BEAUTY
The Best Face Washing Routines For All Skin Types
By KELLI CATANA
Skin Type
The best way to determine your skin type is to perform a cleansing test, so wash your face gently, pat it dry, then wait 30 minutes to determine whether it is oily or dry. Dry skin will feel tight or flaky, but oily skin will appear shiny, and mixed skin will have your t-zone shiny but the rest of your face tight.
Cleanser
Cleaning your skin can have harmful side effects if done incorrectly, but if you know your skin type, you can choose the cleanser that will work the best for you. Esthetician Emily Trampetti says a healthy cleaning routine should not strip your skin of moisture, and she recommends opting for products that are mild and non-abrasive.
Cleansing Routine
Cleansing your skin with the right products helps to gently exfoliate and get rid of dead skin cells, making your skin look brighter and healthier. Not cleaning your skin properly leaves you more susceptible to dehydration and breakouts, leaving you with dull, dry skin.
Oily Skin
Instead of using some facial cleansers that can dry out your skin, Trampetti advises, “If you're prone to acne, I love using a gel cleanser with 2% salicylic acid to control oil, and bacteria and help with skin inflammation.” Also, you should cleanse your face twice per day.
Combination Skin
Trampetti says combination skin is often just imbalanced skin, which can be caused by using the wrong products and by changing seasons. Her advice is “to potentially have a couple of cleansers in your arsenal to combat those seasons or fluctuations in your skin hydration and lubrication. You may also want to work on using a gentle, hydrating cleanser.”