How You Should Wash Your Face According To Your Skin Type

Whether you are a skincare savant or someone who can’t really tell the difference between a serum and toner, there’s no denying the daily face wash routine that holds a universal berth in our schedules. While the allure of squeaky clean skin is enough to merit a trip to the sink before you hit the bed, if you haven’t been paying attention to the cues your facial skin is trying to give you, you might end up doing more harm than good. 



Dry skin doesn’t take kindly to harsh cleansing agents, and cleansers that contain alcohol can wreak havoc in the long run, especially if you have irritated acne-prone skin. We got celebrity skin expert, Dr Harshna Bijlani, and founder of Yavana Aesthetics Clinic, Dr Madhuri Agarwal, to draw up a detailed guide on what your cleansing routine needs to look like.

How to wash your face if you have oily skin


Look for a foam-based face wash or cleansing gel containing AHA, BHA, niacinamide, charcoal and clay. When shopping for products, opt for foam-based options that deep cleanse without stripping the skin of all the oil. If your skin is prone to acne, cleansers are a great way to apply an active ingredient to the skin without having it sit for too long. For this skin type, double cleansing with oil and then a water-based cleanser is ideal to whisk off sebum and grime on the skin.


The quantity depends on the texture of the product you’re using. For gel or creamy cleansers, opt for two peanut-sized amounts that will suffice for the entire face, and one pump if you’re using a foam-based product. Start by removing your makeup and any residue with micellar water, followed by a cleanser. To make optimal use of the cleanser, follow the instructions on the bottle, as some cleanser balms need to be applied on a dry face while some others require a wet face. Both Dr Bijlani and Dr Agarwal suggest patting your skin dry and apply a toner after cleansing.

How to wash your face if you have dry skin


Dry skin requires special care, as washing it with the wrong products can further worsen the dryness and flakiness. If your facial skin feels tight and dry after washing, take it as a sign to change your cleansing products—this involves removing makeup, dirt and pollutants from the skin and restoring its pH balance. It is advisable to choose products that are alcohol-free and lend hydration to the skin—look for a hydrating cleanser that can take the dirt and makeup off completely, and make sure that it is free of parabens and fragrance. Ingredients such as lactic acid, ceramides, almond oil, oat milk and polyphenols are always welcome as well. While face wipes are ideal for travelling, they can contain alcohol, fragrance or preservatives that might irritate sensitive, dry skin. The doctors suggest dabbing a little face oil and then swiping it off with an alcohol-free wipe to reduce irritation.


Dry skin requires one fingertip of face wash, and if you are using an oil, two-three drops should be sufficient. It is recommended that you avoid hot water while washing the face as it will dry the skin further. Take a pea-sized amount of cleanser and gently massage it on the face and neck in a circular motion to clean the areas. Since cleansers for dry skin might be gels or balms, they may not necessarily lather, so bear in mind that you don’t rub excessively to generate suds. Wash it off by splashing water on the face and pat the skin dry with a clean towel, instead of rubbing it, before applying moisturiser. If you’re using an oil-based cleanser, gently massage it in with a soft cotton cloth dipped in lukewarm water to gently wipe the face. Seal in the hydration with a moisturiser.

How to wash your face if you have combination skin


Combination skin requires a balanced product as certain parts of the skin are dry, while the T-zone and chin are oily. Avoid cleansing products that are too strong as they strip the skin of its natural oils. Both doctors suggest using a mild, gel-based face wash that will cleanse the face without drying it. Look for ingredients such as panthenol, tea tree oil, aloe vera, bakuchiol and alpha hydroxy acid (AHAs). Micellar water is another effective option for cleansing this skin type. The oil in the water preparation cleanses the skin of oil and dirt while also supplying the necessary hydration. Using an exfoliating scrub twice a week, after the face wash, is a handy way of cleansing oil build-up in combination skin—opt for scrubs with small granules or beads for best results. Applying an alcohol-free toner after the face wash will also help remove the residual collection in the pores and minimise them.



A dime-sized amount of face wash is sufficient for this skin type, as is a pea-sized amount of face scrub. It is advisable to utilise micellar water and toner by squeezing a few drops on a cotton ball, enough to wet it properly but not soak it through. Start by wetting the face with regular water, and then apply the face wash by rubbing it gently over the entire face to ensure proper cleansing. Focus on the oily areas and apply lesser product to the dry ones. Then, apply the scrub and massage it gently over the blocked rough skin to take off the grime and oil build-up, before washing it off. Pat the face dry and follow it up with a toner. If you’re opting for micellar water, clean your face with a wet wipe and spray or dab it all over the face.

We found this information on Vogue so thought of sharing with you all. Hope you loved it and will share this blog with your friends spreading this essential skin care information. 

Lots of Love!!!
XOXO

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