Things to look for in a facial cleanser
A facial cleanser is an indispensable product in any woman’s make-up kit. Whether it means feeling fresh at the start of the day or simply prepping up your skin before a night out, a facial cleanser can truly rejuvenate your skin. Yet, with so many products out there and each brand having their own set of claims, it is really hard to pick from all the options available. How do you decide whether you should go for a gel, cream, a soap pad, or a scrub? How do you shortlist the best facial cleansers suited to a particular skin type?

How do you choose a cleanser for dry skin?

• Dry skin is flaky and cracks easily due to a lack of moisture.
• A dry skin facial cleanser is one that cleans without stripping the skin off its natural oils.
• Look for milk or cream-based cleansers.
• Other great ingredients include almond extracts, glycerin, and jojoba.
• Avoid facial cleansing products that contain alcohol.

How do you select a cleanser for oily skin?

• Oily skin is one that is prone to frequent breakouts and acne.

How do you zero down on a cleanser for normal skin?

• For the few people who are blessed with normal skin, choosing skin care products is a relatively simple task.
• While almost any cleanser will do, it is best to go for one that is organic with minimal chemical ingredients to prevent any kind of reactions on the skin.
• Opt for a cleanser that is gel or foam-based and fragrance-free. A product with micro-particles will serve as a cleanser-cum-scrub to cleanse the pores.
• Remember, the basic rule of thumb is that the cleanser should not leave your skin feeling dry after use.

What is the right way of choosing a cleanser for combination skin?

• Combination skin is one that has oily and dry parts. Usually, the T-zone (forehead, chin, and nose) is oily and the rest of the skin is dry and patchy.
• Look for ingredients such as salicylic acid and peptides, which cleanse without over-drying the skin.
• Stay away from products that have too much fragrance.

What should you look for in a cleanser for sensitive skin?

• People with sensitive skin have a thinner layer of outer skin compared to others. This causes a fast reaction to most environmental pollutants and chemicals.
• Opt for a facial cleanser with cooling and calming ingredients such as chamomile and aloe vera.
• If sensitive skin is accompanied by conditions such as rosacea or psoriasis, it is better to take a prescription facial cleanser from a dermatologist.

Is it better to take a dermatologist’s prescription or buy an over-the-counter cleanser?

• The answer to this really depends on your skin type and whether there are any particular issues with your skin health.
• If your skin is excessively dry or oily or if there are skin disorders such as eczema, it is best to consult a dermatologist before purchasing any product.
• However, if your skin type is normal or with a few breakouts and no major acne, a regular drugstore-purchased facial cleanser will work just fine.
• There are many great options of facial cleansers available out there. Do read the product reviews given by other customers before deciding on a product.
• Finally, remember that a costlier product is not always better.

All said and done, the most obvious first step that you should take is to find out your skin type. This is because even the best facial cleansers will not serve the purpose if they are not suited to your skin type.