Face Wash 101: How To Choose The Right Face Wash For Your Skin Type

Whether one swears by a multistep skincare routine or observes minimalism, a face wash is a non-negotiable in every beauty cabinet. This no-fuss, frills-free formulation expertly clears all the dust, grime, and pollution from the pores while leaving the skin rejuvenated. A potent face wash achieves all of the above (and more) without disturbing the dermis’ natural pH (approximately 5.5) or overdrying the skin.

But how should you pick amongst an avalanche of offerings? That one product that brings you closer to the skin of your dreams? Well, it’s easy – a glance at the ingredient glossary of the product will stand you in good stead w.r.t your ritual. To help you in this endeavour, we are bringing forth a list of ingredients you should seek in your go-to face wash based on your skin type. Scroll further to make an informed choice. But before we get to this skin type-wise distinction, let us look at some dos and don’ts for using face wash. Next, we segway into the perfect face washing techniques for the benefit of all of our readers.

• A List of Dos and Don’ts

1. Do Pick Your Perfect Match:Before you decide to buy face wash online or offline it may seem like a trivial decision, it plays a pivotal role in determining the success of your regimen.
2. Don’t Overwash: If you have oily skin, turning to your face wash more than twice a day can seem tempting. However, overwashing your skin can be counterproductive. It strips the skin of its natural oils, leading to excessive dryness or uncomfy tautness.
3. Do Use Your Face Wash Twice A Day: You should summon a face wash suited to your skin type twice a day. Follow this up with a result-oriented serum and ensure to lock in the water content with a generous amount of your favourite moisturiser.
4. Don’t be Aggressive With Your Skin: While washing your face, it’s important to be gentle with the skin. Use your fingertips and rub the cleanser into your skin in small circular motions. Don’t be aggressive during this process, as it may harm your skin.

• The Right Way to Wash Your Face

1. Use A Pea-Sized Amount of The Product: Squeeze out a pea-sized amount of your face wash on clean hands. Rub it between the palms to create a rich lather.
2. Wash Gently: Use your fingertips to cleanse your face for a solid minute. Remember, being too aggressive or vigorous during this process can lead to a damaged skin barrier.
3. Rinse Using Lukewarm Water: Once through with the cleansing, use lukewarm water to rinse your face. Ensure that there is no product residue left, as it may lead to irritation or inflammation.
4. Use A Clean Towel To Dry: Next, use a clean towel to dab your face dry. Follow it with a lather of your favourite moisturiser to help seal the water content.

• Face Wash for Your Skin Type

Now that you are well-versed with the dos/don’ts and the expert-approved face washing techniques, it’s time to incorporate the ideal cleanser into your regimen. We know, there are four different skin types- dry, oily, combination, and sensitive – each demanding a unique formulation. Keep scrolling through to make an informed decision!

1. For Dry Skin: If you struggle with dry skin (leading to flakiness and dull complexion), look for a face wash infused with an infallible humectant. For those new to this word, a humectant binds water molecules to the skin, making it look supple, smooth, and luminously radiant.

Ingredients On Your Radar: Hyaluronic acid, glycerine

2. For Oily Skin: If your pores are expelling excess oil perpetually, look for gentle exfoliants in your face wash. The MVP of tackling oily skin, salicylic acid, curbs sebaceous glands, reduces the appearance of pores, and exterminates dead-dried cells from the dermis. Additionally, you may look for formulations with benzoyl peroxide which deliver similar results.

Ingredients On Your Radar: Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide

3. For Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin can flare up due to environmental aggressors, temperamental weather conditions, and pollution (among other things). To minimize these episodes, look for face washes that are SLS-free, fragrance-devoid, and cruelty free. These gentle yet meticulous formulas will ensure you a squeaky clean wash without any troubles. Additionally, look for soothing agents such as honey, aloe, chamomile, and rose to alleviate rashes or redness.

Ingredients On Your Radar: Honey, aloe, chamomile, rose

4. For Combination Skin:

Combination skin type is tricky to maintain – characterised by random dry patches on the dermis and an exceptionally oily T-zone. If you are a combination skin girl, look for ingredients that help optimize your skin’ health by cutting excess oil and administering a dose of hydration.

Ingredients On Radar: coconut oil, shea butter, oatmeal and honey