How do I Choose the Best Daily Cleanser?

As switching cleansers on a frequent basis can cause skin irritation and breakouts, it’s important to find the best daily cleanser possible for your face. While facial cleansers marketed towards women can reach prices in excess of hundreds of US Dollars, there are several types of daily cleansers available for much less at your local drugstore that can be just as effective. Choosing the best daily cleanser is a matter of considering your skin type and the factors that affect it, as well as whether your skin is manageable with over-the-counter cleansers or best treated by a dermatologist.

In cosmetology, skin is most often categorized as either normal, dry, oily, combination, or sensitive. Most over-the-counter skin cleansers are marked according to which of these skin types they suit the best, typically featuring a higher level of drying agents such as alcohol and salicylic acid in cleansers for oily skin. Facial cleansers for dry or sensitive skin often include aloe vera, which is known to have a soothing effect on the skin. Combination skin is best treated by washing the face with a daily cleanser specifically made for combination skin and then applying a light layer of topical acne cream to oily areas such as the T-zone, consisting of the forehead, nose, and chin.

Even after you’ve determined which category your skin falls into, there are other factors that can cause fluctuations in your skin type and necessitate a switch to a different cleanser. Age, for example, plays a large role in the texture of one’s skin. Teenagers often require a daily cleanser for oily skin while adults typically require one with more moisture, such as a crème cleanser. Weather can also be a determining factor in which daily cleanser you use, as those who regularly use a facial cleanser for normal skin might find that they require acne cleansers or toners during the summer and seasons of high humidity. Certain oral medications can also cause changes in the skin, prompting it to produce extra oil and break out more frequently.

If you’ve tried various types of facial cleansers and your skin is still encountering problems such as frequent breakouts, severe dryness, or irritation, ask your doctor to refer you to a dermatologist. Skin specialists can recommend both oral and topical prescriptions that can help skin which is resistant to over-the-counter treatment. A dermatologist can also help you determine whether or not there your problem skin has an underlying cause which can be remedied rather than simply treating its symptoms.