How to Choose Cleanser for a Dry Face

The stores are filled with hundreds of beauty products, from cleansers to toners, moisturizers to wrinkle-preventers and more. Choosing a cleanser for dry skin is an important first-step in any daily skin care routine. Compare products and assess your skin to choose the best cleanser for a dry face.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Make sure that your facial skin falls into the "dry" category. All skin is 1 of 5 types: problem, combination, oily, normal and dry. Dry skin tends to feel tight and constricted. This skin type also has a tendency for fine lines to appear around the eyes or mouth.

2. Choose a cream-based cleanser. Dry skin requires a lot of moisturizing so cream-based cleansers are great for dry skin.

3. Try a few different cleansers specially formulated for dry-skin types. Many brands found at local drug stores can do the job. However, going to cosmetic and skin care counters in a department store allows you to bring several samples home before purchasing a full bottle of any one type.

4. Avoid harsh or greasy cleansers. Bar soaps can cause your skin to dry out. Greasy cleansers can clog pores, promote acne and leave a film on the surface of your skin. Neither are good choices for a face that tends to run dry.

5. Follow up cleansing a dry face with liberal applications of a facial moisturizer also formulated for dry skin.

Tips & Warnings

• Know that a dry face will likely require more attention and upkeep at certain times of the year as seasons change. You'll be able to use the same cleanser, but will need to apply even more moisturizer during these times to best care for your dry skin.