What you really need in a cleanser – and how to find the best one for your skin type (2023)

FAQs

How do I know which cleanser is right for me? ›

Look for a cleanser that is hypoallergenic, free of fragrance, chemicals, or alcohol and has a non-foaming formula. It's also important to avoid antibacterial soaps and cleansers with exfoliators such as salicylic or glycolic acid, which can all dry out your skin.

If a cleanser leaves your skin feeling tight, itchy, sensitive, or oily after use, then it is likely that you cleanser is not working for you. Tight, itchy, or sensitive skin indicates a cleanser that is too strong. Oily or dirty skin might indicate a cleanser that is too gentle.

After 25-30 minutes, observe your skin—both how it looks and how it feels. If it feels tight, dry, and uncomfortable, you probably have dry skin, while those with excessive shine typically fall into the oily skin category. If your skin exhibits both oily and dry areas, you likely have combination skin.

Oil-Based Cleanser

Suitable for: all skin types. An oil-based cleanser is ideal if you need to remove heavier makeup or if you double cleanse every evening. Use your oil-based cleanser first, then follow up with a gel, cream or lotion. This type of cleanser will also leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.

Best Overall: Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser

It's gentle enough to use in a.m. and p.m. routines and has long championed now buzzy ingredients in its formulation, from glycerin (a popular humectant) to niacinamide (which can help regulate acne and minimize hyperpigmentation).

Cleanser technology has come a long way from merely cleansing to providing mildness and moisturizing benefits as well. It is known that harsh surfactants in cleansers can cause damage to skin proteins and lipids, leading to after-wash tightness, dryness, barrier damage, irritation, and even itch.

Think of your skin-care routine as consisting of three main steps: Cleansing — Washing your face. Toning — Balancing the skin. Moisturizing — Hydrating and softening the skin.

There are four basic types of healthy skin: normal, dry, oily and combination skin. Your skin types depend on how much water is in your skin (as this affects elasticity and comfort), how oily it is and how sensitive it is. Each skin type has its own characteristics and required treatments.

What are the 6 types of skin? ›

Here is a chart I've created representing the 6 basic skin types; pale, fair, medium, olive, naturally brown, and very dark brown/black.

TYPES OF FACE WASH Face washes essentially fall into three main categories: gel-, foam- and cream-based. Gel-based face washes Gel formulas usually work well for skin types that are combination or oily as they help clear excess sebum off the skin and leave it refreshed.

A cleanser dissolves away excess oil, makeup and grime from your face. These are oil-soluble impurities. They can be removed by a face wash too, but that might be not be 100% effective. A face wash's job is to remove deeper seated debris and also cleanse pores, thanks to its foaming action.

Try: From the YouBeauty blog: Mix one egg yolk, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a few drops of lemon juice. Apply to your clean face for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse off. Find out more about the benefits of olive oil for health and beauty.

You may be using unnecessary products. "Some people may just not be genetically predisposed to breakouts or may produce less [oil],” says Batra. If that sounds like you, you may actually find your skin looks better when you ditch your cleanser.

What are the 7 steps of skincare? ›

Dry skin, also known as xerosis or xeroderma, has many causes, including cold or dry weather, sun damage, harsh soaps, and overbathing.

Dry Skin: If your skin feels parched or tight when you smile, it's most likely that you have dry skin. Normal Skin: If you notice a slight shine on your nose and forehead then you have normal skin. Oily Skin: And if there is a lot of shine on your nose, forehead and cheeks, then you might have oily skin.

People with skin type V have an olive or dark skin tone and include light-skinned African-Americans, Indians, and those of Middle Eastern descent. They tan easily and very rarely burn.

If your skin is dehydrated, you may notice itchiness, dullness, under-eye circles, sunken eyes, and/or more noticeable fine lines. Severely dehydrated skin symptoms may include dizziness, dry mouth, lightheadedness and/or weakness.

Skin Type 2

If you have Type 2 skin, you probably have blue, gray or green eyes and naturally blonde hair or brown hair. Your skin is fairly light but may build a tan with repeated exposure to the sun. It's more likely to burn and then peel away, and you may notice freckles if you spend too much time outdoors.

Type 3 – Slightly darker, golden skin tone. May have darker hair or eye color. Skin might burn, freckle, or tan, depending on the extent of sun exposure. Type 4 – Light brown or olive skin, darker hair and eye color. Skin may burn, doesn't typically freckle, and tans readily.

How do you know if your skin is healthy? ›

Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe is the #1 dermatologist recommended skincare brand¹.

If you have normal to oily skin and prefer a gel-based foaming cleanser, CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser will be the best choice. If you have dry acne-prone skin or sensitive acne-prone skin, Cetaphil Gentle Clear Clarifying Acne Cream Cleanser will most likely be the better choice.

Moving away from harsh scented products, the top skincare trends of this year include SPF, glass skin and ceramides. Popular makeup trends like glitter lips and faux freckles are also popular this year, ranking among the top 20 hottest trends.

The right cleanser for you might be different from what your best friend is using, says Zeichner. “If you have dry or sensitive skin, stick to hydrating, nonfoaming cleansers, because the lathering agents used in foaming cleansers tend to be more drying on the skin,” he explains.

What should be applied on face before sleeping? ›