Learn how to choose a face wash based on your skin

Each one of us has a different skin type. Some are oily while others are dry, and there are even those who have a combination of both. We also have to take into account people with sensitive skin that reacts to the slightest provocation. This explains why dermatologists recommend using the right product for your skin type so that you'll get faster and more effective results. Doing otherwise would result in using products with ingredients poorly suited to help your skin. There are several facial washes available in the market right now that can cater to people with different skin types. What you need to do is check their ingredients to find out if the product works best with your skin.

Breaking Down Impurities

Face washes are designed to break down impurities in the skin, be it dirt from pollution, excess oil, and makeup. This is usually made possible with chemicals called surfactants, which can combine oily elements with water-based ones so that they're easier to wash off. Keeping the face free of impurities is important so that it remains free of pimples, blackheads, and other marks that might look unpleasant.

While efficiency in removing dirt from the face is important, the ingredients should be gentle enough to not harm the skin. There are surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate or SLS, which has been shown to strip moisture from the oil and dehydrate it while removing impurities. Experts explain that there should be no remnants of this surfactant left so that it won't irritate the skin.

Hydration For Dry Skin

The challenge faced by people with dry skin is the need for hydration. A face that gets too dry won't look good on the outside, not to mention the fine lines and wrinkles that get accentuated on the face. Among the different skin types, it's no surprise then that dry skin requires the most moisturization.  Dryness benefits from facial washes that deliver moisture without disrupting the skin, which is something oil-based or cream-based products can do.

Examples of ingredients proven to be effective at hydrating include argan oil, aloe vera, and hyaluronic acid. These have been shown to moisturize, soothe, and nourish dry skin, thereby improving its condition. It's a good idea to look for these ingredients when looking at dry skin facial wash labels. Doing so will let you know if the product would be effective for your condition.

The Right pH Level

The pH level refers to how acidic or basic something is. Basically, these are chemicals that need to be balanced or at an acceptable pH level to function well. If there is an imbalance that makes the levels too acidic or basic, this might cause the face to become an environment for bacteria, as well as become more prone to infection, irritation, or dehydration.

This explains the importance of face washes to be at acceptable pH levels. Dermatologists explain that products have to be below pH 7 for it to work properly. Products that go beyond this pH level can destroy the skin's acid mantle, which is a protective layer of sebum (an oily secretion from skin glands) mixed with sweat. The acid mantle prevents contaminants like viruses or bacteria from getting through the skin, which reinforces why pH levels of facial washes shouldn't destroy the protective layer.

Handling Oil And Acne

Having oily skin can be tricky because you have to strike a balance. On one hand, excess oil needs to be removed to improve your facial appearance. On the other, you have to make sure the product won't strip too much oil or risk drying out your skin in the process. Experts agree that a good face wash for oily skin is one that leaves the face feeling soft after washing and keeps it matte (shine-free) the rest of the day.

A good indicator of products that can do this would be those with ingredients that remove excess oil, dissolve dead skin cells, and keep the face from getting irritated. Examples include red clay, salicylic acid, ceramides, and glycolic acids. It's important to remove dead skin cells as these can clog pores and cause acne, which worsens the look of oily skin. Removing excess oil and not the natural oil needed for moisture also matters. If a face wash for oily skin has reviews and ingredients that reflect these, then you can take this as a sign of effectiveness.

Of Facial Washes and Skin Types

As a consumer, it helps to educate yourself on which products are worth buying for your skin type. Determine whether you have an oily, dry, or a combination-type face so that a dermatologist or skin expert can recommend the right face wash for you. Doing this would ensure that you not only save money and effort, but the condition of your skin as well.

Resources — Real Simple, Forbes, Glowsly

 

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