How to Choose the Right Cleanser for Your Skin

Every day, the skin is exposed to many external aggressors. From dirt particles to makeup, and sweat, the skin is one of the organs exposed to germs a lot.  Skin cleansing is arguably one of the most crucial steps in any extensive skincare routine, and having a good skin cleanser has become a cornerstone of every great skincare regime.

When it comes to cleansing of the skin, you have to be deliberate and conscious about the efforts you put in. A hurried swipe with a  face wipe or rushed splash of water on your face will not cut it if you want to have clean and smooth skin.

Spending time to remove the makeup and dirt from your face using the right face cleanser will ensure you see positive results daily and after every cleanse.

With the wide range of cleansers available on the shelves, how do you choose the right face cleanser for your skin? Here some basic things you have to consider before you make your choice.

1. Know Your Skin Type

Just like every other product you use on your skin, cleansers differ based on skin type. You should therefore know your skin type before you go ahead and purchase your skin cleanser.

There are different skin types and you have to know what type of skin you have. Healthy normal skin has a balanced amount of moisture and oil, oily skin becomes greasy right after washing it and dry skin has very little moisture and is considered flaky. You have to identify which of these skin types your skin falls under as using a  cleanser which is not good for your skin can lead to skin damage.

2. Know Your Ingredients

The efficacy of a cleanser is in the ingredients. There are five major ingredients you should look out for when choosing a cleanser.

• Enzymes

How are enzymes useful? Natural ingredients like pineapple enzymes help break the bonds between dead cells in your skin. They essentially dissolve toxins and dirt on the skin.

• Lactic Acid

Lactic acid softens the bonds between dead cells on the skin whilst hydrating the skin at the same time.

• Salicylic Acid

This is similar to Lactic acid, as it deals with congested skins, and cleans pores.

• Glycolic Acid

This ingredient is made from sugar cane and is a  major cleansing agent in skincare products. It is good for all skin types.

• Micellar Water

Micelle molecules attract to themselves the dirt on the skin. They draw out impurities without drying out the skin.

3. Find the Right Balance

Because of how fragile the skin can be, it is important to find the right balance when it comes to choosing a cleanser. If you choose a cleanser that isn’t strong enough, you will not have a deep clean and there would be leftover buildups of dirt and makeup on your skin.  However, a cleanser that is too strong can strip your skin of its natural oils and cause your skin to age faster. Because everyone’s skin is different, it is important that you get a cleanser that is well balanced for your skin.

4. Avoid Harsh Cleansers

Soap based cleansers with alkaline properties should be a big no for you. These harsh cleansers can be detrimental to your skin in the long run.

If you are not sure about the right cleanser to get because of fear of harsh components, you should check okana.co.nz. There are tons of natural cleanser options for you, depending on your skin type.

5. Avoid Sulfates

Sulfur based ingredients such as Sodium lauryl sulfate used in cleansers thanks to their ability to foam easily when combined with water.

Initially, this foaming effect can be soothing especially for people with oily skin, however, these ingredients can strip your skin of its protective barrier. Your skin barrier is the external part of your skin which protects you from pollution and germs while also locking in moisture.

Sulfates are very harsh and alkaline so they can cause dryness, itching, redness, and sometimes lead to severe skin damage. It can take hours for the pH of your skin to return to normal after you use them. So if you’re washing with sulfates every day, twice a day, imagine the discomfort you’re causing your skin.

6. Don’t Be Scared to Try Out Cleansers

After you have done all the research and you are aware of your skin type and you have seen the ingredients in the cleanser you think you need, the next step is to try it out. At this stage you still need to ask yourself, “is it providing the right amount of moisture?”,  ” is the cleanse deep enough? and “Do I want to include a face scrub?” to ensure you are getting hooked with the perfect cleanser for your skin.

If along the line, you find a cleanser that better suits you, do not be afraid to try it out. However, you should always give your skin some relaxing time before you transition to another product.

For more certainty, you can search for online reviews about any cleanser you choose to use. The internet is packed with feedback about any new cleanser reaching the store shelves. Go through these reviews, and compare different items carefully. Before making a decision, visit credible websites like Pierre Michel Beauty and discussion forums.

7. Do it Right and Limit the Cleansing Time

Although it can feel soothing to cleanse and massage your face, spending too much time on your cleaning routine may cause your skin to become sensitive over time. Prolonged washing can also further dry out the skin. So on your cleaning time, go easy.

Whatever cleanser(s) you pick, note you still wouldn’t want to over-clean. You can find a good 20 minute cleanse in the mornings is enough.

A good night before bed cleanse, eliminating all the accumulated makeup, oil, and dirt from the day, is also very effective.

Finally, no two individuals, even though they are twins, have the same skin color. Choose a skin type-based cleanser, and permanently adopt it.