10 face washes under Rs 500 that are great for dry skin
- by Avanti Dalal
These great value-for-money cleansers won't strip your skin of moisture, or your bank account of a chunk of your salary
The cold AC temperature indoors and the heat outside are already zapping moisture from your skin, so adding a harsh cleanser to your routine may lead to even more dryness and irritation. Face washes are designed to cleanse the skin of dirt, grime and oil, so many are packed with surfactants (to help lather up and attract oil particles) that can strip away its moisture, leaving dry patches and inflamed skin behind. While dry skin feels flaky and tight, it can also look sallow and dull, and highlight fine lines too. Which is why, a hydrating face wash that gently cleanses while leaving skin hydrated and soft is a huge boon. Even if you have dry skin that is acne-prone, be careful of drying out your skin. Flaky skin can cause micro-injuries that can further invite bacteria and worsen the breakout.
A good way to know if your skin has been over-stripped or is too dry is to note what it feels like in the morning—if you wake up with tight and irritated skin, you know you need help. It pays to know what has led to the condition though—if you have a dry skin type, it means that your skin has a lack of lipids and oils to balance it; and if your skin is dehydrated, it means that there is a lack of water in the top layer of the skin. Light, creamy cleansers that don’t really lather up are perfect for both skin conditions.
Most people use gel or foaming cleansers to get that ‘squeaky clean’ feeling, but these can dry out the skin even further. Creamy face washes that call themselves ‘creams’ or ‘lotions’ on the bottle are ideal. These can feel like a moisturiser when applied, and will leave skin feeling soft and silky when washed off. Fragrances and essential oils are another no-no for dry and sensitive skin, because they can spur irritation and redness. Pick hydrating agents like hyaluronic acid because they attract water to the skin, as well as ceramides and glycerin. For flakes, especially near the nose and temples, a gentle crystal-based scrub can get rid of them without irritating the thin skin underneath. Scroll ahead for our edit of the budget-friendly cleansers you need in your vanity if you have dry skin.
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Dove Soap For Sensitive Skin
Faces Urban Balance Daily Cleansing Mousse
Just Herbs Honey Exfoliating Cleansing Gel
Kaya Skin Awakening Rinse
Neutrogena Pure Mild Facial Cleanser
Nivea Refreshing Cleansing Milk
O3+ Milk Scrub for Dry Skin
Simple Moisturising Facial Wash
Image: Herb day cleansing foam
The Face Shop Herb Day Aloe Cleansing Foam
Also read:
10 cleansers for oily, acne-prone skin that you can buy under Rs 500
Foam cleansers and other skincare mistakes you’re probably making
We asked a dermat: What is dry skin and what’s the best way to look after it?
