How To Choose The Best Facial Cleanser For Your Skin Type

By Hanna G.  
December 17, 2019

Keeping your skin healthy and glowing can be achieved by having a long-term relationship with products that fit your skin type, lifestyle, and needs. 

The more you know your skin, the more you can take better care of it.

First, let’s talk about the most important part of our skincare routine, cleansing. Have you found your holy grail? Are you still on the lookout for the best facial cleanser for your skin?

Before we dive into details, let’s take a closer look at skin types.

What are the common types of skin?

• Normal: Otherwise known as eudermic skin, this type of skin is well-balanced. Normal skin appears to be healthy, glowing, and radiant. Its moisture content and sebum production are within the normal range. 
  
• Dry: Dry skin or xerosis can be caused by genetic and environmental factors. It lacks natural moisture and produces less sebum compared to those who have normal skin.
  
• Oily: This type of skin produces an excessive amount of sebum. Also known as seborrhea, oily skin is susceptible to blackheads and pimples.
• Combination: This type of skin is a mix of both oily and dry skin in different areas of the face. Usually, dry skin affects the cheeks, mouth, and eyes, while the forehead, nose, and chin are oily.  

How can I identify my skin type?

Aside from consulting a dermatologist, there are many ways to know what type of skin you have. Listed below are some of the most common characteristics of each.

1. Normal skin

• Pores are fine and hardly visible
  
• Free from blemishes
  
• Good blood circulation
  
• Neither dry nor oily
  
• Skin texture is soft, smooth, and velvety
  
• Normal skin
  

2. Dry skin

• Pores are barely visible
  
• Tight and lacks elasticity
  
• Skin is dull and lifeless
  
• Wrinkles are extremely visible
  
• Skin texture is rough, mild to extremely flaky, and prone to infections
  

3. Oily skin

• Pores are large and extremely visible
  
• Skin is more plump
  
• Prone to whiteheads, blackheads, and acne
  
• Skin is shiny and greasy especially in the T-zone area
  
• Skin looks pale
  

4. Combination skin

• T-zone area (forehead, nose, and chin) is oily, while the rest of the face is dry
  
• Chin, nose, and forehead are prone to acne
  
• Cheeks, eyes, and mouth area appear to be normal or dry
  
• There is tightness, redness, and itchiness in selected areas of the face
  
• Pores are enlarged in areas that are oily
  

What is a good cleanser?

You might ask, “Now I know what type of skin I have, how would I know what’s the best facial cleanser for me?” Don’t worry, we got you covered. Here are the common types of face cleansers.

1. Micellar Water

Micelles are tiny oil or soap molecules in water. The micelle lifts away dirt, oil, and makeup away from the face. Micellar water is gentle to the skin and for removing makeup around the eyes and lips. Some micellar water products don't require rinsing, but sensitive skin may experience less irritation by washing off afterward.

BEST FOR: Normal, sensitive skin

2. Cream Cleanser

Cream cleansers are usually richer and more moisturizing. Much like a facial moisturizer, a cream cleanser can be formulated with both water and oil. A surfactant is also added to create foam and to make it easier to wash off.

BEST FOR: Dry skin

3. Gel Cleanser

Facial cleansers in gel form are made for deep cleansing. But mind you, it’s formulation is still gentle to the skin. Some brands even add salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and allantoin to deep clean and soothe, making it perfect for those with acne-prone skin.

BEST FOR: Oily, acne-prone skin

4. Powder

Powder cleansers do not contain any water so they can be concentrated and versatile. Sometimes, a surfactant is added for that familiar foamy feeling. It can also be a multi-tasking cleanser, acting as an exfoliant and a mask.

BEST FOR: All skin types

How to choose the best facial cleanser for your skin type?

Before you start hoarding, let us take a closer look at what are the things you need to consider in buying the best facial cleanser for your skin type.

Given that there are a few common types of facial cleansers, you are the only one who can tell if these. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to help you decide.

• Does my skin feel tight and over-dry after cleansing?
  
• Does it balance my skin’s ph level?
  
• Does it help remove makeup effectively?
  
• Does it clog my pores and cause irritation or redness?
  
• Does it wash dirt and oil on my face thoroughly? 
  

To summarize it:

Now that you know what type of skin you have, it’s a lot easier to choose which the best facial cleanser for you. Before switching from one product to another, give your skin time to get used to the product. Make it a habit to read the labels. Lastly, choose a face cleanser that cleans gently without irritating the skin and its natural barrier.

When all else fails, do not hesitate to consult a dermatologist.

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