Finding the right cleanser for your skin type can lead you down a rabbit hole of textures, ingredients and battling brands, and searching for the perfect gel cleanser for oily skin is no exception. Let’s take a look at why gel cleanser is a great choice for people with normal to oily skin, and the reasons behind gel cleansers popularity.
Characteristics of Normal to Oily Skin
Normal to oily skin, also known as combination skin, is how we describe skin that has its oily moments but only at certain times, or in specific areas of the face. When the skin produces excess sebum it becomes oily, leading to enlarged pores, a shiny appearance and a higher chance of breakouts. Some areas of the face are more prone to oiliness than others - particularly the T-zone, the ‘T’ shaped area that includes the forehead, nose and chin.
Challenges in choosing the right cleanser
With skin that ranges from normal to oily, you have the challenge of tackling multiple needs on the same canvas. You’ll be looking to reduce the excess sebum in your oil zones, while also wanting to be careful to not strip the necessary moisture from the rest of your face. It’s a balancing act! And one that gel cleanser is perfectly adapted to.
Why Gel Cleansers Are Ideal for Oily Skin
Gel cleansers are formulated to effectively manage oil, while removing makeup and other impurities from the skin - all without being too harsh or damaging, or leaving your skin feeling stripped down and dry.
Balancing hydration
It’s a common misconception that the way to tackle oily zones is by not moisturising them at all. Instead, it’s a case of providing the right kind of hydration, while managing sebum production. Using a cleansing gel is perfect for this, as they are often infused with soothing and moisturising ingredients such as aloe vera or niacinamide. Foaming cleansers can often leave the skin feeling very clean, but also tight and dry, whereas gel makes sure no moisture is lost in the cleansing process.
Refreshing feelings
Just because they don’t foam like other cleansers do, doesn’t mean that gel cleansers aren’t effective at clearing away dirt and impurities. Their textures are often cool and lightweight, gliding effortlessly across the skin to leave it clean, hydrated and refreshed.
Key Ingredients to Look For in Gel Cleansers
Here are some of the ingredients found in the best gel cleansers for oily skin, that will also benefit your normal skin areas.
Ingredients for deep cleansing
- Salicylic acid - a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that helps to clear out pores, dissolve excess oil, and prevent future breakouts.
- Activated charcoal - charcoal is perfect for soaking up excess sebum, acting like a magnet as it binds to dirt, oil and other toxins on the skin’s surface.
- Tea tree oil - a naturally antibacterial oil that can soothe inflammation in acne-prone oily zones, while balancing sebum production and reducing the appearance of shine and clogged pores.
Ingredients for hydration and soothing
- Niacinamide - a form of vitamin B3, niacinamide regulates sebum production, while also enhancing your skin barrier, making it better able to lock in moisture in all the right places.
- Hyaluronic acid - a naturally occuring humectant, hyaluronic acid draws moisture to the skin and keeps it there, making your skin look more plump and hydrated, instead of just shiny on the surface.
- Aloe vera - often used not just for its properties but to contribute to the texture of gel cleanser, aloe is known to be particularly soothing and cooling.
Avoiding harsh additives
Excess oil production suggests there’s an imbalance somewhere in your skin. It’s easy to understand how many people’s first response is to want to strip away all of that excess oil with harsh and astringent products - but sometimes this can have the opposite effect, and cause sebum production to go into overdrive to combat the issue. These ingredients can also be irritating to even the toughest skin. It’s best to avoid harsh additives for this reason.
How to Use a Gel Cleanser Effectively
Here’s how to get the best results from your gel cleanser.
Step-by-step guide
- Rinse your face with lukewarm water so that you’re applying your cleanser to damp skin.
- Gently massage your cleanser into your skin in circular motions - it won’t foam, like many other cleansers, but will emulsify slightly with warm water.
- Rinse your face thoroughly with cool water and pat it dry with a soft, clean towel.
Best practices for normal to oily skin
Here are some things to consider when incorporating gel cleanser for oily skin concerns.
- Double cleansing can help you to feel as if you’re truly tackling all of the impurities on your skin. This might mean using a balm cleanser to remove makeup and other surface-level impurities before using your gel cleanser, ensuring that it deeply penetrates your skin instead of getting stuck on the surface.
- Using a toner after cleansing can help to ensure that you effectively remove any cleanser residue after washing.
- Even with oily skin, don’t forget to moisturise - just consider a moisturiser with sebum-balancing ingredients.
Top Recommendations for Gel Cleansers
Here are some of our top contenders for the best gel cleanser for oily skin.
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel (£24) - This cleanser promises to thoroughly remove impurities and tackle excess sebum, but in a way that doesn’t irritate sensitive skin. One of the humectants it includes is hexylene glycol, which helps to attract and retain moisture to the skin in a way that feels very natural.
- SVR Sebiaclear Gel Moussant (£15.25) - A gel cleanser with a gentle foam, this product promises to tackle breakouts without being harsh enough to stimulate the production of excess sebum. It contains glycerin, which is both hydrating and healing.
- Avene Cleanance Cleansing Gel (£14.25) - Aimed at blemish-prone skin, this cleanser uses squalane, which provides non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) hydration. With sustained use, the cleanser can have a mattifying effect on skin.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these mistakes to make sure you’re making the most of your gel cleanser.
- Overwashing - As tempting as it may be, the secret to tackling oily skin isn’t continuously scrubbing any and all sebum from your face. This can damage your skin barrier, and actually stimulate more sebum production.
- Using harsh ingredients - If your skin is already damaged, using strong ingredients that have the potential to be irritating will exacerbate this damage.
- Avoiding moisturiser - You might think that if your skin is oily you don’t need to add moisture to it, but this isn’t always the case. Helping your skin to retain more moisture might give your sebum production a chance to chill out.
Make sure you gel with your cleanser
Whether your skin veers from normal to oily, the goal should always be finding a balance - and choosing the right cleanser can be the first step of that journey. Find a cleanser you gel with from NVS Pharmacy.
FAQ
What is a gel cleanser?
A gel cleanser is a lightweight facial cleanser with a jelly-like consistency, designed to remove impurities from the skin.
Do gel cleansers produce foam?
Even the best foaming gel cleanser won’t foam in the way that the majority of cleansers do. Many of the ingredients that create foam can be quite harsh to your skin, and gel cleansers aim to avoid this.
Why is a gel cleanser ideal for normal to oily skin?
Gel cleansers can clean deeply and balance sebum without stripping the necessary moisture from your skin.
Can a gel cleanser cause dryness?
The majority of gel cleansers are hydrating, and therefore won’t cause dryness.
How often should I use a gel cleanser?
You can use a gel cleanser twice a day as part of both your morning and nighttime skincare routine.
Are gel cleansers suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes, due to their texture and the ingredients they tend to contain, gel cleansers are perfect for sensitive skin.
Can I use a gel cleanser with other skincare products?
Yes, a gel cleanser will work well as a part of a full skincare routine.
What’s the difference between gel and cream cleansers?
Gel cleansers are more lightweight than cream cleansers, with a lighter consistency that will leave a clean, oil-free finish. Cream cleansers tend to be thicker and more hydrating, making them better suited for dry skin.