How to Choose Facial Cleansers

Step 1

Wash all traces of makeup off of your face. Dry the skin gently with a soft towel. Using pieces of thin rice paper or tissue paper appropriate for cleaning eyeglass lenses, press several pieces of the paper onto your forehead, nose, chin, and cheeks.

Step 2

Use the pieces of paper to determine your predominant skin type. There are three main skin types: dry, oily, and a combination of the two. Inspect the pieces of paper: dry skin will leave no oily spots on the paper; oily skin will leave oil spots that make the paper see-through; combination skin will have pieces of paper that became oily when pressed on some parts of the face, but not on others.

Step 3

Visit a drugstore or beauty supply store and look at the cleansers that are best for your type of skin. Facial cleansers can be divided into two main categories: foaming and non-foaming. Foaming cleansers, such as gels, are best for people with oily skin since they dry out facial skin. Non-foaming cleansers, such as cleansing liquids or creams, are best for people with dry skin. People with combination skin can choose either, depending on the extent of the oiliness or dryness of the different parts of their facial skin.

Step 4

Determine if you require a facial cleanser specifically designed for people with acne, contact allergies, or sensitive skin. Inspect the types of facial cleansers appropriate for your skin type for ingredients that cater to these special skin needs.

Step 5

Identify facial cleansers that meet all of the above criteria and that are within your price range. Most beauty experts assure consumers that paying substantially more for a facial cleanser does not mean that it will work significantly better than more affordable cleansers. Choose a cleanser that fits comfortably within your budget.