What is the Best Cleanser for your Skin Type?

What are the best kinds of cleansers for the following types of skin?
(ie- oil cleansing, foam cleanser, exfoliating cleanser, milk cleanser etc.)

• Sensitive –  Sensitive skin is a condition, rather than a type. Individuals with sensitive skin are usually reactive to certain ingredients and suffer from inflammation or irritation as a result. Because of this, people with sensitive skin should avoid most foaming cleansers, as they can be too harsh for reactive skin. Select oil cleansers can be a good fit as long as they do not have too many active ingredients, we love Helena Lane’s Jojoba & Calendula Cleanser because it is unscented and has a very basic ingredient list. We also suggest cream or milk cleansers as they tend to be quite gentle; the Graydon Aloe Milk Cleanser is one of our favourites.

• Dry – Dry skin typically shows signs of ageing sooner, so we usually recommend moisturizing milk or oil cleansers. Dry skin has little to no pore size, which means that oil does not flow freely to the surface of the skin. The acid mantle on these surfaces are typically thinner and less acidic than other skin types, so the skin can be more likely to become weak or damaged by sun and external factors. A beautiful milk cleanser to try is the Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Milk, as it is as gentle as it is effective. An oil cleanser that we would recommend is the Nourishing Oil Cleanser from Tata Harper (in which case, when cleansing, remove the cleanser with a warm washcloth to eliminate any oily residue or makeup from the skin).

• Mature Skin – As we age, the skin begins to thin, dry out, and lose lustre, making it especially important to replenish the skin by using a nourishing cleanser. We recommend trying a revitalizing cream or milk cleanser with a manual or enzymatic exfoliant, to keep the skin looking plump and radiant. We suggest Eminence Organics Firm Skin Acai Cleanser because it contains fruit acids to boost the skin’s cellular turnover on a daily basis, as well as hyaluronic acid to increase hydration. If the skin is blemish-prone or oily we would recommend a balancing oil cleanser like May Lindstrom’s Pendulum Potion.

• Oily –  Foaming cleansers are typically recommended, as the detergents or foaming factors help to remove oil from the skin (though it is important not to over-strip this skin type as it can lead to the skin producing more oil to compensate). Foaming cleansers are generally alkaline, to help balance the acidity of oily skin; this leaves the surface with a squeaky clean feel and often, smaller pore openings. Generally, for oily skin, we recommend the Stone Crop Gel Wash from Eminence Organics. Using an oil-based cleanser with non-comedogenic ingredients can also be beneficial since they gently and effectively dissolve excess sebum. Oils do not contain a pH, and therefore they do not contribute to balancing the acidity of the skin but do aid in diminishing oil production; for this, we love Living Libations’ Seabuckthorn Best Skin Ever.

• Acneic – Acne can happen to any skin type, though, is typically prevalent with those who have oily skin. Contrary to popular belief, oil production is not the only cause of acne- hormonal fluctuations, diet, and age can also play a role. When it comes to cleansing for acne-prone skin, this depends on the skin type, as well as other products used. Typically, foaming cleansers are recommended to remove excess oil. For this, we recommend the Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser from Eminence Organics. Oil cleansing is also helpful those with acne, and a great place to start is with the Helena Lane Lavender & Lime Cleanser, as it has healing and antibacterial ingredients.

• Hybrid / Combination Skin – Combination skin is typically a mixture of oily and dry skin types, but it can also be normal and oily, or normal and dry. It’s essential to wash for your specific skin type and treat conditions with serums and treatments, so for those with combination skin, this can be tricky… If you’re unsure of your specific skin type, a safe cleanser to start with is the Juliet Skin-Brightening Gel Cleanser by Antipodes. Oil cleansing can also work well for those with combination skin, as it helps a broad range of skin types. A gentle oil cleanser that we recommend trying is the Stone Crop Cleansing Oil by Eminence Organics.

For optimal results (with any of these suggestions), we always recommend using a toner, and moisturizer after cleansing the skin.