4 Signs You're Using The Wrong Facial Cleanser

Cleanser is one of those essential steps in anyone’s skin care routine. No matter if you’re a skin care minimalist or you’re one who loves a long lineup of pampering products, it should always start with removing your makeup and then a good, old-fashioned face washing.

But if you’re using the wrong cleanser, you might be kicking off your skin care routine in a way that does more harm than good. In fact, you might think you’re plagued by persistent skin issues, but it could all stem from using the wrong cleanser. Do any of these warning signs sound familiar?

1.Your Skin is Dry

Your skin is well-equipped to keep its hydration balanced, with a dedicated moisture barrier that keeps your essential hydration from evaporating. Some cleansers, though, go overboard in trying to remove excess oils. They strip your skin of the natural oils that keep its moisture balanced, leaving your skin feeling dry and tight.

The fix: try a hydrating cleanser that’s formulated not to strip your skin dry.

2.You Have Persistent Facial Irritation

Some people’s skin is more temperamental than others, but truth be told, if you’re having persistent facial irritation like redness and small inflamed bumps, your cleanser could be to blame. Ongoing irritation can signal a few potential problems with your cleanser.

It could mean that there is something in your cleanser or in another skin care product that is aggravating your skin. Dyes and fragrances are the most common culprits, but everyone’s skin reacts to different ingredients.

Or, your skin might be irritated because it’s dry, as dry skin is more sensitive than hydrated skin. Cleansers can also throw off the pH balance of your skin, leading to frequent irritation.

Because there are several possible reasons your cleanser might be irritating your skin, there are a few potential fixes. The first option is to try a gentle cleanser that’s made to be soothing, hydrating, and non-irritating.

The second option is to use a facial toner . Toner helps to balance your pH if your cleanser is throwing off your acidity. It’s a simple addition to your skin care routine, and you’ll use it directly after your cleanser.

3.You’re Getting Breakouts

Acne is a skin scourge no one wants to deal with, especially when you’re well into adulthood and you expected to be done with pimples by now. The bad news is that some people are just naturally prone to acne. The good news is that while your current cleanser might not be getting the job done, there are specific acne-fighting cleansers out there that have the specialized care your skin needs.

4.You’re Noticing Premature Aging

Aging doesn’t have to happen as early as it does for many of us. Yes, your skin naturally loses firmness and develops wrinkles over time, but it’s made far worse by environmental factors like damage from the sun, pollutants, and more. Did you know your cleanser could give you a helping hand?

Remember how overly harsh cleansers can damage the moisture barrier in your skin, leading to dry skin? That moisture barrier is also a protective barrier, and if your skin is dry, it’s also more vulnerable to pollutants and other types of environmental damage that make you age more quickly.

The fix? Try an anti-aging cleanser . It’s gentle enough to keep your protective barrier intact while incorporating other anti-aging ingredients that keep your skin looking bright and youthful.

Choosing the Right Cleanser for Your Skin

Choosing your lineup of skin care products is never easy, even for skin care pros. It takes an intimate understanding of your skin, observing what seems to make it break out or spark inflammation.

The tips above can give you a helpful place to start, but ultimately, it’s all a matter of trial and error. Your skin’s needs can change as you get older, too, especially when you go through significant hormonal changes like menopause. The key is to take time to assess your skin regularly and see how it’s behaving and what it may need.

If you’re stumped, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Try a virtual skin care consultation with a specialized expert who can guide you in the right direction for your skin’s specific needs.

No matter what route you decide to go, enjoy cleaner and more balanced skin!