There’s nothing like the feeling of clean skin after washing your face—but dermatologists know not every facial cleanser is crafted for the same type of skin. Some facial cleansers can contain overly drying ingredients, while others are oil-based to replenish moisture, but may be too much for someone with oily skin. Show The key to finding the best face wash for you is to learn your skin type and find a facial cleanser that meets your skin’s needs. You may not be using the right wash for your skin type. “Most people believe that an effective cleanse is one that leaves the skin feeling tight and squeaky clean, but this is generally a sign that the skin has been stripped of its natural oils and in fact, the cleanse was too harsh on the skin,” says Marisa K. Garshick, M.D., a dermatologist located in New York City. “While it is important for a cleanser to eliminate dirt and build-up, it is also important that the skin isn’t left feeling dry or irritated.” As for how much you should wash your skin: It may be less often than you think. “The vast majority of individuals over 30 should wash their face every night to get the sunscreen and grime off,” says Heather Rogers, M.D., medical director of modern dermatology. But, if you wake up with oily skin, or don’t feel like your skin is overly dry from double washes, you can suds up in the morning too, she says. How to choose the best cleanser for youWhen choosing the best face wash, Dr. Rogers suggests avoiding harsh products or manual exfoliation (like sugar scrubs or products with exfoliating beads) that can leave micro-cuts in your skin and irritate it. Additionally, avoid overly-drying bars of soap and opt for a liquid, gel, or cream cleanser, based on your skin type. Dr. Rogers notes to check the ingredient list for familiar ingredients, like water or aloe, and avoid products that try to do too much. “I like cleansers that don’t have a huge number of ingredients,” she says. Plus, she warms against products that tout labels like clean, natural, or organic, which aren’t standardized well in the beauty industry. And if you’re hoping your cleanser will not only clean but also ward off breakouts, you’ll want to check for active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxy acid, says Heather Richmond. M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Houston. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin are particularly important for those with dry or sensitive skin to restore moisture, adds Dr. Garshick. Additionally, Dr. Richmond notes that those with oily or acne-prone skin should opt for a foaming or gel-based cleanser, and those with dry or mature skin can use an oil-free or cream cleanser to “help minimize stripping of oils and moisturize while cleaning.” Dr. Garshick adds that those with acne-prone skin should opt for a gentle cleanser if they’re using any anti-acne ingredients that promote drying. What’s your skin type?The easiest way to determine your skin type? Wash your face. Dr. Rogers suggests taking a moment after you wash your face to see how your skin feels. Notice if it feels totally fine, tight and dry, or greasy, and you’ll likely have your answer. And it’s especially important to check in with yourself over time and see how your skin is changing. “As we age, we all get dryer,” Dr. Rogers says. “Even if you’re super oily as a teenager and in your 20s, your skin dries out as you get older.” Some common skin types include:
1 Best overall cleanser CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser 2 Best cleanser for mature skin First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser 3 Best face wash for dry skin Neutrogena Hydrating Cleansing Gel 4 Best face wash for normal skin Osea Malibu OSEA Ocean Cleanser 5 Best face wash for oily skin Epionce Lytic Gel Cleanser 6 Best face wash for sensitive skin Doctor Rogers Restore Doctor Rogers RESTORE Natural Face Wash 7 Best face cleanser for combination skin Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser 8 Best cleanser for acne-prone skin St. Ives Acne Control Daily Cleanser With Tea Tree 9 Best cleanser for exfoliating SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel 10 Best cleansing oil DHC Deep Cleansing Oil 11 Best cream cleanser iS CLINICAL Cream Cleanser 12 Best micellar water cleanser Bioderma Sensibio H2O 13 Best bar soap Dove Beauty Bar 14 Best gentle cleanser Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser 15 Aveeno Positively Radiant Micellar Gel Cleanser 16 Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Facial Cleanser 17 Vichy Normaderm Daily Deep Cleansing Gel 18 humane Humane Regular Strength Acne Wash 19 PanOxyl Acne Cream Wash 20 La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser 21 Revision Skincare Brightening Facial Wash 22 Drunk Elephant Beste No.9 Jelly Cleanser Arielle Weg Arielle Weg is the associate editor at Prevention and loves to share her favorite wellness and nutrition obsessions. Which iS the best cleanser for combination skin?The Best Cleansers for Combination Skin, According to.... CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser. ... . Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser. ... . Neutrogena Skin Balancing Purifying Gel Cleanser. ... . Youth to the People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser. ... . SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser.. What iS the most dermatologist recommended face wash?These are the cleansers that were most recommended to me by the doctors I consulted:. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser for All Skin Types. ... . Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser. ... . Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser. ... . J&J Purpose Gentle Cleaning Wash. ... . Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser. ... . Elta MD Foaming Cleanser.. What type of cleanser iS best for combination acne prone skin?Best for combination skin: Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser. Best for teenage acne: Humane Acne Face Wash, 10% Benzoyl Peroxide. Best for adult acne: Simple Micellar Cleansing Water. Best for pregnancy acne: Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser.
What iS the #1 facial cleanser?Best Overall: Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
It's gentle enough to use in a.m. and p.m. routines and has long championed now buzzy ingredients in its formulation, from glycerin (a popular humectant) to niacinamide (which can help regulate acne and minimize hyperpigmentation).
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