Oily skin seeks balancing cleanser

[theblancnieve]

I'm in my mid 30's with oily, acne prone and at times sensitive skin. I have used Origins Checks and Balances, Philosophy Purity Cleanser, Fresh Soy Cleanser and Skin Laundry Gentle Foaming Wash. None of them have wowed me and I'm in the market for a new cleanser. I would like something to help balance my skin, rather than be acne targeted.

[Meg557]

Try Ole Henriksons oil balancing and control line. It works to really bring balance without stripping your face of natural oils

[tdot87]

Avoid foaming cleansers that strip your skin and look for products that don't compromise your skins natural barrier. I have acne prone skin, my daily cleanser is B Kamins acne wash. It's gentle, but contains lactic, glycolic and salicylic acid to exfoliate without irritating. It doesn't foam up like a traditional cleanser, but it removes makeup really well and it doesn't give my skin that squeaky dry feeling I get from most cleansers. Boscia clarifying cleansing gel is great too. Look for gentle, hydrating, gel type cleansers

[SMR123]

I would 100% recommend Drunk Elephant's travel sized bar soap duo. It's $18 and has lasted me for over 6 months so far. I used to use a super harsh cleanser that was basically making my skin worse, but this soap is PH balanced and very gentle. I like that the duo has a slightly more exfoliating option as well as a moisturizing one because I can switch it up depending on how my skin is that day. 

[theblancnieve]

I have eyed this duo in the past but wasn't too sure how the bars would withstand in the shower. How do you personally store them and do you use a cleansing device with them or simply your hands?

[SMR123]

I don't use a cleansing device because it can be really easy to overexfoliate with them. I use mine at the sink so I wouldn't have the shower problem, but I know Lush sells tins that for their products that this duo would likely fit in!

[smalleye]

I don't think cleanser can have the balancing effect you're looking for. to me, that sounds more of a job for toner or serum. so let me ask you, what don't you like about those cleanser? If you think it's too strong that your face feels tight afterwards, I HIGHLY recommend darphin rosewood balm. my face feel squeaky clean but not tight afterwards. if you feel like the cleanser is not strong enough, I recommend neogen green tea facewash foam. I tink sephora carries this product. but I would recommend to have your toner handy for this facewash. if you wait like 5 mins to put on toner afterwards, then your face will feel dry

[theblancnieve]

The Origins cleanser I have to use when my face needs a deeper cleansing because it can leave my skin feeling a bit stripped. All the others were just meh. They left me wanting more. I do use a toner, currently using Korres Pomegranate Tonic Lotion. I've never heard of your recommendations, but I'm interested to find out more.

[darlyndar]

@theblancnieve I’m the same age and oily as well. I use two cleansers I swear by: Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging and Amore Pacific Treatment Cleanser. Both have helped tremendously at keeping oil at bay without overdrying like most oil-controlling cleansers.

[theblancnieve]

Do you alternate depending on your how your skin is needing/feeling or is one your morning and the other your night?

[darlyndar]

I prefer to use PTR during the day and AP at night. It’s a little extra but I like Treatment cleansers after a full face of makeup.

[gygds]

Have you tried Kate Somerville’s ExfoliKate cleanser? The fruit enzymes will brighten and even out the texture of your skin without stripping and encouraging more oil production

[theblancnieve]

I have not yet tried this out, although I have heard of it. Texture actually isn't an issue for me, it's more the being oily part. I'll get a sample next time I'm in store. Thanks!