The secret to beautiful and healthy-looking skin lies in the most basic steps that we often tend to underestimate. Washing face is the first step of a skincare routine that helps to ensure the skin remains free of dirt, oil, or any gunk. But, cleansing the face requires more attention than one might think. The right selection of face wash and routine can make a lot of difference to the quality of your skin. Arthi Raguram, Founder, Deyga Organics, tells you how.

Determining what works best for you according to your skin type is the key to maintain smooth and plump skin. Here is an expert guide to facial cleansing based on the skin type and problem.

Oily Skin

People with oily skin types might need to wash their face more than twice a day to avoid a shiny appearance. Opt for foam-based options or cleansing gel containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), or niacinamide that works to deeply cleanse the pores without stripping the skin of all the oil. For best results, double cleanse the face with oil and then use a foam-based face wash to regulate sebum production and eliminate dirt. If you wear makeup, then use micellar water before using a cleanser to remove makeup residue.

Dry Skin

People with dry skin often suffer from dryness and flakiness using the wrong kind of cleanser. Therefore, they must choose a cleanser enriched with moisturising ingredients and essential fatty acids to maintain enough hydration and restore the right pH balance in the skin. Opt for face washes with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, glycerine, ceramides, oat milk, almond milk, etc. to keep skin healthy and moisturised. Besides, an oil-based cleanser works perfectly well for dry skin types as they add a layer of moisture to the skin surface. Those with dry skin must refrain from washing their face with warm water as it can lead to even more dryness.

Combination Skin

Combination skin types have a hard time choosing the right skin care products as they need to pay extra attention to dry patches as well as oily spots (T-zone and chin) on the face simultaneously. Mild and gel-based cleansers are the best choice for combination skin types as they provide necessary hydration without drying the skin too much. Besides, look for ingredients such as aloe vera, alpha hydroxyl acids, tea tree oil, etc. in the face wash to maintain optimal moisture balance in the skin.

Acne-prone skin

If pimples and blackheads do not leave your side despite trying multiple products, then you might need to change your face wash. People with acne-prone skin types should use cleansers that contain salicylic acids, glycolic acid, and tea tree oil to eliminate dead skin cells and prevent inflammation. Avoid using harsh exfoliants as they could trigger acne and lead to scarring. Use chemical exfoliants containing AHAs or BHAs twice a week to keep blackheads and acne at bay.

Note: Apply cleanser in gentle and circular motion for a few seconds and use clean washcloth to wipe off excess water.