Facial cleansing gel | which one for your skin type?
The choice of facial cleansing gel may seem trivial, but it's of vital importance in your skincare routine, because if it's poorly chosen, it can unbalance your skin and be counterproductive. The diversity of products available on the market can make selection difficult, especially as there are different formulas adapted to each skin type, and the same skin type is bound to evolve! Whether you have dry, combination to oily, or normal skin, finding the ideal gel cleanser requires an understanding of your skin's specific needs.
Different skin types and their needs
- Dry, dehydrated skin
Dehydrated skin is skin that lacks water. This leads to occasional tightness and tingling, particularly in winter, as well as a lack of radiance and suppleness: the skin is dull and slow to recover when pinched, for example. These inconveniences disappear as soon as the body is sufficiently moisturized.
Dry skin, on the other hand, is a skin type in its own right: the epidermis is constantly taut and rough to the touch because it lacks lipids (or fats).
This phenomenon may be accentuated after the menopause, but it can also be aggravated by the use of unsuitable cleansing products, washing with hard water, overheated showers or baths, and towel rubbing. Exposure to the sun, cold or wind, as well as prolonged swimming, are other factors that can dry out the skin. To restore balance, it's essential to provide the skin with a daily supply of fats, so that over time it becomes more capable of producing its own lipids.
- Combination skin
Combination skin is not a dermatological entity in its own right, like dry skin or hyperseboreal skin. It is characterized by an oily tendency on the median part of the face (forehead, nose and chin) and a normal to dry (even desquamative) appearance on the rest of the face. Blackheads, pimples and acne may also appear. Conversely, other areas of the face lack moisture and feel tight.
- Oily skin
Oily skin is best recognized by its shiny appearance, particularly on the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), due to excessive sebum production. It can also present dilated pores, a thick and irregular texture, and a tendency to develop imperfections such as blackheads and pimples. These signs are often more pronounced at the end of the day or in humid environments, where sebum production intensifies.
- Sensitive skin
Sensitive skin is skin that reacts, or over-reacts, to external aggression. The manifestations of this sensitivity are more often sensations, sometimes very uncomfortable, such as tightness, overheating or tingling.
- Normal skin
Normal skin has a balance between hydration and sebum production.
How to choose the right face wash
1. Read the labelsWhen choosing a facial cleanser, take the time to read product labels carefully. Look for either biomimetic formulas that will adapt to your skin, or ingredients that will address your specific skin concerns.
2. Opt for gentle formulas
Whatever your skin type, it's important to avoid harsh facial cleansers that can disrupt the skin's natural pH and compromise its protective cutaneous barrier. Opt for biomimetic or gentle formulas that respect the skin's balance and leave it clean and comfortable.
3. Ingredients to look for in a cleanser for sensitive or dry skin
For sensitive skin, it's essential to choose a micellar water or facial cleanser that gently cleanses without irritating or drying. Here are some key ingredients to look for to soothe and maintain the skin's natural balance:
- Gluconolactone: as a humectant, it draws moisture into the skin and maintains its hydration while having soothing effects on the skin.
- Glycerin: a humectant that attracts water, helping to moisturize the skin while cleansing. Glycerine is gentle and well-suited to sensitive skin.
- Fatty acids
- Ingredients like shea butter or jojoba oil are rich in fatty acids and can help nourish the skin and strengthen the skin barrier without causing irritation.
- Allantoin: known for its soothing and repairing properties, allantoin can help calm irritation and promote cell renewal.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe vera has exceptional soothing and moisturizing properties, making it an excellent choice for sensitive skin. It helps reduce redness and discomfort.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): can help strengthen the skin barrier, reduce redness and inflammation, and improve skin texture and tone.
4. Ingredients to look for in a cleanser for combination or oily skin
For this skin type, a purifying, mattifying gel cleanser is recommended. Look for formulas containingsalicylic acid or clay, ingredients that help regulate sebum production and unclog pores. A light foaming gel can also help eliminateexcess sebum without drying out the skin.
How to apply facial cleansing gel
When cleansing your face with a gel cleanser, apply a small amount to the palm of your hand and emulsify. Then apply to the face in gentle circular movements to stimulate blood circulation and effectively remove impurities. Avoid rubbing the skin with too much force, as this can lead to increased irritation and sensitivity.
Complete with appropriate care
Facial cleansing is an essential step in your skincare routine, but it shouldn't be the only one.
Now that your skin is cleansed, it's ready to receive the skincare products that will better penetrate it thanks to this cleansing. Complete your routine with appropriate skincare products such as a serum, a moisturizer adapted to your skin type, sunscreen to protect against sun damage, and targeted treatments for specific problems such as acne or pigmentation spots.
Conclusion
Choosing the right face wash for your skin type is crucial to maintaining healthy, radiant skin. By taking your skin's specific needs into account and choosing gentle, effective formulas, you can cleanse your skin thoroughly while preserving its natural balance. Whether you have dry, combination to oily, or normal skin, there's a cleansing gel perfectly suited to your needs. Invest in your skin by choosing your facial cleanser wisely and following a consistent, adapted skin care routine.