best face washes for different skin types
what does face wash do?
The main purpose of a face wash is to cleanse your skin of dirt, sweat, bacteria, excess sebum, dead skin cells and residual makeup. Clean skin experiences fewer skin concerns and absorbs treatment products more effectively. Wash your face regularly with cleanser instead of regular soap as regular soap has an alkaline pH that strips away the protective oils, making the skin sensitised and dehydrated.
Also remember that your skin evolves as you grow older, with changes in your environment and in your hormones. Pay close attention to how your skin is reacting and change your cleansers from time to time accordingly.
why is face wash important?
Cleansing is the first and most basic step to skin care and while it may seem basic, choosing the right face wash or cleanser could be a matter of some trial and error. The first step to choosing the right face wash is identifying your skin type. Once you’ve done this, look for ingredients that suit your skin type and address your specific skin concerns.
what is dry skin?
If your skin often feels tight, especially after bathing, you notice that it is flaking or peeling, and it feels rough to touch, it looks grey or ashy or excessively red, then you likely have dry skin. A simple test to check whether your skin is dry is to lightly scratch the skin with your nail - if a grey line develops on the skin, then your skin is dry. Dry skin often worsens in the winter months and generally needs a lot of moisture and hydration through the year. Dry skin, if not cared for properly, can cause fine lines, cracks, and skin to age quickly.
what is oily skin?
Oily skin is characterised by a constant shine or greasy layer on your skin, enlarged pores and acne or breakouts around the oilier areas as well as the fact that your makeup just won’t stay put. This is further exacerbated in the summer and monsoon months when the excess sweat makes your skin oilier still. Oily skin needs to be handled with care and products that are specifically suited to oily skin types, so as not to further increase the sebum produced or worsen any skin concerns like clogged pores or breakouts.
what is sensitive skin?
If your skin easily reacts to new products and fragrance, and tends to get easily red or irritated, chances are your skin is sensitive. Sensitive skin must be protected from the sun and other harmful free-radicals, especially during the summer months when the rise in the temperature may already affect the skin internally. Using skin care products meant for sensitive skin will minimise the chances of irritation and flare-ups.
what is ageing or pigmented skin?
Your skin ages as you do and external elements as well as internal ones, such as diet and water intake, can cause skin to age even faster. Ageing skin is characterised by fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, pigmentation and dehydrated skin. To slow down or reduce the impact of skin ageing, it is imperative to choose a face wash or cleanser that is best suited to the skin and can address concerns it brings with it.
If you have no such complaints from your skin, then congratulations, you have normal skin! This means that you can choose skin care products meant for ‘all skin types’ or even products labelled ‘oily to normal’ or ‘dry to normal’, depending on which skin type you identify with more.
how to choose a face wash for dry skin
While choosing the best face wash for your skin type, you must keep in mind your skin type and look for ingredients that will address your skin type and concerns. For dry skin, look for a gentle face wash or cleanser that provides ample moisturisation and nourishment.
Oil-based cleansers are ideal for this skin type as it does the job of cleaning your skin, while leaving behind a layer of much-needed moisturisation. Coconut oil and jasmine-based cleansers help nourish your skin from deep within while a BioReplenish Complex can help build your skin’s natural resilience.
best cleansers for dry skin
Dermalogica has cleansers and face washes that are specifically suited to dry skin, such as:
dermalogica intensive moisture cleanser
A light, creamy cleanser enhanced with BioReplenish Complex, the Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Cleanser removes impurities while actively nourishing dry, depleted skin. This emollient, lipid-enriched formula cleanses skin while helping to minimise the damage of vital proteins and lipids that defend against dryness. BioReplenish Complex, combined with phytoactives from Coconut Oil and Murumuru Seed Butter, help protect barrier lipids and preserve the skin's natural resilience for a smoother feel after cleansing. The invigorating extracts of Citrus, Palmarosa and Jasmine refresh tired skin. This face wash rinses away easily, leaving skin cleaner, softer and more luminous.
This deep-cleansing oil melts away impurities and makeup from the skin. If you are looking to upgrade to the double cleanse method, and we think you should, you can start your regime with the Dermalogica Precleanse. This water-activated, oil cleanser deconstructs layers of excess sebum (oil), waterproof makeup, environmental pollutants and residual product buildup on skin. It has essential fatty acids to nourish the skin and it is also safe to use around the eye area since it has been formulated without any artificial fragrances or colours.
how to choose a face wash for oily or combination skin
Always keep in mind your skin type when choosing a cleanser, as that is one of the most important products in your skin care kit. Look for oil-free, alcohol-free, gel- or water-based foaming cleansers that will get rid of the excess sebum and leave your skin clean and fresh. Natural botanical ingredients like Quillaja Saponaria, lavender extracts and balm mints help cleanse and soothe the skin. Beware, though, of cleansers that work too hard and therefore strip off even the natural moisture of your skin, leaving it taut and dry.
best cleansers for oily or combination skin
Dermalogica has cleansers and face washes that are specifically suited to oily or combination skin, such as:
dermalogica special cleansing gel
This soap-free, foaming gel cleanses all skin conditions, but is best suited for oily and combination skin types. The refreshing lather thoroughly removes impurities, without disturbing the skin’s natural moisture balance. This iconic cleanser, which contains naturally-foaming Quillaja Saponaria, gently rinses away toxins and debris to leave the skin feeling smooth and clean. Lightweight and mild enough to use every day, it also features calming Balm Mint and Lavender extracts to soothe the skin.
We strongly recommend you upgrade your skin care regimen to include double cleansing, for which you can start with the Dermalogica Precleanse. This deep-cleansing oil melts makeup and impurities from the skin to give you ultra clean and healthy-looking skin. It thoroughly melts away layers of excess sebum (oil), sunscreen, waterproof make-up, environmental pollutants and residual products that build up on skin throughout the day.
dermalogica breakout clearing foaming face wash
Ideal for younger, teenage skin that is prone to breakouts and clogged pores, this cleanser deep cleans and purifies skin, and can be used twice every day. It is an acne-fighting, foaming cleanser, which clears away dead skin cells, dirt and excess oils that clog pores and cause breakouts. Apply the Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Foaming Face Wash on your face, back, neck, or wherever the skin requires deep cleaning and pore clearing for fewer breakouts.
how to choose a face wash for sensitive skin
Choosing the right face wash or facial cleanser for sensitive skin can be tricky but is very important. The cleanser needs to be gentle and yet clean deeply, so that no makeup, dirt, or grime is left behind, causing clogged pores and further eruptions. Soothing, natural ingredients such as lavender and mint can calm irritations and help even out sensitive skin.
best face washes for sensitive skin
Dermalogica has cleansers and face washes that are specifically suited to sensitive skin, such as:
dermalogica ultracalming cleanser
This gentle cleansing gel/cream is perfect for reactive skin. This pH-balanced, non-foaming cleanser helps calm and cool reactive, sensitised or over-processed skin. It delicately fortifies the skin’s protective barrier, without leaving an irritating residue, and easily rinses away or wipes off, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
Sensitive skin requires thorough, yet gentle cleansing, which is why we strongly recommend that you upgrade your skin care regimen to include double cleansing, the first step of which is the Dermalogica Precleanse. While removing excess sebum and any external impurities, borage seed oil treats inflamed skin and dryness while apricot kernel oil moisturises the skin and soothes any irritation. Keep in mind to wash off the Dermalogica Precleanse and follow up with the Ultracalming cleanser to boost your skin health.
how to choose a face wash for ageing or pigmented skin?
The face wash or cleanser you choose needs to get rid of surface build up and abrasions to reveal smoother, healthier even-toned skin. The Age Smart Range from Dermalogica offers a cleanser perfect for those whose skin is showing signs of ageing or have uneven pigmented skin.
face wash for ageing or pigmented skin
dermalogica skin resurfacing cleanser
This dual-action exfoliating cleanser helps retexturise ageing skin. This highly-active, two-in-one cleanser and exfoliant gives you smooth, ultra-clean skin. The Lactic Acid concentrate helps retexturise skin showing signs of ageing by removing dulling surface debris and helping to accelerate skin cell turnover. Antioxidants condition the skin, while Rose Flower Oil refreshes the senses. Use it every day to dramatically improve your skin texture.
If you have visible signs of ageing, it is more important than ever to include double cleansing in your skin care regimen, since using only a cleanser can overly strip your skin off its essential oils,leaving it dry and more susceptible to visible signs of ageing. The Dermalogica Precleanse is a deep-cleansing oil that melts away the day from the skin to give you skin that is clean, yet nourished. Simply take a little bit of the Dermalogica Precleanse into your dry hands, and massage it across your dry face. Make sure to focus on the parts of the face that may have persistent makeup like water-proof lipstick and mascara, as well as any areas of congestion or stubborn debris. Go in with a little bit of warm water to emulsify the Dermalogica Precleanse into a light, milky consistency, and then gently wash it off with some more warm water. Now you are ready to use the Dermalogica Skin Resurfacing Cleanser, or any other cleanser of your choice.
face wash for bright skin
Your skin can lose its luminosity for a variety of reasons, like constant exposure to pollution, which is why we cannot stop stressing on the importance of double cleansing. Not only will it keep your face brighter, it also helps remove any stubborn impurities that can clog the pores and dull your skin. If you are looking for a cleanser that will help you achieve smoother, brighter skin (combined with double cleansing, of course) then we have just the thing for you.
dermalogica daily glycolic cleanser brightening face wash
Brightening and conditioning cleanser renews dull, uneven skin tone and helps remove buildup caused by environmental factors. Glycolic Acid brightens by ungluing dulling dead skin cells for radiant, healthy-looking skin. A blend of soothing Calendula Extract and nourishing Jojoba Seed Oil helps condition and replenish skin while maintaining the skin’s lipid barrier. Use this cleanser like any other by massaging some onto wet skin and rinsing off with warm water.
Please keep in mind that only cleansing the skin is not going to be enough to achieve your skin goals -it is only the first step, so you must also follow it up with a skin care regimen customised to fulfil your skin needs.
