Dryness, irritation, excessive oil production, and flaking-these and other problems associated with facial skin are practically familiar to everyone. You might also be among those who are trying to cope with these challenges.
Typically, people test various creams and serums during this time. However, they forget the most important thing: the face cleanser. Often, the cause of skin irritation is precisely the wrong choice of face wash.
Factors such as dust, wind, makeup, overly cold or hot weather, as well as changes occurring within the body, affect facial skin. For your skin to "breathe," it needs help.
In this blog, you will learn how to care for your skin, what types of cleansers exist, how to choose them, what mistakes to avoid, and where to purchase high-quality products.
To choose the right face cleanser for you, you first need to know what type of skin you have. Using the wrong product can worsen the skin's condition, for example, by increasing dryness or, conversely, oil production. It should be noted that skin types are divided into four main categories: dry, oily, combination, and sensitive.
Dry Skin is characterized by a deficiency of sebum, the natural oil. This causes constant tightness, especially after washing. This is accompanied by flaking, rough texture, and redness. This skin type needs a gentle, moisturizing cleansing gel or cream.
Oily Skin is distinguished by the activity of the sebaceous glands, which causes constant shine on the skin's surface. It is characterized by enlarged pores and a high tendency toward acne and blackheads. A purifying foaming or gel cleanser is ideal for this skin type.
Combination Skin is the most common type. It combines dry and oily zones. Typically, the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) is oily and shiny, while the cheeks are normal or dry. In this case, the best solution is a balanced face cleansing gel.
Sensitive Skin – it should be noted that this is not a separate type, but rather a skin condition characterized by high sensitivity to external or internal factors. This often manifests as redness, itching, and irritation. In this case, it is essential to select a hypoallergenic and fragrance-free face cleanser with particular care.
It's a fact that what dry skin needs, oily skin may not tolerate at all. That is why it is important to know exactly what type of skin you have.
To find this out, you can use several practical methods at home.
The "Bare Face Test" is the simplest and most reliable method. First, gently rinse your face with water only, do not apply cream, oil, or toner. Wait one hour and then assess the skin's condition.
If the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) is shiny and the pores are enlarged—this means the skin is oily;
When the T-zone is slightly shiny, but the cheeks are dry, you have combination skin;
If you feel tightness all over your face and the skin is flaking, then you have dry skin;
In the case of normal skin, there is no excessive shine or tightness.
The second common method is the Paper Towel Test. After one hour has passed since washing, place a paper towel on your face. If the towel becomes completely oily, then you have oily skin. If the oil is only on the T-zone, then it is combination. If the towel remains dry, consider your skin type to be dry, and if you notice a small trace of oil, it means you have normal skin.
After accurately determining your skin type, it's time to choose a cleanser. The main thing here is that the product effectively removes dirt and makeup without damaging the skin's natural protective barrier.
For dry and sensitive skin, the main challenge is maintaining moisture. Aggressive cleansers strip the lipid barrier, which further exacerbates dryness and tightness.
Dry and sensitive skin benefits from a creamy gel or milk texture cleanser. For the first step of a double cleanse, an oil cleanser is recommended. This is important because they contain an oil phase that cleanses the skin without over-drying. Their low pH formula maintains the skin's acidity balance.
For this skin type, look for products enriched with moisturizing components such as:
Ceramides – Lipids that restore and strengthen the skin barrier;
Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin – Moisture-retaining ingredients;
Shea Butter or Almond Oil – For extra nourishment.
Keep in mind that you should avoid using cleansers that contain alcohol, sulfates (SLS/SLES), and strong fragrances, as they irritate and dry out the skin.
If you have oily facial skin, you should use a cleanser that can effectively tackle excess sebum and dirt accumulated in the pores.
Accordingly, the recommended product type is a light facial cleansing gel or foaming cleanser (Foam Cleanser). Notably, foam sometimes dissolves oil faster and provides a feeling of cleanliness.
Cleansing gels and foams are mostly water-based products that deeply cleanse pores, prevent acne development, and control shine.
Cleansers for oily skin should contain the following key ingredients:
Salicylic Acid (BHA) – An oil-soluble acid that penetrates pores and cleanses them from the inside;
Glycolic Acid (AHA) – Helps with the exfoliation of the skin surface—the removal of dead cells;
Clay (Kaolin/Bentonite) – Some cleansing gels contain a small amount of clay, which absorbs oil.
Avoid heavy mineral oils and creamy textures, which can further clog pores.
First, it must be said that combination skin requires balance. The cleanser must clean the oily T-zone but, at the same time, should not dry out the cheeks.
That is why a soft cleansing gel or a light, non-aggressive foaming cleanser is recommended. Such formulas typically do not contain oil and do not cause irritation. They effectively cleanse oily areas.
Notably, a double cleanse is recommended for combination skin in the evening routine. For the first step, use an oil cleanser or micellar water to remove makeup, sunscreen, and oil. Then, apply a light cleansing gel to the face to remove remaining dirt. This ensures thorough cleansing without drying out any area.
As a result, it is a fact that an oil cleanser is ideal for removing makeup and for dry skin; a cleansing gel is the most universal product, good for oily and combination skin; foaming cleanser is light but effective and often used for oily skin; a creamy cleanser has a soothing effect and is intended for dry skin.
Choosing the right face cleanser is only half the battle. In reality, the product's effectiveness depends on how you use it daily. There are several recommendations and factors that are very important to consider.
Water Temperature – Never use very hot water. Hot water strips the skin's natural protective lipid barrier, which causes dryness and irritation. The best option is to wash with lukewarm or cool water.
Washing Frequency – You should wash your face twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. This is necessary because in the morning you need to remove the excess oil and products accumulated overnight. In the evening, washing is necessary to remove makeup, sunscreen, and dirt.
The Most Common Mistake – Avoid vigorously scrubbing your skin or using aggressive, granular scrubs daily. Excessive exfoliation can severely damage the skin. Therefore, it is important to treat it gently.
After using the cleanser, apply a toner, serum, and moisturizer to the skin to balance and hydrate it.
To find the ideal face cleanser tailored to your skin type, you can check out the wide assortment at GPS (JPS).
As mentioned repeatedly, the health of facial skin depends on various factors. Among them, the correct choice of cleansing products holds an important place. The ideal product may improve your skin condition and overall quality of life, as problematic facial skin sometimes affects self-confidence.
Keep in mind that you should always choose high-quality cleansing products. Such products can be purchased at the pharmacy chain GPS (JPS). Face cleansers for various skin types are presented at the pharmacy and on the website. Qualified pharmacists answer all interesting questions from customers and help them make informed decisions.
Remember to always read the labels. Also, consider your skin's individual needs and choose a face cleanser that suits your skin best.
