Taking care of our skin is essential to clearing out dead skin cells, keeping pores clear so that we don’t end up with acne, and giving our skin the hydration and support it needs to stay healthy and vibrant. However, this can be difficult to do if we’re not using the right face wash for our skin type. Every cleanser may remove impurities, but you’ll find that not all washes will help your skin retain its moisture or keep it healthy. No matter whether you have oily skin, dry skin, or combination skin, here’s what you need to know about face washes and your skin type.

First, you need to know exactly how often you should be washing your face.

Sometimes, the issue is not the face wash itself, but how often someone is cleansing their face throughout the day. The key to keeping your skin healthy and getting the most out of your wash is to apply it the right number of times daily. But what exactly is the right number of times you should be washing your face per day? According to dermatologists, those who are prone to acne will likely want to wash twice daily in order to maintain their complexion. Meanwhile, those with sensitive skin may benefit more from washing their face at the end of the day.

However, common sense should also be applied. Washing too frequently with the wrong cleanser can be detrimental to your skin. If you have sensitive skin or dry skin, look for a cleanser suited for daily use that offers all-natural fragrances from essential oils and all-natural ingredients to keep your skin healthy without any of the irritation caused by added chemicals.

Consider the level of care you need for your skin to get the best results.

Those who experience acne and have oily skin will naturally need a skincare regimen that’s a bit more intense in order to get rid of excess oil and prevent breakouts. They may also need to supplement their facial cleanser with toners and other products to see more positive effects. Meanwhile, those with dry skin or combination skin may want to go with organic products and serums that are less aggressive and help support skin health without stripping the skin of natural oils. For example, those who have dryer skin won’t receive as many benefits from certain ingredients like salicylic acid. Some other ingredients you should look out for include synthetic fragrances and dyes, formaldehyde, parabens, and phthalates, just to name a few.

Put simply, if you have dry skin, go for face cleansers that use natural ingredients and are gentle on your face. If you suffer from acne or frequent breakouts, look for products that are a bit more aggressive but won’t completely dry out your skin. For those with combination skin types, a fine balance between the two is necessary to maintain to avoid drying out the already dry parts and making a bad situation worse. Finally, figuring out all of this on your own can be time-consuming and difficult. If you’re looking to improve your skincare routine, reach out to a dermatologist for help.

Taking care of your skin is something that should be a top priority. However, the skin on the face is exceptionally sensitive, and choosing the wrong type of face wash to lather up with can do more harm than good. If you want an effective face wash that works best for your skin type, use the insight above to learn more about what you should be looking for and which ingredients you should avoid entirely when you pick up new skincare products.