How to find the right cleanser for your skin type
Cleansing is arguably the most important step in your skincare routine. Ensuring your complexion is clear of makeup and grime built up from the day is crucial for overall skin health, but also the efficacy of ingredients to follow. In saying that, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all product, especially when it comes to cleansing. We caught up with Tracey Beeby, Global Education Ambassador for Ultraceuticals to find out how to find the right cleanser for your skin type, as well as how to identify your skin type in the first place.
RELATED: 5 cleansers for mature skin
RELATED: 6 signs you’re using the wrong cleanser
Why is cleansing your skin so important?
“Cleansing the skin is the most important part of all skin care routines as this begins the skincare program,” says Tracey. “If cleansing isn’t executed properly then serums and moisturisers won’t be able to perform their action in the skin effectively,” she says.
Is there a simple way of determining skin type, and as a result choosing the right cleansing product?
“Those that suffer from [oily skin may notice] a shine begins to appear fairly quickly during the day and makeup may slide off within a few hours,” explains Tracey. When it comes to identifying dry skin, you may notice “[it] appears a little dull, flaky and possibly rough to the touch. Combination skin generally only suffers from the oily shine down the ‘T’ zone, most often the forehead, nose and chin.”
“Generally a foaming cleanser is [the most] suitable for oily skin,” says Tracey, and a milk product should be your go-to for dry skin. “Cleansing must be performed with a pH balanced product,” explains Tracey, “either foam or milk cleanser, morning and night. In the evenings cleansing should be performed twice (read more about double cleansing here) to thoroughly remove all pathogens that accumulated on the skin throughout the day.”
Are there any types of cleansers that should be avoided altogether?
“Soaps should be avoided” in cleansing the face, “as they are alkaline and will strip the skin of ...natural moisture, says Tracey. Also look out for harsh surfactants like SLS or SLES, as these can be irritating to the skin. By ensuring all cleansers are “pH balanced, this means they are acidic like your skin and not alkaline like most soaps.”
Cleansers bh loves for oily skin: Ultraceuticals Brightening Foaming Cleanser, QV Face Gentle Foaming Cleanser, Blessed by Nature Foaming Facial Cleanser, Go-To Properly Clean (find it at gotoskincare.com), Goodness Superfoods Be Fresh Foaming Cleanser
Cleansers bh loves for dry skin: Fresh Soy Face Cleansing Milk (find it at sephora.com.au), Caudalie Gentle Cleansing Milk (find it at sephora.com.au), Avene Gentle Milk Cleanser, SK-II Facial Treatment Gentle Cleanser
Cleansers bh loves for combination skin: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser, Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser, Simple Water Boost Micellar Cleansing Water
Main image credit @jenatkinhair
What is your go-to cleanser? What formula do you prefer?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.
39 Member Comments
I want to try the Avène cleanser!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Can’t wait for my FOREO to arrive.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Finding the right products seems so difficult for my skin! Great article!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I have about 5 cleansers and I use them when they fit. E.g. a cream cleanser in the morning, a cleansing oil to remove makeup followed by a foaming gel to remove any residue.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I've recently started using a cream cleanser for my dry skin - so far so good.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I have just started daily cleansing (at night) to see if it makes a real difference
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I love trying all sorts of cleansers
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I have a few favourites: Trilogy's Rosehip Transformation Cleansing Oil; Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm; and L'Occitane Water Gel Cleanser. I also have quite a few cream cleansers but I try to stay away from foaming cleansers.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I've used cream, balm to oil & oil cleansers in the past. I have to say I'm a huge fan of oil cleansers nowadays, especially after trying Trilogy's Rosehip Transformative Cleansing Oil. It's now my absolute favourite & I can't wait to go back to it after I finish up their standard cream cleanser. I miss it!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I'm actually waiting for Trilogy products to go on sale for me to try this based on all the reviews.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I always wait for the Priceline bi-annual skincare sales to stock up. It's a good time to do so.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 1
Didn't realise to use foaming cleanser for oily skin, next buy to item see how I go :)
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
still looking for my hg cleanser sigh
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
These articles are important for everyone to read - so vital to know.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I use a cream cleanser when my face is feeling sensitive, and in the colder months, and a gel cleanser when it's hotter. I don't like foaming cleansers
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I really want to try the Kiehls cleanser, I’ve just discovered some of their products and love them so far.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I use a cream cleanser as I've combination skin & I'm happy with that on my skin :)
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I love one's that don't let my skin feel dry or taut afterwards and I have an aversion for natural cleansers - since this is the first step in the beauty routine it's so good if it's natural.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
huh never thought a foaming cleanser would suit a oily skin, I also feel a gel/liquid cleansers get more out of my oily skin, maybe it's because i work it harder to lather.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Love blessed by nature cleanser. Goodness super-food sounds good too.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I used to use and love foaming ones ,they are too drying now. Currently loving the Trilogy cream cleanser from the age proof range. So gentle but really is effective and leaves my skin so soft and clean
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I prefer a gentle cleanse. Cannot tolerate dry, tight skin after cleansing.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
There are so many cleansers out there now. Micellar waters vary in their abilities to cleanse. The same with foam cleansers. It also depends on the make up you are wearing. I have such a large range of cleansers and end up using one or two or three to thoroughly cleanse my skin as it still ends up with some residual make up after using just one product alone. Luckily my skin has settled well, not too dry and not too oily, but it is sensitive.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
The foaming cleansers for oily skin look like great options. I don't currently use a foaming cleanser but have oily skin, so thinking I should look into these!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I like really gentle cleansers.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
