You know how tight your face feels after cleansing, if you have dry skin. It does not have to be like that forever. There are plenty of products out there that are designed for your skin.
In today’s blog, we will explain how you can choose the right cleanser for dry skin. Let's begin.
Highlights:
1. Why Cleansing Makes It To The Top Of Any Skin Care Routine?
You may skip a toner or a scrub occasionally, but skipping cleanser is a big no in any skin care routine. Here’s why. Cleansing helps your skin get rid of the excess oils (sebum), makeup, dirt and other pollutants.
You can follow it up with your next skin care products like serums, moisturizers and sunscreens.
2. Why Cleansing Can Be A Hassle For Dry Skin?
Dry skin is a result of low sebum (natural oil) in your skin. When the skin’s sebaceous glands are underactive, they produce very less oil making the skin dry. Dry skin may also be a result of an existing skin condition like rosacea.
Most cleansers in the market are created to remove all the oil and dirt from your skin. But in this process, they can strip off your skin’s natural oils too, making it extremely dry, tight and flaky. Even cleansers designed for oily skin contain ingredients that can make it very dry.
So it is important to understand what kind of a cleanser you need to look for.
3. How To Choose A Cleanser For Dry Skin?
A. First Step:
Before you head to the skin care section in a beauty store is to understand your skin type. An ideal cleanser should suit your skin type and should not leave your skin feeling too oily or too dry.
Next, think about whether you need sulphate-free, fragrance-free and dye-free products, etc.
B. What To Avoid:
Ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, antibacterials (like triclosan), fragrances, parabens, alcohols, dyes and additives are drying ingredients. So it is best to avoid them.
C. What To Look For:
Pick a cleanser that is pH balancing. Your skin has a thin protective layer on the top called acid mantle. It contains sebum that mixes with lactic acid and amino acids from the sweat to create skin’s pH, which is around 5.5 (slightly acidic). An ideal cleanser should not strip your skin of its natural pH.
Look for ingredients like shea butter and oatmeal that are hydrating or moisturizing. Avoid ingredients like alcohol as they can steal the moisture from your skin.
D. Alternative:
When you are out on a trip or don’t really have the time for cleansing, opt for micellar water. Micellar water is the new trend in skin care as it is quick, easy and safe. It is a solution consisting of micelles, which are structures that attract dirt and pull it away from your skin.
Pro Tip:Avoid high foaming facial cleansers as these may contain sulfates that have a tendency to irritate your skin and eyes.
4. Best Ingredients In Cleanser For Dry Skin
A. Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is one of the favourite ingredients of skin care experts. It is a great humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the atmosphere and locks it in the skin. Because of its water retention capacity, hyaluronic acid is a great choice for dry skin cleansers.
B. Glycerin
Glycerin is a thick syrup derived from vegetable fats. It is a humectant that can attract water and seal it in the skin. Glycerin is hydrating and non-comedogenic (does not clog pores in the skin).
C. Ceramides
Ceramides are lipids found in the skin and are cementing structures in the skin’s natural barrier. External aggressors like sunlight, pollution and smoking damage ceramides. When included in a cleanser, ceramides can strengthen the barrier and prevent water loss.
D. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a natural ingredient that can work wonders by providing adequate moisture to the skin. It helps in soothing and softening the skin without stripping the natural oils from the skin.
E. Niacinamide
Niacinamide (also called vitamin B3) has a multitude of benefits. It is helpful in repairing the damaged skin barrier and preventing further water loss. It fights oily skin, fine lines, pigmentation, dehydration and more.
5. What Is Double Cleansing?
Double cleansing is no rocket science. It is simply washing your face twice - first with an oil-based face wash followed with a gentle cleanser.
Face washes for dry skin contain ingredients like coconut oil or olive oil, which can be used to remove makeup. This step can be followed up with a mild cleanser for dry skin.
Double cleansing is suited for dry skin type too as long as you use a moisturizing cleanser.
Dermatologists recommend double cleansing for the following reasons:
- The makeup residue from the first wash can be removed.
- It is easy to remove the dead skin cells buildup.
- Dirt, pollutants and excess oil get washed away.
6. How To Use A Cleanser?
- Wet your hands and face before you apply the cleanser
- Squeeze a pump of cleanser into your palms and apply it on your face.
- Gently massage it into your skin using circular motions. Do not scrub.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Pat dry your face with a clean, soft towel.
- Follow it up with a moisturizer and sunscreen.
7. Best Cleanser For Dry Skin
SkinKraft Moisturizing Face Cleanser is a gentle cleanser designed for dry skin. It is made of mild surfactants to remove dirt, makeup and excess oils from your skin.
One of the key ingredients in this cleanser is colloidal oatmeal that has moisturizing properties. The propanediol in it replenishes the skin’s lost moisture content. It is mildly foaming and fragrance free.
8. How To Take Care Of Dry Skin?
- Prevent hot showers as it can strip off the natural oils from your skin and make it drier.
- Cleanse every day to get rid of the dirt and dead skin cells buildup.
- Follow up your cleansing with a toner to balance out the skin’s pH.
- Use a barrier repair moisturizer to strengthen your skin’s natural barrier.
- Avoid cleansers with exfoliating agents like beads as they can cause damage to the already dry skin.
- Layer your skincare products from thinnest to thickest.
- Avoid rubbing your face with harsh towels as this may irritate dry skin.
- Avoid using cakey foundations in your makeup as this can dry out your skin even more.
Choosing a cleanser for dry skin need not be an uphill battle anymore. What cleanser are you using right now? Let us know.
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