How to pick a face wash based on your skin type

The skincare basic you shouldn't mess up
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To have consistently blemish-free, smooth and glowing skin is the dream. But since not everyone is blessed with skin that's always glowing, this is where custom skincare comes into play. While you're probably aware that using a face wash is the first step in your skincare routine, with the sheer number of cleansers available, it's hard to pick the perfect one. We spoke to Mumbai-based cosmetic dermatologist Dr Jaishree Sharad for the complete breakdown by skin type, the formulas and ingredients you should be looking for, and those you should be avoiding.

Find your skin type below (here's a guide in case you don't know yours) and master the first (and most important step) of your skincare regime. With all of the hard work done, you'll be well on your way to a clean and bright complexion.

What is a face wash and what does it really do?

A face wash should essentially get rid of dirt, sweat, sebum, bacteria, dead cells and makeup from the skin's surface. “It is extremely important to cleanse your face the right way, by choosing a face wash that is appropriate for your skin type,” says Dr Sharad. A rich cleanser can clog pores, while a drying cleanser can irritate the skin. Look out for the ingredients like cocamidopropyl betaine or caprylic triglyceride, which are sulfate-free surfactants and won't irritate your skin. “Do not use regular, everyday soap that would be used for your body or hands on facial skin, as it can be too harsh, drying and cause skin damage over time,” warns Dr Sharad.

Face wash for dry skin

If you have dry skin, your face wash should be a gentle cleanser with moisturising ingredients and fatty acids in the form of oil. Dr Sharad suggests looking for ingredients such as petrolatum, lanolin and mineral oil. “This will clean the skin and leave a thin film of moisture on it,” she adds. Look for a cleanser that is hypoallergenic, free of fragrance, chemicals, or alcohol and has a non-foaming formula. It's also important to avoid antibacterial soaps and cleansers with exfoliators such as salicylic or glycolic acid, which can all dry out your skin.

Face wash for oily skin

The ideal face wash for someone with oily skin should include ingredients like aloe vera and tea tree oil, which are both mild ingredients that balance oil production and support clarity of the skin. Remember, it shouldn't leave your skin feeling dry and tight afterwards. “Avoid cleansers that contain oil or alcohol in the ingredients, which will only amplify your oily skin type,” says Dr Sharad. If you have acne prone skin, wash your face twice a day with a salicylic acid-based cleanser. Salicylic acid unclogs the pores and gets rid of excess oil.

Face wash for sensitive or combination skin

Both sensitive skin and combination skin benefit from an ultra-gentle cleanser. Look for a face wash that is fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, paraben-free and soap free, that won't irritate your skin. “Micellar waters are the best for this skin type,” advises Dr Sharad.

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