The right face wash is an essential part of anyone’s skin care routine, as it does more than cleanse. Face wash products also address specific needs, such as adding moisture to dry skin or reducing oil on blemish-prone skin. Below are tips for choosing the perfect facial cleanser for you. 

How to Pick the Right Face Wash 

1. Determine Your Skin Type

If your skin is dry, it can feel tight and itchy without the right moisturizer and feel flaky. Oily skin typically includes large pores from excessive sebum (skin oil) production. It also feels oily or greasy not long after cleansing or applying makeup. 

Combination skin occurs when the “t-zone,” or forehead, nose, and chin, gets oily while the cheeks remain dry and flaky. Sensitive is another skin type where the face looks red after washing or shaving and becomes irritated frequently. 

2. Avoid One-Type-Fits-All Products

Some face washes feature labels indicating they are applicable to any skin type. Since these products are not formulated for your specific skin care requirements, they can result in dry patches, redness, and irritation. If you have oily skin and the facial cleanser you use is too drying, you may notice an increase in oil production. In addition to avoiding broad spectrum skin care products, refrain from purchasing cleansers with alcohol or abrasive agents to avoid irritation and redness. 

3. Keep Age-Related Skin Changes in Mind 

The skin naturally changes with age and accompanying hormonal changes, meaning your product needs change as well. For example, if you had oily skin as a teenager and into your late 20s, you might not need oil-controlling products in your mid-30s because sebum production has decreased. If your skin has become more sensitive lately, look for hypoallergenic products designed to soothe redness, irritation, and inflammation.

For professional help selecting the ideal face wash, make an appointment with Central Carolina Dermatology Clinic. These High Point, NC-based dermatologists also offer satellite offices in Kernersville and Lexington and are known for helping area residents put their best faces forward. Call the members of the American Academy of Dermatology, the North Carolina Dermatology Association, and the North Carolina Medical Association today at (336) 887-3195 to schedule your appointment or visit the website for skin care service information.