How do I Choose the Best Gel Cleanser?

Gel cleanser may be used to cleanse the face twice a day to keep skin looking clean, soft, and healthy. To choose the best gel cleanser, it is helpful to consider your unique skin type as well as any other sensitivities or preferences you may have. A gel cleanser that is a good match for your skin type will typically be the most effective, so it is important to choose carefully.

In general, there are five common skin types: oily, dry, combination, normal, and acne-prone. If you aren't sure what type of skin you have, simply observe your face for a few days. Oily skin will often appear greasy, even after being washed. Dry skin is prone to redness and flaking, and may have a feeling of tightness. Combination skin is a mix of both oily and dry skin; often, oily skin will appear in the T-zone, which is the nose, chin, and forehead area, while the cheeks are dry.

Acne-prone skin may have the appearance of blemishes or blackheads. Finally, normal skin is neither dry nor oily and appears relatively healthy, but still needs to be maintained to keep its clear, healthy appearance. Chances are, your skin will fit into one of these five categories, and to choose the best gel cleanser, it is best to match up your skin type as closely as possible.

There are gel cleansers available that are designed for every skin type, and it is usually marked right on the package. For those with acne-prone skin, a cleanser containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, two effective acne-fighting ingredients, may be a good bet. A gel cleanser that contains a gentle moisturizing ingredient may be effective against dry skin, while it is generally a better idea to choose a gel cleanser without any added moisturizers for oily skin.

For normal skin, choose the best gel cleanser by selecting one that is free of extra additives designed to treat skin issues you do not have. The extra ingredients have the potential to irritate skin. If your skin is sensitive or prone to allergic reactions, a natural or hypoallergenic gel cleanser may be best.

It may be necessary to choose the best gel cleanser through trial and error. Trying sample cleansers is a good place to start. It generally takes two weeks for a new cleanser to have an effect on the skin, so it is best to try it for at least that long. Stop using the cleanser immediately, however, if it causes a rash, painful irritation, or any other type of allergic reaction. If skin is especially troublesome, a skin care specialist at a spa or salon may be able to help you choose the best gel cleanser as well. A dermatologist may also offer good advise, especially if you are prone to acne or allergic reactions.