Face wash is a key component of a good skin care routine because it forms the foundation for other skin care products by removing the excess oil and dust from the face. However many times people find it difficult to select the right cleanser.
This is due to different skin types. Combination is one such skin type and it is a combination of both oily and dry skin which makes it challenging to select a good cleanser for combination skin type.
Using a wrong face wash on combination skin type can cause skin dryness, irritation and excess production of the sebum. That’s why choosing the right face wash as per combination skin type is essential to prevent any skin related issues.
Therefore in this guide we will go through what is combination skin type, why right cleanser matters, ingredients to look for in a good face wash, tips to use the face wash correctly and mistakes that one should avoid will help you to select the right cleanser for combination skin which helps you to attain a healthy and glowing skin.
What is Combination Skin?
A combination skin is having both oily and dry skin. It generally has oily T-regions (jaw, forehead and nose) while the cheeks area is dry. Due to the presence of both oily and dry skin, this makes it difficult to select a good face wash.
A cleanser should remove the excess oil from the T-regions while preventing dryness in the cheeks area. Signs of a combination skin:
- Oily or shiny appearance on the nose, forehead and jaw
- Tightened, dry and flaky skin in the cheek area
- Skin breakouts or acne in the oily region
Why Does a Right Cleanser Matters?
A face wash is the first step in a skin care routine. It helps in removing the dust, excess oil, makeup, sunscreen and sweat from your face and helps prevent clogged pores, acne or breakouts. Moreover, prepare the face for other skin care steps like moisturizer and sunscreen.
However using the wrong face wash can cause skin irritation, allergy, dry and flaky skin. That’s why selecting the right cleanser as per your skin type is very important to get the benefits and prevent skin related issues.
Key Ingredients to Look For
When selecting the cleanser, look for these key ingredients that are backed by experts and are an effective and safer option for a combination skin.
- Glycerin
Glycerin is a powerful humectant that attracts moisture from deep inside the skin onto the skin surface which helps in preventing skin dryness after cleansing.
- Ceramides
Ceramides are an essential part which helps in making the skin barrier. A cleanser having ceramides as the main ingredient will help in strengthening the skin barrier and prevent skin tight and dry skin after cleansing.
- Niacinamide
It is a form of vitamin B3 which is a water soluble vitamin. It contains calming properties that help in managing the excess oil production, reducing inflammation and redness. Moreover it also boosts the production of ceramides and essential lipids that helps in strengthening the skin barrier.
- Hyaluronic Acid
It contains hydrating properties and helps in locking the water onto the skin. A cleanser containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid helps in reducing the water loss during cleansing the face which prevents dehydration.
Best Pick for Combination Skin Type
According to combination skin, a face cleanser which contains ingredients such as glycerin or ceramides paired with niacinamide is the best face cleanser for a combination skin because niacinamide helps with reducing the excess oil from T-regions while the glycerin or ceramide helps in providing moisture to the cheeks area to prevent skin dryness.
Tips to Use the Cleanser Correctly
Using the cleanser in a correct way is also crucial to prevent your skin from any problems. Consider the following steps to use the cleanser properly:
- Using the face wash twice a day is usually recommended by the experts; one in the morning and one before going to bed.
- Use lukewarm water while washing your face.
- Gently massage the cleanser on the face in a circular motion for around 60-90 seconds and rinse thoroughly with water.
- Pat dry the face with a clean towel.
- Make sure you are applying a layer of moisture after cleansing the face to prevent dryness.
Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding these common mistakes people make while using the face wash helps prevent your skin from any side effects.
- Washing the Face with Hot Water
It is the common mistake many people make. Using hot water can strip out the skin’s natural oil which will force the body to produce and result in more acne or skin breakouts.
Therefore using lukewarm water is preferred to prevent this from happening.
- Over Washing the Face
Many people wash their face repeatedly thinking it will provide more benefit. But in reality, this removes the skin oil and weakens the skin barrier and makes the skin more prone to skin related issues.
Cleansing the face twice in a day is effective and prevents skin dryness.
- Scrubbing Aggressively
Most of us think that scrubbing harshly with the cleanser will increase the effectiveness of the cleanser but in reality it causes skin rashes and damages the skin barrier.
Gently massaging cleanser in a circular motion helps prevent any skin rashes or skin damage.
Wrapping Up
A face cleaner is the initial and essential step in a skin care routine. It aids in removing the excess oil, dust, sweat and makeup products from the face and gives a fresh and energized look. But it is key to choose a face wash as per your type of skin unless it can cause skin related issues. Combination skin is having both dry and oily skin.
That’s why having an understanding of combination skin, why right cleanser matters and ingredients backed by experts and common mistakes to avoid will help the person to select the right cleanser which helps in attaining a smooth and clear skin.