Are You Using the Wrong Cleanser? Here are 5 Signs

If there is one skincare habit we know we have to do every day, it probably is washing the face. It is the first step in any regimen with the main benefit of removing dirt, oil, and other impurities. And as it prevents the build-up of excessive dirt that can trap sebum, sweat, and dead skin cells, it can help you maintain clear and healthy-looking skin.

The benefits mentioned above, of course, apply to proper cleansing and the use of the right product. Using a face cleanser that isn’t right for your skin type can spell disaster and keep you from getting that glowing skin you deserve. It can also make your regimen less effective and even cause acne, dryness, and other skin issues.

Continue reading as we list the five telltale signs you could be using the wrong cleanser or it’s time to buy a new one.

Your skin feels tight after cleansing.

The dry and tight feeling you experience right after cleansing is a sign that your skin has been stripped of its natural oils. It has probably disturbed the skin’s barrier and compromised your skin’s pH level, leaving it drier than before and not as effective in absorbing the moisturizer you’ll be applying afterward.

Leaving the skin feeling dry and tight can also make your skin look dull and accentuate signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. And when you strip your skin of its protective oils, you increase your chances of having oily, dehydrated, breakout-prone skin, and other skin disorders.

Your skin feels rough.

The dryness caused by using an inappropriate face cleanser can contribute to a rough skin texture. This can then exacerbate other skin issues, resulting in rough dry patches and uneven skin tone.

And with damage to the skin’s moisture barrier, you become more prone to environmental aggressors (such as sun exposure and pollution), which can compromise your skin’s texture and overall appearance.

You experience redness and sensitivity.

Some cleansers with harsh ingredients can lead to irritation. They can damage the skin barrier and make your skin more susceptible to a host of symptoms, including redness and sensitivity. This is particularly true if you have sensitive skin, as well as use products with abrasives, drying agents, and additives such as dyes and perfumes.

For further reading: How to Care for Sensitive Facial Skin

You are experiencing more breakouts.

The right cleanser, paired with proper cleansing habits, can keep your skin clear and looking healthy. The wrong one, however, especially a formula that is too harsh or abrasive can damage the protective barrier and introduce breakout-causing bacteria to the skin. It can also strip the skin and cause it to overcompensate by producing more oil, which can lead to pimples and other blemishes.

You have a dull and uneven complexion.

A cleanser that can dry out the skin can lead to dullness or uneven skin tone. A wrong formula can also compromise your skin barrier, making the skin more susceptible to the effects of microbes and harmful pollutants. This can lead to an uneven complexion, crepey texture, and premature signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles.

How to pick the right cleanser

When selecting the right face cleanser, you need to consider several factors including your age, specific skin type, and pre-existing skin conditions. There are, however, a few basic things you need to take into account when buying a new face cleanser.

• If you have:
  • Dry skin – look for a cleanser with hydrating ingredients such as aloe Vera, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and vitamin E. Avoid those with alcohol and sulfates.
  • Oily skin – Consider a gel-based cleanser with niacinamide, tea tree, or BHAs. Avoid formulas that have pore-clogging ingredients such as coconut oil and cocoa butter.
  • Sensitive skin – Opt for a gentle and lightweight cleanser with hydrating and soothing ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. Avoid those with dyes, synthetic fragrances, and parabens.
  • Normal skin–You can choose from a wide range of face cleansers, but you might want to go for mild formulas and those that don’t contain harsh chemicals.
• Take it easy with exfoliators – An exfoliating face cleanser can remove dead skin cells and rejuvenate the skin, but you should avoid it if you have sensitive or easily irritated skin.
• Mind the pH – The skin is slightly acidic, with a pH level between 4.7 and 5.75. This only makes it important to choose a face cleanser with a pH that is close to the skin’s pH level. This also means avoiding regular bar soap (usually has a pH of 9 to 10), which can leave the skin feeling dry and tight.
• Get expert help – When in doubt about what works best for you, consult a skin or aesthetic doctor. You can also consider products that are tested or recommended by experts.

How Cutis can help

Cutis is introducing new skincare products under the Dr. Sylvia Skin Care line. These new formulas can help elevate your skincare routine and are worth considering if you’re looking to add or change some products in your regimen. We have cleansers that can leave your skin feeling clean and renewed without stripping its natural oils.

Our Deep Cleanser with Rice Water is ideal for those with oily and problematic skin. It removes excess oils, dead skin cells, and other impurities without drying the skin. We also have the Sensitive Cleanser with Aloe Leaf Water, which is a creamy facial cleanser ideal for dry and sensitive skin. It has soothing ingredients that make it gentle even for those with redness- or rosacea-prone skin.

Aside from our new products, we also have non-surgical treatments that can help improve different skin concerns. We have lasers and facials if you’re looking to address dull complexion and pigmentation, injectables for reducing lines and wrinkles, and other energy-based treatments for lifting and firming the skin.

Let us be your partner in beauty and skincare. Contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore to learn more about our products and services or book a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors.