How to Choose the Best Facial Cleanser for Your Skincare Routine

The face is the most visible part of the human body, the most visually expressive and recognizable feature of a person.  That is why it is very important to take care of our face, maintain its health, enhance its appearance, and keep it clean.  One way to do it is to use facial cleansers.

Of course, it is used to remove dirt from the face and more.  They are considered the foundation of a proper skincare routine that starts from removing not just dirt, but also oil, makeup, sweat, and other impurities on your face.  The purpose of facial cleansers is not just to clean the skin, but also to prevent clogged pores, prepare the skin for other skin care treatments, and maintain the skin’s natural barrier.  These cleansers may be in the form of gel, foam, cream, oil-based, micellar water, clay, or exfoliating agents.   With the many available facial cleansers in the market, which one is right for you?

Know Your Skin Type

If you have oily skin, that gets shiny and feels greasy throughout the day, choose the gel or foaming cleanser to remove oil and unclog pores without stripping your skin.  However, if your skin feels tight, flaky, or dehydrated, then use cream or milk cleansers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides to hydrate your dry skin.  A combination skin is when you have an oily T-zone covering the forehead, nose, and chin, but dry cheeks, then gentle gel cleansers or micellar water will work as a balanced cleanser to target both issues of dry and oil skin.  Meanwhile, sensitive skin that easily gets irritated needs a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic cleanser with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile.   Finally, if you have neither too oily nor too dry skin, then you’re blessed to have normal skin where you can use a mild, pH-balanced cleanser for maintenance.  

Consider Your Skin Concerns

You should also choose a facial cleanser that will address a particular issue that bothers you.  For acne, cleaners with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide will treat breakouts and prevent clogged pores.  If dullness is your concern, you can achieve brighter skin with cleansers containing exfoliating ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).  Meanwhile, to manage aging, and combat free radicals to promote youthful skin, use cleanser with antioxidants like vitamin C or green tea extract.  If redness of the skin is the issue, niacinamide or calendula are calming agents that can reduce inflammation and soothe redness.

Check the Ingredients

Avoid harsh ingredients like sulfates that can strip your skin’s natural oils and alcohol which causes dryness.  Prefer for hydrating agents like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides; exfoliants such as AHAs, BHAs, or enzymes; antioxidants from vitamin C, E, or green tea; and soothing agents from aloe vera, chamomile, or calendula.

Test the Texture

Gel cleansers are appropriate for oily and acne-prone skin while creams are ideal for dry or sensitive skin.  Foam cleansers are reliable for combination or oily skin but can be drying if overused.  On the other hand, micellar water is perfect for sensitive skin and will yield quick, gentle cleansing without rinsing.  Cleansing balms or oils are best for removing makeup and sunscreen while maintaining hydration.

Before committing to a facial cleanser, perform a patch test to ensure it doesn’t irritate your skin.  Take time to experiment and find the best product that will leave your face clean, refreshed, and radiant.

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