The skin care industry is a $130 billion[1] (Forbes, 2017) industry and cleansers being necessities have the lowest barriers to entry; it is no wonder beauty companies have been developing a multitude of cleanser types to suit different skins and concerns. So, from the countless types, how should we choose the right cleanser that suits us?
The most essential step is to identify the right kind of cleanser that suits our skin type. Do you have normal, oily, combination, sensitive, acne prone or dry skin? From gel type cleansers to foam type cleansers - we break down and recommend suitable cleansers for different skin types.
Normal
You’re the lucky one! Your skin is seldom sensitive, dry nor oily and barely have breakouts. Almost all ingredients are good for you and you have the luxury to experiment with different cleansers till you find one you can call your holy grail product.
You’d like to be trying cleansers that will preserve the natural sebum that you have like the Korres White Tea Gel Cleanser which is a gel type formula containing vegetable derived soap substitutes which gently cleans whilst maintain your skin’s hydration.
If you’d prefer a foaming cleanser, the Skin 79 Aragospa Foaming Cleanser is enriched with Jeju Aragonite thermal water which delivers moisture whilst the micro foam bubbles cleans out the skin thoroughly.
Combination
You find trouble identifying the type of skin you have - only partial areas on your face is oily, like your T-zone, where the other parts are dry. Your skincare routine should be revolving around the balance of your complexion, getting the oily areas dryer and vice versa. That’s exactly what Balance Me’s Pure Skin Face Wash sets out to do - just like its name suggests, it is a formula built to clear congested pores and eliminate unwanted shine. The Grapefruit, Frankincense and Roman Chamomile Oils blend will leave your skin rebalanced and looking brighter.
Sensitive
This is the lot where you’d need to be extra careful with what you use and patch tests are essential when sampling a new product. If you have sensitive skin, it’s probably genetics, your existing skin condition like eczema or rosacea or a form of side effect from something you ate or applied. I feel you.
“Non-irritant” is the keyword here, on top of “fragrance-free” and “alcohol-free”. The ingredient list is probably the first thing you should be looking at when considering a new product; or a brand’s reputation, like Pai's Skincare Camellia and Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser. It is alcohol free and contains sweet almond and castor oils that effortlessly helps to dissolve makeup and daily dirt without over-drying. Fortified with Omega 3 and rich with Vitamins A, B and E, this cleanser protets the skin's natural moisture barrier. It has also been certified as organic by the Soil Association!
Dry
There’s a difference between dry and dehydrated skin. Dehydrated skin is caused by the skin retaining too little moisture where dry skin is when the skin’s sebaceous glands do not produce enough oil to properly hydrate the epidermis layer of our skin. Dry skin causes skin dullness and flaky skin and you’d be prone to redness or sensitivity as well.
To replenish the moisture of the skin, oil is the remedy. Not only are oils rich in vitamins, they nourish and repair the damage skin layers. The Aromatherapy Associates Hydrating Renewing Rose Cleanser is booted with Damask Rose oil which is the variety of Rose which has the strongest fragrance and highest oil content. Rose oils are great for treating inflammation and firming up the skin; amongst other medicinal benefits. The Damask Rose oil is coupled with Jojoba essential oils in this cleanser, an oil which is known for its high vitamin content, antibacterial and moisturizing properties.
Acne-prone / Oily Skin
Your skin is perpetually shiny from your skin’s excessive oil production and you find yourself replenishing on your oil blotter stock too often for comfort. Over secretion from the sebaceous glands causes oil and debris buildup in the pores, plaguing you with enlarged pores and very often acne breakouts..
Your cleanser’s key is strike a balance between oil control and stripping all the moisture off your skin. It’s important keep your skin’s moisture present, if not the skin will produce more oil to compensate that deficiency.
Gentle yet effective cleansers like the COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser contains the powerhouse natural exfoliant Salicylic Acid when penetrates pores and unclog them from within. Its blend with Tea Tree Oil and Willow Bark Water also heals blemish spots while replenishing the skin’s moisture.
