Face cleansers. This first step in our skincare routine is often an underestimated one. What may seem like a regular wash that gives way to seemingly more important products in your vanity, is, in fact, the precursor to good skin!

Choosing the right cleanser for your skin type and developing a facial cleansing routine is often an initiation to gorgeous skin.

Think all cleansers are made the same? Cleansing products work best if you know what type of complexion you have. If you have oily skin you may need a clarifying wash whereas if you have dry skin, moisturising is the way to go.

Here are some tips on how to choose a good cleanser for your skin type – remember there is one for everyone!

Oily Skin

Those with oily skin should stick to non-comedogenic ingredients, meaning those that won’t clog your pores. An entirely oil-free cleanser may seem like a good idea but using an excessively drying product may actually be counter-intuitive. Sometimes oily skins are a result of your complexion making up for its lost natural moisture. When a cleanser is too drying, it can trigger greater oil production – which is the opposite of what you need! The La Roche Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel is perfect for oily skin types. As a soap-free purifying cleanser it contains cleansing agents that are safe for sensitive skin as well. This face cleanser comes loaded with Zinc and Glycacil that further help to remove dirt and excess sebum.

Dry Skin

Creamy face cleansers are the route to take if you have dry skin. Look for hydrating ingredients like shea butter, ceramides and hyaluronic acid that can restore the moisture balance in your skin. It’s also a good idea to stay away from drying acids like Salicylic Acid or alcohols that can make your skin worse. Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Shea Butter is made for dry or sensitive skin types. It works by creating a lightweight lather that protects the skin from the over-drying effects of hard water. This cleanser is doused in Shea Butter and Pro-vitamin B5 that softens the skin with every wash!

Acne-Prone Skin

Acne warriors know the powers of Salicylic Acid well! In fact, most acne treatments and skin care products contain this power acid. If you constantly struggle with breakouts, look for face cleansers that include exfoliating agents like Salicylic or Glycolic acid that can help to unclog pores. Also, avoid cleansers with too many oils or lipids that can promote clogging of your pores. Mario Badescu’s Acne Facial Cleanser is a cult product that exfoliates and deep cleanses with Salicylic Acid to prevent and heal any existing acne. It also contains Aloe Vera and Chamomile to calm and soothe acne inflamed skin.

Combination Skin

Dry skin that sometimes is oily too? Or perhaps you have different oily and dry zones on your face! Combination skin types should look for gentle cleansers that can handle their complexions with care. If your skin tends to be drier than oily, choose a cleanser that is creamy in texture. Should you have more oily than dry skin, go with a gel or foam-based version. Customers at Cosmetics Now swear by the Cosmedix Purity Clean Exfoliating Cleanser which is a concentrated exfoliating facial cleanser that comes formulated with peppermint oil to cool skin and accelerate circulation. It goes deep into the skin to dissolve any debris and unclog pores!

Ageing Skin 

Anti-ageing ingredients shouldn’t just start with serums and creams! If your skin is getting dull with age, using a cleanser meant for ageing skin is a good first step to your skincare. You can’t go wrong with the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, a powerful treatment cleansing balm that deeply cleanses the skin by dissolving makeup and grime build-up. Formulated with a 100% active base of natural oils, this cleanser contains essential oils to hydrate skin. Infused with rose and mimosa waxes plus anti-ageing padina pavonica, this cleanser is the perfect route to a youthful complexion!