How Do I Choose the Right Cleanser for My Skin?

We’ve all been there, standing in the skin care isle of our local drug or department store, looking completely confused and frustrated. “I mean, does it really even make a difference what cleanser I use? Will it really help improve my skin?’ Many of you reading this may be thinking,”I’ve tried so many and still have yet to find my perfect, year-round cleanser.

The truth is, there is no “perfect” year-round cleanser. Our skin changes with age, environmental factors and stress. As a result, so will our skin care regimen.

So does it really make the difference? Of course! Choosing the right cleanser for your skin type and condition will help your products penetrate deeper; give you a clean canvas for makeup application and last but not least, aid in our ultimate goal, which is of course, to stay looking beautiful and young FOREVER! Okay maybe not the last part but-hey, a girl can dream. Either way, cleansing can definitely help the aging process come at us in a much more graceful manner.

That having been said, the key to finding the correct cleanser is identifying your skin type and condition and the difference between the two. Your skin type is something that you’re born with. Some skin conditions are caused by external factors like the weather, incorrect products used on the skin, and even certain in-office skin treatments.

Skin Type

Normal skin is hydrated and tends to be clear and even-toned. It also tolerates exfoliation and more aggressive skincare ingredients

Oily skin is caused by overactive oil glands. It has a shiny appearance, enlarged pores, and acne is a primary concern.

Dry skin experiences flaking, itching, and dullness. Dry skin does not produce enough oil. Cold weather and harsh conditions make symptoms worse.

Combination skin, this is when some parts of your face are oily while others are dry or sensitive. You may you have heard of the term T-Zone. This refers to the forehead, nose and chin, the area of the face that is usually oil while the rest of your face may feel dry.

Sensitive skin reacts to products or the environment with redness and itching. It is often experienced from birth. Commonly seen in people with Rosacea.

Common Skin Conditions

Aging Skin: Dry skin and wrinkles are caused by sun exposure and decreased oil production. Signs include enlarged pores, loss of elasticity, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.

Acne Prone Skin: Excess oil and excessive cell production lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
Acne includes blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, and pimples. Acne can affect all ages but is more common in adolescents.

Hyperpigmentation(dark spots): Sun exposure is the primary cause of pigment changes. Hormone-induced hyperpigmentation causes dark patches on the forehead and cheeks. Past acne and other trauma may result in dark spots.

Rosacea: This condition causes persistent blushing and flushing. Rosacea may lead to broken blood vessels and pimple-like lesions on the cheeks and nose.

Dehydrated Skin: Dehydrated skin is rough, itchy, and flaky.
It does not maintain proper levels of hydration and the lack of moisture makes wrinkles more visible.

Sensitized Skin: Sensitized skin is not something you were born with, rather a condition produced by an internal or external factor. For example, some antibiotics, diseases, and even in-office clinical procedures can cause your skin to be more sensitive. Many times it is red, inflamed, and itchy. Harsh ingredients can also sensitize the skin.

Now that we have covered skin types and conditions, its time to identify where you’re at.

Here is a little “layout” for you to go by when choosing your cleanser.

Oily/Acne: For oily complexions, the best types of cleansers are oil-free options that usually come in gel form. Be sure to look for acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide if you’re concerned with breakouts. Avoid harsh scrubs as well.

Combination/Normal: With combination skin, look for cleansers that contain glycolic acid or lactic acid, this will help keep skin hydrated and exfoliated.

Dry Skin/Dehydrated: Dry skin lacks oil. For drier skin types, look for milk, cream, or oil cleansers that will help you wash away impurities without stripping your skin of necessary oils. Dehydrated skin lacks water therefor look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid to help bind moister to your skin.

Rosacea/ Sensitized/ Sensitive: For this skin type, it’s best to lean towards calming and soothing ingredients like aloe, green tea or oatmeal. Stay away from fragrance, and the less ingredients you see, the better.

Aging: Look for cleansers that contain retinoid, glycolic acid and vitamin C to help remove the dead cells that may usually take longer to slough off with aging. Make sure it doesn’t strip your skin and leave it feeling tight though, that’s a sign you have overdone it.

I hope this article helps you on your search for the right facial cleanser. Keep in mind these are just a few of many ingredients you can choose from. Everyone has different skin, and when dealing with skin conditions, I highly recommend to see a Skin Care Specialist as myself get a deeper look. Together we can work to achieve beautiful and radiant skin. Good luck guys!

Iris

The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The Aesthetic & Wellness Center is not responsible or liable for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products that you obtain through this site. After reading articles, watching videos or reading other content from this website, you are encouraged to review the information carefully with your professional healthcare provider or skin care specialist.