5 Signs You're Using The Wrong Face Wash

When it comes to face wash, one size does NOT fit all. With so many types of skin, sensitivities, and issues, how do you even know if you're using the right kind for your complexion? In fact, the one you're using now may actually be causing you some major problems—like irritation, oiliness, or excessive dryness.

That's why we asked New York City dermatologist Marina Peredo, M.D., for the top warning signs that you're slathering on the wrong one for your skin. But relax, our trusty doc also explains what to replace it with, so we've got you covered—and clean—either way.

Whether it's warm and muggy or cold and dry, if your skin needs a blot not too long after cleansing, you're probably not using a formula meant for your oily skin. Peredo says to look for oil-free formulations with ingredients that have shine-absorbing properties, like salicylic acid, naicinamide, and clay. These pore-suckers will help your skin feel more comfortable and look matte for longer. "Make sure all of your makeup is oil-free, too—that's just as important," she adds.

Every time you leave the house, your skin is exposed to all kinds of pollutants from car exhausts, forced air in buildings, and the outside environment, says Peredo. This can have a cumulative impact on already-sensitive skin, and the abrasiveness of many cleansers—especially anything scrubby—can turn skin raw and make it hurt. Make your face wash as gentle as possible to avoid any further irritation. Paredo recommends picking a cleanser formulated for sensitive skin that is sulfate-free, (the common ingredient is harsh on sensitive skin). And look for soothing ingredients like oats and panthenol, the latter of which is a calming form of vitamin B.

If you're breaking out regularly, it's a sign that your cleanser could be doing a lot more work on your behalf. Look for washes containing benzoyl peroxide ranging anywhere from 2.5 to 10 percent (depending on your frequency of breakouts), and use white towels so that the ingredient doesn't cause bleach stains. "If your bumps are always on your jaw, this is a sign of hormonal acne," says Peredo. For this type of acne in particular she recommends a formula containing papaya extract. Papaya is anti-inflammatory, which helps calm the swelling of acne. It also contains papain and chymopapain, which are two naturally antibacterial enzymes that exfoliate clogged pores, along with the antioxidant lycopene, which Peredo thinks is especially helpful for jaw zits.

Does your face feel like it's one size too small after you cleanse? That's a tell-tale sign that you're using a wash that's way too drying for your skin type, says Peredo. You should never feel tight immediately after washing. Look for a creamy formula rich in ceramides and hyaluronic acid, advises Peredo. Ceramides help repair the skin barrier, and a healthy skin barrier means that hydration stays in while dryness stays out. Meanwhile, hyaluronic acid is one of the most powerful humectants available, meaning it draws water many times its weight into skin and protects against hydration loss. Within seconds of patting your skin dry, apply moisturizer so that your dry skin absorbs as much as possible. You may even want to skip cleansing in the morning to preserve natural oils on skin and just cleanse at night.

If your skin always looks like you're blushing, and you flush even redder after you cleanse, you may have rosacea, says Peredo. Symptoms include persistent redness across the nose and cheeks, visible blood vessels, and a thick, bumpy texture that is sometimes peppered with acne-like bumps. Look for fragrance-free formulations with ingredients that reinforce healthy skin, like ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. Peredo also highly recommends that you see a dermatologist to discuss options that can keep your rosacea in check.