How to pick the right cleanser for your skin type
You’ve probably heard plenty of times by now that cleansing your face is one of the most important steps in your skincare routine. But with so many different types of cleansers on the market nowadays, from balms and gels to creams and lotions, it can be tricky to know which one is right for you.
Luckily, we’re here to help. This handy guide will explain exactly how to identify your skin type and explain which cleansing method you should be using…
Oily skin
Characterised by:
- Excessively shiny skin
- Visible pores
- Tendency to develop blackheads and blemishes
Cleanser: A gentle gel formula that rinses off easily with water will leave oily skin feeling fresh and healthy. Avoid anything too drying, though, as stripping your complexion of all of its natural oils can actually cause the skin to produce more of them as a result.
We love TEMPLESPA Way To Go Purifying Cleansing Wash, a perfect everyday gel cleanser that contains an oil-balancing complex along with fragrant botanical ingredients. If you fancy trying it out, you’ll find a deluxe sample size tube inside the latest OK! Beauty Box, along with four other brilliant skin and body treats, which costs just £4.95 to new subscribers.
Dry skin
Characterised by:
- Skin feeling tight, especially after cleansing
- Rough, flaky or itchy skin
- Skin appearing ‘crepey’, with fine lines more noticeable
Cleanser: If you have dry skin, look for a cleanser that’s rich in nourishing ingredients like glycerin, squalane and natural oils. Cleansing balms and oils are great for removing makeup, while a creamy rinse-off formula would suit a morning or second cleanse. Avoid anything foaming as these formulas tend to contain astringents, which can be drying.
Combination skin
Characterised by:
- Shiny T-zone
- Normal or dry cheeks
- Occasional breakouts, typically in the T-zone
Cleanser: People with combination skin may need to keep a couple of different cleansers in their bathroom cabinet and switch between them depending on how their skin feels each day. Generally speaking, hyaluronic acid is a good ingredient to look out for as it will hydrate skin without overloading it, while a cleanser containing salicylic acid will keep breakouts at bay.
Sensitive skin
Characterised by:
- Redness
- Rough, dry or bumpy skin
- Irritation or a tingling sensation, especially after using certain skincare products
Cleanser: Pick one that’s as simple as possible, with no fragrance or active ingredients. Look for skin barrier-repairing ceramides, or soothing natural ingredients like oat or aloe vera. Pick creams and milky lotions over foaming gels and micellar waters.