How to Choose the Right Cleanser and Toner for Your Skin Type
Walking down the skincare aisle can be daunting. You're faced with a wall of cleansers—gels, foams, creams, oils—all promising perfect skin. How do you choose the one that's actually right for you?
The truth is, your cleanser is the most fundamental step in your routine. Choosing the right one can make a huge difference, while the wrong one can disrupt your skin barrier. Let's break it down into a simple, easy-to-follow guide.
Why Trust This Guide? A healthy skin barrier starts with the right cleanse. At Kiana's Skin Diary, we focus on the science of skincare to help you build a foundational routine that keeps your skin balanced, healthy, and happy.
The First Step: Identify Your Skin Type
The most important factor in choosing a cleanser is your skin type.
Skin Type | How It Feels | Best Cleanser Type |
Oily / Acne-Prone | Shiny, gets greasy easily, visible pores. | Gel or Foam |
Dry | Feels tight, rough, or flaky. | Cream or Milk |
Sensitive | Easily gets red, itchy, or irritated. | Cream or a very gentle Gel |
Combination | Oily in the T-zone, normal/dry elsewhere. | Foam or gentle Gel |
Normal | Balanced, not too oily or dry. | Gel , Foam , or Cream |
Step 2: Choose Your Cleanser
Gel & Foam Cleansers:These are great for deeply cleansing and removing excess oil without stripping the skin. They are the top choice if you struggle with acne and blemishes.
Cream & Milk Cleansers:These are gentle and hydrating. They cleanse while leaving a layer of moisture, which is perfect if you have dry or dehydrated skin.
Oil Cleansers & Balms:These are for your first cleanse at night, especially if you wear makeup or sunscreen. They dissolve impurities before you follow up with your main cleanser.
Step 3: Do You Need a Toner?
Modern toners are not the harsh, stripping liquids of the past. Today, they are used to add a quick layer of hydration and prep the skin for serums. While not strictly essential for everyone, a good hydrating toner can significantly boost your routine.
Look for:Hydrating ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, or soothing extracts.
Avoid:High concentrations of alcohol, which can be drying.
Kiana's Top Cleanser & Toner Picks
For Oily/Combination Skin: Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser
Why We Love It:A powerful gel cleanser packed with antioxidants that effectively removes impurities without stripping the skin barrier.
Price Point: $
For Dry/Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Why We Love It:A dermatologist-favorite milky cleanser that's incredibly gentle, soap-free, and packed with ceramides to support the skin barrier.
Price Point: $
Universal Hydrating Toner: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Toner
Why We Love It:A gentle, milky toner that's pH-balanced and helps to refine texture and hydrate the skin after cleansing. It's suitable for all skin types.
Price Point: $
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I know if my cleanser is too harsh? The "tight" feeling. After you cleanse and dry your face, your skin should feel comfortable and balanced. If it feels tight, squeaky clean, or stripped, your cleanser is too harsh and is damaging your skin barrier.
What is "double cleansing" and do I need to do it? Double cleansing is a two-step process: first using an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup/sunscreen, then a water-based cleanser to clean the skin itself. It's highly recommended if you wear makeup or a water-resistant sunscreen.
Final Thoughts
Your cleanser and toner are the foundational steps of your entire skincare routine. By choosing formulas that respect your skin type, you create a healthy, balanced canvas that is ready to absorb the benefits of all the products that follow.