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Are you washing your face with the correct product?

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You might think washing your face is the easiest part of your beauty routine...but is it really? *doubt creeps in*

Read more: Is your pillowcase giving you bad skin?

Turns out it can be quite complicated and using the wrong product can even cause some skin woes. So, we did a bit of research on the best ways to wash your face and compiled some useful information for you. 

NOTE: The right face wash should completely remove dirt, makeup and grime but shouldn’t strip away your skin’s natural oils.

Match your skin type to your face wash:

Dry skin

Having dry skin can be an ongoing struggle, but there are a lot of different things one can do to restore hydration to the skin, and it starts with investing in a good cleanser. Avoid alcohol-containing soaps as the harsh detergents in them can strip away the natural moisturising oils in your skin.

StyleCaster notes that if your skin feels itchy or too tight after cleansing, you might be using one that is too harsh for your skin type.

We suggest you use:

Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Water Gel Cleanser - it lathers away dirt, oil and makeup while providing skin with a boost of vital hydration, R99,95. It's also suitable for sensitive skin.

Read more: 5 new stand-out facial cleansers to shop now

Cetaphil cleansing lotion is another fantastic option, which can be used without adding lots of water.

Acne-prone skin

According to Health.com, the best way to cleanse acne-prone skin is to avoid using soap-based cleansers as they often contain a pH that is higher than your skin - this can have a negative effect on your skin chemistry. 

Harsh exfoliants are also a bad idea as it causes irritation instead of clearing up the skin.

Read more: 3 fantastic face masks for congested skin

We suggest you use:

Eucerin Purifyer Cleanser

This daily-use, soap-free and fragrance-free formula is a gentle, yet effective, cleanser for oily and blemish-prone skin. It contains 6% Ampho-tensides and eliminates excess sebum (seborrhea) while removing dirt and makeup. Its anti-bacterial properties help rid the skin of bacteria and, as it is non-comedogenic, it will not clog pores, R139.99 for 200ml, R229.99 for 400ml.

I’ve been suffering from breakouts lately, especially on my forehead and chin. In just under a week of using it I've experienced great results - my skin is less oily and has cleared up quite a bit. So, I can’t wait to see what my skin will look like after a month! The other fantastic thing about this product is that a little really goes a long way and you only have to use a small amount to wash your face. – Carmen Williams


Oily skin

"Using facial oils and oil-based products to cleanse and nourish your skin can help to balance over-active sebaceous glands. Putting oils onto oily skin doesn’t make your skin more oily – in fact, it achieves the opposite. Gentle exfoliation is also important for oily skin because pores tend to get blocked more easily. Using AHAs and BHAs is ideal and rather avoid harsh scrubs," says Julia from All Dolled Up.

So why not try an oil-based cleanser, like the Dermalogica precleanse is oil-based and fantastic at removing impurities and makeup. Use this primarily to remove your makeup, R 630.

Then follow with a cleanser...

Skinderm pure cleansing gel (available at Perfect 10 salons)

This non-drying cleansing gel deep cleanses the skin to thoroughly remove skin impurities and pollutants, to reveal a clean and bright complexion, R360.

Admittedly, I was a little sceptical when Skinderm’s pure cleansing gel arrived on our desks. For one, the brand is relatively new. It's hydrating on the skin and I love that it doesn’t form an overly foamy lather when you apply it. My skin practically felt super-hydrated and moisturised. I’ve found a new favourite cleansing product and can’t recommend it enough. – Tammy February

Also try products containing salicylic acid like Environ's sebuwash - a mild gel cleanser containing tea tree oil, salicylic acid and a special oil absorbing ingredient which is great for congested skin, R 160, as it is very effective at cleaning away excess oil. 

Normal skin

According to Thehealthsite.com, you should avoid soaps with a high acid content, too many chemicals, too much fragrance or a high pH value. 

Try this:

Skin Creamery Everyday Cleansing Powder, R250.


Read more: 

5 reasons not to hide your winter face from summer

Choosing the perfect lipstick colour for your skin

5 things to do in your 20s to make you look younger in your 30s


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