My combination complexion can be difficult to treat: sometimes my T-zone is a beaming headlight of shine, other times my cheeks are dry and tight. Generally I opt for “oil-free” and “water-balancing” products to help keep my skin’s hydration levels in check, but now that the weather has turned a bit cooler, I’ve noticed that my go-to face wash is starting to sap too much moisture.
I checked in with Joshua Zeichner, MD, the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Medical Center’s department of dermatology, and the good doctor informed me that “with the exception of patients with very oily skin, I recommend that most people switch over to a more hydrating face cleanser by the beginning of November.”
He says that the sudden dip in humidity coupled with sudsy summer cleansers “containing high levels of surfactants” can be a recipe for irritation and dehydration. Other over-dryers include fragrances, which can also trigger an allergic reaction, as well as alpha-hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide.
Come autumn, Zeichner recommends relying on “hydrating, non-soap cleansers that are milder and won’t strip the skin of oil.” For dry skin types, “You may have to try oil-based or creamy cleansers - even a cold cream like Ponds.”
If you live in an area with a longer summer, skip the November timeline and hone in on “when your building turns off the cool air and turns on the heat,” he says. “That’s a good time to think about what the weather is doing to your skin.”
To help demystify the beauty aisle, I’ve put together a list of moisture-preserving cleansers for every skin type. And be sure to check out more daily skincare tips in our new Beauty Galleries. Do you change up your cleansing routine based on the season?
1 For allergic or hypersensitive skin: Perricone MD Hypoallergenic Gentle Cleanser, $39
2 For very dry or mature skin: Duchess Marden Damascena Crème Cleanser, $34
3 For dry skin: Embryolisse Milky Make-Up Emulsion (aka Émulsion Lactèe Demaquillante), $30
4 For oily or combination skin: Garnier Nutritioniste Moisture Rescue Fresh Cleansing Foam, $6
5 For irritated or rosaceous skin: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, $8
