Tips on facial cleansing and how to find the right cleanser for dry, oily or combination skin.

After months of snow, slush, and frigid temperatures almost worldwide, Spring is on the horizon. March 20th marks the Spring solstice this year, making this month the perfect time to release old energies that may not be serving you anymore and replace them with new, joyful and loving practices.

In India, one ritual that celebrates this time of year is the effervescent, color-filled festival of Holi. The festival is considered a time to celebrate by cleansing ourselves of the heavy energies associated with winter, welcoming the new energies associated with the arrival of Spring, and the triumph of love and goodness over evil. Vibrantly colored powders, called gulal, are thrown in the air at large gatherings. These powders represent the colors of succulent fruits, foliage, and beautiful flowers that will emerge in the upcoming months. Another beautiful aspect of this festival was that the caste system, a system which was formerly used to divide citizens by social class, was put on the back burner and all castes come together to celebrate as one. While the caste system is now outlawed, Holi is rooted in ideas of love and unity. This joyous celebration has even crossed over to other parts of the globe. In the United States, there are celebrations held across the country during sprint months. 

At AVYA we are so very proud to celebrate the beauty and fullness that comes from learning about and embracing different cultures and practices and that is why we are excited to share the benefits of the science of Ayurveda, which originated in India thousands of years ago. We balance powerful, medical-grade actives with healing and nourishing Ayurvedic botanicals to help replenish and refresh skin’s radiance. In light of Holi, a celebration of cleansing energies, we thought it would be great to share some tips with you on facial cleansing and how to choose the perfect cleanser for your skin type.

Finding the best cleanser for your skin type

What a facial cleanser does and when to use it in your skincare routine 

Cleansing is crucial to every skincare routine regardless of skin type. The purpose of a facial cleanser is to remove excess dirt, bacteria, sebum, sweat, dead skin cells and makeup from the surface of your skin. 

How often should you cleanse your skin?

The number of times you should be washing your face daily is often debated by dermatologists. However, most agree that you should be washing your face at minimum once per day and usually at night to remove any oil and build-up. Washing in the morning is optional, but you really should not exceed 2-3 times per day. 

Over-washing can result in excessive dryness and/or excessive oiliness depending on your skin type. If you notice tightness, redness, flakiness or dry patches, you may be over washing or using a cleanser that is too harsh for your skin. 

How to find the right cleanser for dry skin

If you have dry skin, it's important to look for a gentle cleanser that is free of sulfates and parabens. Finding a product that contains soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients and botanicals is best. 

How to find the right cleanser for oily skin

The best cleanser for oily skin contains balancing ingredients like aloe or tea tree oil. If your skin is prone to breakouts, look for a cleanser that has acne fighting ingredients like salicylic acid. AVYA’s Gentle Cleanser is formulated with nourishing, balancing ingredients like aloe and witch hazel. It also contains salicylic acid and is void of any parabens or sulfates to gently cleanse and refresh your face without leaving it feeling tight or dry. 

How to find the right cleanser for combination skin

For combination and sensitive skin, look for an extremely gentle cleanser that is hypoallergenic and formulated with no parabens, sulfates, or fragrances.