Guide to finding the best facial wash for your skin type
WAIT, amidst the current health crisis when we’re all locked up inside our homes, how do you take care of your skin?
Well, isn’t the first step to attain a good skin is to have a cleanser that will work best for you? Your serums and moisturizers – no matter how good their formulas are – won’t work their full potential if your complexion isn’t a clean slate. It should effectively get rid of impurities hiding beneath the pores while addressing other skin concerns.
Now how do we choose our cleanser?
Know your skin type first
Observing how your complexion is throughout the day will help you determine what skin type it falls under. Is it dry, oily, combination, sensitive, or normal? Wash your face first, and don’t put on any product. Observe after an hour and check if your face shows any of the following characteristics:
- Oily – Shiny; prone to breakouts
- Dry – Feels tight, sometimes patchy
- Combination – Oily T-zone, patchy cheeks
- Sensitive – Reacts to almost anything you put on your face
- Normal – Clear, neither too shiny nor dry
Identify your specific skin concern
Besides knowing your skin type, considering the specific concern you want to address will help narrow down the search. Here’s a quick list of the most common complexion issues:
- Acne – Pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, cysts
- Clogged pores – Blackheads, whiteheads, “bumpy” skin
- Oiliness – Shiny T-zone, occasional breakouts
- Texture – Scars, bumps
- Aging – Wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin
- Pigmentation – Dark spots
- Dehydration – Flaky yet shiny
- Sensitivity – Redness, inflammation, reactive
Always check the label
Read in order to find out if the cleanser will work for your skin type and help target your problems. Besides those, you can also refer to this general list of ingredients or labels you should look for:
- Salicylic acid – Exfoliates deep beneath the pores.
- Glycolic acid – Boosts skin cell renewal; reveals radiance
- Tea tree oil – Treats breakouts
- Vitamin C – Brightens discoloration and dark spots
- Niacinamide – Clears the skin; brightens
- Sulfate-free – Free of sodium laureth sulfate; won’t leave the skin feeling dry and taut.
Pick the right formula and texture for your skin type
Facial washes come in many formulas and textures, and there are some that will work better for your skin type.
* Clay and foam
These formulas absorb excess sebum. Use this kind of cleanser if you have oily or acne-prone skin.
* Gel cleansers
Gel cleansers are known to be refreshing the skin. Add these to your routine on hot, humid days. Suitable for all skin types.
* Creamy cleansers
Turn to cream cleansers if you’re looking for a gentle, hydrating formula.(with reports from Ira Nopuente/Cosmo/PN)
