For combination skin
This skin is overall healthy and easy to maintain . Use Glycerine and / or Rose water based soaps or cleansers . Gel or foam based cleansers work well on your skin . Micellar water , like the Bioderma Sensibio H2O is perfect for your skin type . It works as a cleanser as well as make-up remover . You can also use fragrance-free cleansing wipes .
If you have sensitive skin
Ideally you might need to consult a dermatologist before choosing your face wash . ‘ Dove Sensitive ’ soap is easily available over-the-counter and is relatively inexpensive . Look for cleansers which have the terms ‘ hypoallergenic ’ or ‘ for intolerant skin ’ on the label . Look for a pH balanced formulation . Select a product that is fragrance-free and paraben free .
If you have dry skin with acne
Choose an anti-bacterial face wash that contains Cetrimide . Lactic acid containing face washes are a good fit as well .
If you have oily and sensitive skin
Use a soap that contains Bentonite Clay or Kaolin Clay . The Dermaceutic Advanced Cleanser containing Xylitol and Urea is a good choice . Avene Cleanance Gel is another great example . Choose natural ingredients like tea tree oil , apple cider vinegar , citric acid or rosemary oil in your face wash or hand-made soap .
If you have tanned skin
Use a face wash which contains AHAs ( alpha hydroxyl acids ) like glycolic acid or lactic acid . Natural ingredients like turmeric , saffron , orange peel or berry extracts would work well if you wish to seek a soap-maker for customized soaps .
If you are outdoorsy or suffer from excessive sweating and body odour
Use antibacterial or deodorizing soaps and body washes . Hand-made soaps made of turmeric , neem oil , geranium oil and gram flour are excellent choices as well .
A lot has been said about home-made soaps and their natural goodness . Soap makers are naturally vitriolic against commercially available cleansers and their ‘ harmful , cancer-causing and hormone-disrupting chemicals which are poisonous to your skin as well as the environment ’. This venom is in fact , driven by their own business interests . It is not possible to make soap without lye , which is a highly caustic alkali , although the ‘ saponification ’ process renders it safe . The Food & Administration authorities only approve ‘ melt & pour ’ soaps made from hot process , for commercial sale . These soaps are more popular due to their translucent appearance , but these do contain synthetic chemicals and are not “ all natural ”. Cold compress soaps can be prepared using only natural ingredients . However , most hand-made soaps contain essential oils and fragrances which can irritate sensitive skin . Many others do not fulfil the label claims as they are not tested in any lab . For instance , a
soap claiming to be made of lavender , might in fact only contain lavender scented oil . So buyers beware .
What is the correct way to use a face wash ? Wet your face and hands . Take a small amount of the cleanser – cream , gel , foam or lotion , on one palm , rub it between both palms , and gently massage it into your skin in upwards and outwards movements . Wait a few seconds to let the cleanser do its job , then rinse off and gently pat dry .
On a parting note , I would advise all readers to consult an experienced dermatologist , if you are not able to correctly identify your skin type and find a suitable cleanser for yourself . There is no such thing as THE perfect soap or cleanser . Despite expert medical advice , if you suffer from sensitive skin , it might take some trial and error before you find the perfect cleanser for your skin
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