How To Choose The Right Men's Facial Wash For Your Skin Type

An Overview Of Facial Wash & Cleanser For Men

Not all facial cleansers are the same. An effective cleanser for men should be gentle on the skin while still removing impurities. Always avoid using harsh soaps and body washes during your skincare routine as these can leave skin feeling tight and stripped.

Understanding your skin type is the first step to choosing an effective facial cleanser. If you have unwanted shine, you may opt for a men's facial wash for oily skin. Similarly, there are specialised facial cleansers for men with dry and combination skin. While different ingredients and formulas assist specific skin concerns, look for a product which contains three essential ceramides to help keep moisture in. Regardless of skin type, incorporating a gentle facial cleanser into your men’s skincare routine will ensure your skin barrier is not disrupted during the cleansing process.

How To Cleanse Skin

• Incorporate a gentle cleanser, avoid facial washes that contain harsh ingredients such as alcohol
• Splash lukewarm water onto your face first, then apply the facial wash with your fingers, massaging it into the skin for about thirty seconds (2)
• Rinse off the facial wash with lukewarm water and pat your face dry with a soft towel
• Avoid overwashing your face. Gently cleansing in the morning, evening or after excessive sweating/exercising should be enough. 

Understanding Your Skin Type For Best Results

For the best skin care results, choose a facial cleanser for men that will complement your skin type. Different skin types include oily, dry, combination and sensitive skin. Once you understand your skin care needs, you can find the ideal men’s facial wash to meet your specific concerns. 

Find a breakdown of the different skin types below:

Oily Skin Type

Oily skin can be caused by several factors including hormones, genetic predispositions, age, environmental changes, and stress levels. The best men’s facial wash for oily skin tends to be gel-based or a foaming formula. Many men believe that oily skin requires a harsh cleanser that leaves the skin feeling stripped, however, harsh soaps can actually prompt the skin to produce more oil, so opt for a gentle facial wash for men instead (2). Look out for ingredients like hyaluronic acid for hydration without clogging your pores, niacinamide for its skin-strengthening properties, and salicylic acid for gentle exfoliation. The CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser’s refreshing formula is ideal for men with normal to oily skin as it removes excess oil without disrupting the skin’s protective barrier. 

Dry or Sensitive Skin Type

Dry skin typically occurs when your skin suffers from excess oil or water loss, leaving it dry and dehydrated. Sensitive skin can also be triggered by external factors such as environmental changes, diet, and stress. 

Both dry skin and sensitive skin share an underlying cause, a compromised skin barrier that renders the skin more vulnerable. The ideal men’s facial wash for dry skin should be gentle and formulated with three essential ceramides to protect the skin barrier when washing. Try to incorporate products which also include hyaluronic acid and niacinamide which are beneficial for those with dry or sensitive skin. Being consistent with your skincare routine and using a facial cleanser and moisturiser every day will help you achieve the best results, so finding a product you are most comfortable with is essential. A great facial cleanser for men with dry or sensitive skin is the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, a lightweight facial wash from our dry skincare range that won’t strip the skin, leaving your face feeling refreshed. 

Combination Skin Type

Showing signs of both oily and dry skin means you belong to the combination skin type category. Those with combination skin typically experience enlarged pores, blackheads and excess shine as well as dry patches, however, with the proper men’s skincare routine, you can combat these skin concerns (3). Combination skin requires a gentle facial cleanser for men that can balance out your skin. A men’s facial cleanser for combination skin should be formulated with three essential ceramides and remove unwanted oil from the T-zone (chin, nose and forehead) without leaving the skin feeling tight. 

Breakout-Prone Skin

Dealing with skin breakouts can continue well into your adult years with many men experiencing unwanted blemishes. An effective cleanser is an essential step for dealing with breakouts. To achieve the best results, try to incorporate a gentle cleanser that exfoliates and softens. Overwashing with harsh facial cleansers will leave the skin feeling tight. The CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser, contains salicylic acid, an important ingredient when minimising the appearance of blemishes, making it ideal for breakout-prone skin. The CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser is also formulated with hyaluronic acid for hydration, and three essential ceramides to help maintain the skin’s protective barrier.

Ingrown Facial Hairs

Many men experience ingrown hairs as a result of shaving. An effective way of preventing and addressing ingrown hairs is to incorporate a cleanser with salicylic acid into your skincare routine. Salicylic acid is an important ingredient for gently exfoliating the skin and removing unwanted and dead skin cells. Without exfoliating, untamed hair follicles can get “trapped” beneath the skin’s surface leading to sensitivity and bumpy, blemished skin. Men with ingrown facial hairs who want to smooth and strengthen their skin should look out for ingredients like three essential ceramides and niacinamide.