How to Wash Your Face Based on Your Skin Type
Discovering the right products and practices for your skin is as simple as understanding your skin type. Below, we’ve laid out how you can take your first step toward flawless skin with a breakdown of the most effective tips and ingredients for cleansing your face.
Dry skin
If your face feels itchy and/or flaky, avoid any products that strip down your skin and dry it out more. That means harsh alcohols and soaps are out, and creamy, hydrating cleansers and oils are in. Skin Laundry Hydrating Cream Face Wash ($20) is infused with deliciously hydrating macadamia and meadowfoam oil. Or try Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleanser Gel ($9) to remove your makeup and wash away grime. It contains hyaluronic acid, which gives your complexion the pretty plump and hydrated look you’re after. Always finish with serums and a moisturizer that contains SPF.
Oily skin
For your specific needs, cleansers that control oily (sebaceous) glands but don’t clog pores are your best bet. Try Lancome Gel Pure Focus ($26), which contains ingredients like sodium benzoate and salicylic acid to help absorb oil, reduce shine, and tighten those pores. Alternatively, Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash ($13) features calendula extract, which is a highly effective soother and calming agent for oily skin. After cleansing, use a toner a few times a week and make sure your moisturizer is oil-free.
Combo skin
Forehead feels dry, but chin oily and breaking out (or vice versa)? Your combo skin could benefit from a gentle cleanser that offers some balance. You’ll love Nivea Purifying Cleansing Gel ($8) that’s water-based and contains tiny microbeads to gently exfoliate and cleanse your pores. It also helps absorb oil without drying you out. Or go for Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash ($23), which has kelp extract to keep oil production in check and wheat protein to protect dry areas.
Sensitive
We get it. If you’ve got sensitive skin, you don’t want to try anything new for fear of breaking out. But you’ll be safe if you turn to calming products that contain chamomile or calendula extract. Both will help reduce redness and soothe your skin into a zen state. Kora Organics Gentle Cleanser for Sensitive Skin ($30) helps reduce redness, prevents dehydration, and removes your makeup without issue.
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