Skin cleansers function as surface-active agents and help remove dead cells/skin whilst maintaining the equilibrium of the skin resulting in improved skin tone and texture. Cleansers have two components, the hydrophilic part, which clings to water and the hydrophobic part (oil-loving), which adheres to pollutants trapped in the skin matrix. Both combined aids in removing accumulated toxins on the surface of the skin that are major causes of breakouts, premature ageing, and dehydration.

It is crucial to cleanse at least twice a day. Once in the morning to get rid of excess sebum production, dead cells, and toxins that the skin exudes overnight. It also balances the skin's pH levels and gives it a fresh start. Additionally, an evening cleanse is equally important as it helps get rid of pollutants, dirt, and germs collected throughout the day and improves overall skin health. Make sure to stick to cleansers that are non-comedogenic, sulfate-free, pH balanced, and have mild cleansing effects

Some essential benefits of cleansing include -

• Enhancing the effectiveness of anti-aging products and therapies
• Maintains pore size
• Promote skin hydration
• Inhibits the formation of surplus oils and acne breakouts.
• Remove dead skin cells, whiteheads, and blackheads
• Remove toxins and pollutants

A perfect cleanser should be able to accomplish all of the above without causing the skin any stress or irritation and also function to keep the skin's surface hydrated and supple.

There are skin-specific cleansers that are well-formulated to treat multiple skin issues such as pigmentation, acne spots, and wrinkles. However, cleansing can sometimes make your skin seem unusually dry or oily. This usually happens when you are either using the wrong product or applying it incorrectly coupled with an outdated version of your skincare regime. Another important factor you might be missing out on is the choice of ingredients in the formulation. Let's browse through skin-specific cleaners and power ingredients.

Normal to dry skin prone to hyperpigmentation

Look out for ingredients that have moisture-retention properties. Worthy ingredients to look out for if you have normal to dry skin -

• Sugarcane Extract- It facilitates clearing up breakouts, and blemishes, diminishing wrinkles and delivering a smoother skin texture. Alpha hydroxy acid, an essential ingredient of the sugarcane extract is regarded to be an excellent ingredient for maintaining skin radiance and removing age spots.
• Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit- This helps delay the onset of premature wrinkles, dark patches, and other ageing symptoms. For glowing, youthful skin, the antioxidants in this extract can also reduce hyperpigmentation, scars, and blemishes.
• Lemon Fruit Extract- It cleans the face while clearing clogged pores and assisting in regulating oil production. Lemon extract also provides antioxidant properties to help decrease oxidative stress, reduce signs of premature aging and impart improved skin tone and texture. It also aids in reviving the skin's inherent radiance by fighting acne and age spots.

Normal to oily, combination & acne-prone skin type

Sebum production is significantly higher in oily skin types, especially in the T-zone. The appearance of enlarged pores, acne, blackheads, pimples, and other imperfections may also be evident. Hence, your best bet will probably be a face wash that has the following ingredients with functioning capabilities such as-

• Zinc PCA- It is known for its excellent anti-inflammatory properties, reducing sebum production, acne breakouts, and blackheads. Equipped with skin healing properties and maintaining skin hydration.
• Cocamidopropyl Betaine- It is derived from coconuts and has inherently high levels of hydration. It is a perfect cleanser for sensitive skin types and works best to remove pollutants and oil that tend to get embedded in the skin matrix.
• Glycerol Oleate- It is known to increase skin firmness by permeating the stratum corneum of the skin structure and imparts skin softening effects in addition to balanced moisturising properties.
• Niacinamide- It aids in minimizing excessive oil production and further prevents the onset of blemishes, dark spots, and wrinkles. It also effectively repairs the skin barrier function.