How to choose the right cleanser for your skin type

Tailoring your cleanser to your skin type is as important as getting your moisturiser right: it should be seen as paramount to skin health. ‘Healthy skin is hydrated skin,’ explains Pamela Marshall, clinical aesthetician and co-founder of skin clinic Mortar & Milk. ‘Some cleansers can remove the skin’s acid mantle, which can cause transepidermal water loss (TEWL). For a healthy, glowing complexion we need to keep our barrier function calm.’

It is this skin barrier – aka the epidermis – that should be the centrepoint of any skincare regime. ‘The epidermis is the first line of defence in protecting the body from the invasion of pollution, UV radiation, bacteria and irritants,’ says facial therapist Nataliya Robinson. ‘Using a harsh cleanser can be damaging and can trigger inflammation.’

So which one is right for you? ‘When it comes to choosing a cleanser it’s all about the “after feel” – how your skin feels after use,’ says Nataliya. ‘The answer should be comfortable – not tight, greasy or dry.’

‘An oily skin type would benefit from a clarifying cleanser to help control oil production, and those with significant breakouts may want to choose a stronger, antibacterial cleanser that contains salicylic acid to deep-clean the skin and clear clogged pores,’ says Dr Murad, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Murad skincare.

Dr Stefanie agrees. ‘When I see patients with acne, they’re usually using oily, lipid-rich moisturisers and cleansers which can aggravate the condition,’ she says. ‘Often, after I have advised a more suitable skincare regime, very little additional treatment may be needed.’

‘Those with dry skin will benefit from using a gentle cleanser, which will protect the skin’s natural moisture barrier,’ says Dr Murad. ‘Many cleansers can be quite harsh, and while effective at cleansing and removing make-up, can actually rid the skin of its good bacteria along with the bad bacteria.

‘Using a cleanser with prebiotic technology such as my Prebiotic 4-in-1 MultiCleanse encourages the good bacteria to stick around. It’s not just about removing make-up, it’s about ensuring the skin’s natural defence system is kept intact.’

‘For mature skin, a cream or balm-like texture is ideal,’ says Nataliya. This is because as we age our skin becomes drier and less resilient due to hormonal changes. Even if you’ve been using the same cleanser for years, it might be time to think about switching things up.

If you have invested in some seriously swanky skincare, it needs to be able to penetrate through the layers of dead skin cells. A bright, healthy, radiant complexion calls for regular exfoliation and a dedicated cleanser, preferably one that contains an AHA to gently lift away dead cells.

Image: Getty Images