How to choose the perfect cleanser for your skin type
Cleansers are one of the most underrated products in most people's skincare arsenal. If you ask the Avari Beauty team, cleansers simply do not get the respect they deserve—and we'd like to change that. Contrary to what some may think, cleansing doesn't just remove makeup, dirt, and impurities from your skin; it's also a crucial step towards achieving clearer, healthier, and glowing skin.
A good cleanser respects your skin's natural barrier and sets the stage for your moisturizer and serum to do their best work. Think of it this way; if you're putting your other skincare products on top of skin that hasn't been effectively cleaned, how are they going to penetrate your skin and do their job? Your skincare products work in tandem with each other, which is why cleansing should be the first step in your skincare routine.
The best face cleanser is one that meets your complexion's needs. Of course, like most things in life, your skincare needs are highly personal. So, how do you find your perfect match? Between cream cleansers, gel cleansers, foam cleansers, clay cleansers, and cleansing balms, choosing the best face cleanser can be overwhelming. Don't worry; we have you covered. In this blog post, we're giving you three of our must-know tips for choosing the perfect face cleanser for your needs!
Understand Your Skin Type
The right cleanser should balance out the needs of your skin. Whether you need a boost of hydration or want to keep oil at bay, there's a facial cleanser out there for you. Understanding your skin type is one of the best ways to ascertain the needs of your skin.
Skin type usually falls into one of the following categories:
- Dry
- Oily
- Combination
- Sensitive
If you aren't sure what skin type you have, here is a few questions to ask yourself:
- Is your skin often flakey or dry?
- Does your skin get greasy shortly after you wash it?
- Do you experience frequent breakouts?
- Do you have visible pores or blackheads?
- Is your skin easily irritated by new products or changes in the weather?
- Is your skin prone to tightness and flaking?
- Is your skin greasy in some places (such as your nose and forehead) but dry in others?
Answering these questions can help you correctly identify your skin type and which ingredients will work best with your skin. For example, if your skin gets oily fairly quickly after cleansing and you have visible pores or blackheads, it's likely that your skin type is oily. Alternatively, if your skin tends to get flakey and irritated easily, it's probably dry and sensitive.
Consider the Ingredients
We get it— reading the labels of skincare products can be confusing and time-consuming, but we promise that it makes a huge difference in the quality of the product you put onto your skin. You don't need to be a chemist to achieve your skin goals; simply lookout for products free from parabens, soap, sulfates, phthalates, and alcohol (this is especially true if you have sensitive skin!).
The Best Ingredients for Oily Skin
High-quality face cleansers contain gentle but effective ingredients. If you have oily skin, be sure to avoid products with comedogenic ingredients—such as isopropyl isostearate, lanolin, soybean oil, coconut oil—as these block pores and can lead to breakouts. Instead, opt for a cleanser that uses natural ingredients to clear oil and dirt from the skin, such as bamboo charcoal. Bamboo charcoal is environmentally friendly, ecologically responsible, and great for all skin types (especially oily) because it cleans deep within the pores without irritation.
The Best Ingredients for Dry Skin
If you have skin on the drier side, the best face cleanser will contain hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and amino acids. Oat amino acid is a great choice for dry skin, as it's considered extremely gentle and unlikely to cause skin irritation. Aloe vera is also another safe ingredient for dry skin, as it's a naturally soothing and anti-inflammatory plant that contains antioxidants and has naturally occurring vitamins A and C.
Choose your texture
As mentioned above, face cleansers come in all different textures and consistencies. The type of cleanser texture you choose will likely come down to personal preference. Here are some examples of the best facial cleanser texture for skin type:
Gel cleanser: Gel-like consistency that is typically lightweight and great for oily skin.
Oil-based cleansers: Oily or balmy texture often used to remove waterproof makeup. Avari Beauty Tip: Oil-based cleansers should not be used with lash extensions!
Cream cleanser: An all-rounder cleanser texture. Silky and hydrating cream cleansers tend to be suitable for all skin types!
Don't worry if you've read to this point and still aren't sure what the best face cleanser for your skin type is — we've created the Avari Beauty skin cleanser quiz to take the guesswork out of choosing your perfect cleanser! Click here to take the quiz and receive your personalized face cleanser recommendation today!
