterward, as well.
3. Sensitive skin
Sensitive skin is prone to inflammation, redness, and sensations on the skin like burning and stinging. Due to this reason, selecting the right facial cleanser is necessary. Anything harsh and loaded with chemicals can cause an allergic reaction. This type of skin is common in people who have eczema or skin allergies.
You need to look for terms like ‘suitable for sensitive skin’ and ‘hypoallergenic’ on the label. Top companies making sensitive skin face wash ensure that the products have qualities to match such claims.
Go for a creamy (remember: not foamy) cleanser for your sensitive skin. People with sensitive skin need a mild cleanser that is good for daily use. Look for products that are soap-free and oil-free. It will ensure that the pores aren’t clogged, and the formulation is not too drying or harsh on your skin.
4. Combination skin
A combination skin type entails a broader category than all others because it tends to combine all the above. Thus, the face wash you select needs to address more than one concern. First, look for something that gently exfoliates your skin while addressing any dullness. It will help to brighten out your skin tone and give you an even tone. Second, ensure that the product you select is not too abrasive or harsh on your skin but effectively removes dead skin cells.
The ones with combination skin types require a face wash that offers the perfect balance. It needs to address the dry patches, as well as the shiny spots in the T-zone area.
5. Normal skin
If you have normal skin, you are surely one of the luckier people. Your skin is neither too oily nor too dry and remains well-balanced at all times. As a result, the ones with normal skin are usually not prone to irritation or sensitivity. This fact is especially true in terms of applying new skin products. Normal skin also remains well-hydrated without being too shiny or greasy.
Go for a cleanser that is gentle yet effective in cleansing your skin. It needs to remove any excess oil buildup without drying out your skin. The thing about gentle face washes is that you can easily use them twice daily. It will not feel harsh on the skin or irritate it. In fact, such a face wash is good for all, especially the ones having active ingredients like retinoids in their current regimen.
Wrapping up
Hopefully, you now have a fair idea about the type of face wash you need to keep your skin happy and healthy. It’s important to keep these ideas in mind before adding a new face wash to your shopping cart. Also, remember to diligently follow other parts of your skincare regime, such as moisturizing, toning, and so on.
