How to know what kind of cleanser your skin craves
by Deborah Duffey, Chief Product Development Officer and President October 28, 2022
For most of us, our skincare routine starts with washing our face. But despite being the very first step, most of us don’t put as much care into what cleanser we use as we should. After all, cleanser is just washed right off, does it really matter what’s in it? If this is how you’ve been thinking about your cleanser, it’s time to reconsider it.
One of the easiest ways to tell whether the cleanser you’re using is working for you is how it makes your skin feel. Your skin will tell you what type of cleanser it’s craving based on how clean, oily, or dry it feels after a wash. By considering what your skin feels like after washing, you can decide whether you should stick with your current product or find a new one.
If your skin feels oily or dirty…
…you might need a better cleanser. If your skin still feels oily – or like sunscreen and makeup has been left behind – your current cleanser may not be strong enough. First, try double cleansing. Use your same cleanser twice, or try a cleansing oil or balm before your cleanser to see whether that helps remove oil and product from your skin. If not, you may need to invest in a new cleanser. Look for cleansers with exfoliating properties and those created for oily skin.
Try Purify and Cleanse, which is created for oily skin. Or try Glycol-X Cleanser, which uses exfoliating acids to smooth skin.
If your skin feels soft, clean, and comfortable…
…congrats! You are probably using the right cleanser for your skin. This is how your skin is supposed to feel after cleansing. Some people associate a squeaky clean feeling with a sign that their cleanser is working, but this isn’t correct. Speaking of…
If your skin feels squeaky clean and tight…
…your cleanser is too drying. The tightness you feel is actually due to water evaporating from the skin, and while your skin may be “squeaky clean,” it’s also lacking the hydration it needs to stay healthy. Look for a gentler cleanser to restore your skin back to equilibrium.
Try Balance and Cleanse, a cleanser that works great for combination skin, and provides moisture to the skin while still controlling excess oil.
If your skin feels dry and flaky…
…you need a new cleanser (and maybe a new routine). If you’re not already using a cleanser designed for dry skin, it’s a good idea to look for a hydrating formula. But your dry, flaky skin is probably not caused by your cleanser alone. Review your skincare routine for products that might be exacerbating your dry skin, and consider adding new products that are moisturizing and soothing.
Try Hydrate and Cleanse, our most hydrating cleanser. You might also consider incorporating more soothing, moisturizing products into your routine, like our Indulgence moisturizer, which also soothes the itchiness and redness that can come with too-dry skin.
