Which cleanser should be used for combination to oily skin?

Combination and oily skin types are characterized by an excessive production of sebum, but with distinguishing features. A combination skin displays a duality: certain areas of the face, particularly the T-zone, which includes the forehead, nose, and chin, are prone to excess sebum, while the cheeks remain normal to dry. An oily skin, on the other hand, is marked by a greater production of sebum across the entire face. It is often recognized by its shiny appearance, irregular texture, and tendency towards blemishes, such as blackheads and enlarged pores.

Combination to oily skin types must balance two factors, sometimes difficult to combine, when choosing a facial cleanser: eliminating excess sebum without damaging the hydrolipidic film. Indeed, while a highly detergent cleanser may seemingly be a good idea, by completely removing the skin's protective lipids, it can harm the skin and send a warning signal: in response, the skin may compensate by producing even more sebum, thus creating a vicious cycle. That's why it's preferable to choose a cleanser that is effective yet gentle, and of course non-comedogenic.

Contrary to popular belief, combination to oily skin types also need hydration and their barrier function must be preserved. Therefore, it's essential to choose a gentle cleanser that doesn't disrupt the hydrolipidic film, to avoid a rebound effect in sebum production.

Regarding the galenic formulation, it is generally recommended to choose a cleansing gel, a product with a light and fluid texture that can effectively remove excess without leaving a greasy residue on the skin. As for its formulation, we advise you to opt for a cleansing gel containing purifying active ingredients, such as zinc or tea tree essential oil, or exfoliants, such as fruit acids. By removing dead cells from the horny layer, exfoliants prevent them from obstructing the sebum's evacuation through the skin's pores, a process already complicated when sebum is present in large quantities.

Lastly, we advise avoiding harsh sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), which can irritate and dry out the skin and, as mentioned earlier, trigger a rebound effect in sebum production. It's better to opt for gentle cleansing agents, like surfactants derived from coco-glucoside or decyl-glucoside, which clean the skin without causing harm. For a gentle cleanse, also ensure your cleansing gel includes humectants, like glycerin or panthenol.

Product Recommendation : At Typology, we offer a variety of cleansers, some of which have been specifically formulated for combination to oily skin types.