© Hashim Badani
Beauty
Dry, oily or a bit of both—top skin experts recommend allowing your specific skin type to dictate your face wash routine
Are you wondering how to wash your face based on your skin type? Turns out, that really does it matter. While the allure of squeaky clean skin is enough to merit a trip to the sink before you hit the bed, if you haven’t been paying attention to the cues your facial skin is trying to give you, you might end up doing more harm than good. Dry skin doesn’t take kindly to harsh cleansing agents, and cleansers that contain alcohol can wreak havoc in the long run, especially if you have irritated, acne-prone skin. We got celebrity skin expert, Dr Harshna Bijlani, and founder of Yavana Aesthetics Clinic, Dr Madhuri Agarwal, to draw up a detailed guide on tips to wash your face for oily, dry and combination skin.
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The quantity depends on the texture of the product you’re using. For gel or creamy cleansers, opt for two peanut-sized amounts that will suffice for the entire face, and one pump if you’re using a foam-based product. When it comes to tips for actually washing the face for oily skin, start by removing your makeup and any residue with micellar water, followed by a cleanser. To make optimal use of the cleanser, follow the instructions on the bottle, as some cleanser balms need to be applied on a dry face while some others require a wet face. Both Dr Bijlani and Dr Agarwal suggest patting your skin dry and applying a toner after cleansing.
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Dry skin requires special care, as washing it with the wrong products can further worsen the dryness and flakiness. If your facial skin feels tight and dry after washing, take it as a sign to change your cleansing products—this involves removing makeup, dirt and pollutants from the skin and restoring its pH balance. It is advisable to choose products that are alcohol-free and lend hydration to the skin—look for a hydrating cleanser that can take the dirt and makeup off completely, and make sure that it is free of parabens and fragrance.
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Since cleansers for dry skin might be gels or balms, they may not necessarily lather, so bear in mind that you don’t rub excessively to generate suds. Wash it off by splashing water on the face and pat the skin dry with a clean towel, instead of rubbing it, before applying moisturiser.
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If you’re using an oil-based cleanser, gently massage it in with a soft cotton cloth dipped in lukewarm water to gently wipe the face. Seal in the hydration with a moisturiser.
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A dime-sized amount of face wash is sufficient for this skin type, as is a pea-sized amount of face scrub. Start by wetting the face with regular water, and then apply the face wash by rubbing it gently over the entire face to ensure proper cleansing. Focus on the oily areas and apply lesser product to the dry ones. Then, apply the scrub and massage it gently over the blocked rough skin to take off the grime and oil build-up, before washing it off. Pat the face dry and follow it up with a toner.
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