How to deal with oily skin

Wondering why your skin is so oily and what you can do to treat it? Whether you’ve been dealing with oily skin for what feels like forever or your skin type has recently changed, it can be maddening to be met with an oil slick when you’re trying to achieve a dewy glow. And while you can’t permanently get rid of oily skin, you can reduce its appearance. 

Let’s look at what oily skin is and what you can do to control it:

What is oily skin and what causes it?

Oily skin appears shiny and slick, with prominent pores that easily become clogged and are prone to acne. This happens because glands produce an excess amount of a substance called sebum. Sebum is made of fats and has a shiny appearance. When it passes from your glands through your pores and to the skin’s surface, it can cause your face to look slick.

Why do I have oily skin?

There are a number of factors involved in why skin is oily. Hormonal changes, genetics, the weather, diet, and stress can all kick your oil glands into producing too much sebum. While you may not always know exactly what causes oily skin, (particularly yours!), there are steps you can take to make your skin appear less shiny.

How can I make my skin less oily?

1. Cleanse regularly: Take care of your oily face by cleansing it daily, morning and evening. Try not to overdo it: over-cleansing can strip the skin and actually spur your glands to produce more oil, putting you back to shiny square one.
   
   
2. Be gentle: Avoid rubbing your face and be careful not to use overly harsh cleansers. Too much physical pressure and products that dry you out can irritate your skin, once again kicking your glands into overdrive. Mario Badescu Botanical Facial Gel is formulated for oily skin types to wash away grime without stripping skin.
   
   
3. Use moisturizer: You may think that with all that oil, your face doesn’t need any more moisture. However, one of the best ways to combat oily skin is to keep your face healthy and moisturized. Look for a lightweight, oil free moisturizer. Mario Badescu offers two oil free moisturizers that won’t clog pores: one even contains SPF 17! Discover our best moisturizers for oily skin here.
   
   
4. Try glycolic acid: Glycolic acid is one of the best ingredients for oily skin types, since it encourages cell turnover, exfoliates dead surface skin cells that can clog pores, and minimizes the appearance of pores. Glycolic acid is a powerful ingredient, so start slowly and step up your sunscreen usage. Swap out your regular cleanser 2-3 times a week for Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser for a complexion that’s radiant rather than greasy.
   
   
5. Mask mindfully: Kaolin clay and bentonite clay are common in the best clay masks for absorbing oil and pulling impurities out of congested skin. Be mindful of your masking—alternate with your stronger products so you are not overdoing it. Mario Badescu’s Special Mask for Oily Skin contains both kaolin and bentonite clays to control excess oil along with calamine to protect and re-balance skin.

Mario Badescu offers a variety of specially formulated products that can help control oil, so you can feel like you’re getting rid of oily skin without losing out on oil’s skin-protecting and plumping benefits. You’ll appreciate having a dewy glow instead of a slick shine!

Originally published as Oily Skin from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Because the right cleanser and toner can make or break your daily skin care regimen.

If your skin care regimen was a house, your cleansing and toning routine would be the foundation. These steps set the rest of your regimen up for success. Using a cleanser or toner that is too aggressive can leave your skin feeling tight and uncomfortable, which can lead to dry patches and flaking. Using ones that are too mild for your skin type may cause congestion, blackheads, and milia.

The right duo will leave your skin feeling fresh and comfortable. Whether you are cleansing after a night’s sleep in the morning or washing away traces of a long day before bed, there are few things in life that feel quite as nice as a freshly washed face. Keep reading for our favorite cleanser/toner duos for every skin type.

Oily/Acne-Prone

Botanical Facial Gel– This Grapefruit-infused cleanser breaks down shine and impurities on even the oiliest skin types without being harsh. It is a great summertime face wash if your oil production rises when the thermometer does.
Tone with Cucumber Cleansing Lotion

Acne Facial Cleanser– Deep clean pores to promote clarity and prevent congestion with this popular daily gel cleanser. This formula contains complexion-boosting botanicals including Thyme Extract, which has been shown in studies to help banish blemishes.
Tone with Special Cleansing Lotion C

Combination

Enzyme Cleansing Gel-This best-selling formula is so addictive it makes its devotees look forward to waking up for work so they can wash their face. Grapefruit and Papaya Extracts work to gently brighten while the non-foaming gel formula removes makeup and impurities. Perfect for skin types that swing from dry in some spots to oily in others.
Combo/oily? Tone with Cucumber Cleansing Lotion
Comb/dry? Try Glycolic Acid Toner

Seaweed Cleansing Soap– If you have combination skin that needs a gentle but thorough cleanser, look no more. This creamy wash is brimming with mineral-rich seaweed and rinses clean without leaving skin feeling tight.
Tone with Seaweed Cleansing Lotion

Orange Cleansing Soap-Combination/dry skin loves this formula that removes traces of makeup and leaves skin soft and never tight, even with daily use.
Tone with Alpha Grapefruit Cleansing Lotion

Dry

Keratoplast Cream Soap-Dry skin is especially vulnerable to rough patches. This mild cleanser works to gently smooth away roughness without depleting essential moisture.
Tone with Keratoplast Cleansing Lotion

Cucumber Cream Soap-Cooling mineral-rich Cucumber Extract is just what dry, angry skin needs to restore balance and maintain moisture levels.
Tone with Aloe Vera Toner

Supplemental

Glycolic Foaming Cleanser– All skin types can take their cleansing regimen to the next level by swapping their daily wash with this one 2-3 times a week. This foaming wash combines deep cleansing properties with the brightening, smoothing benefits of Glycolic Acid to reveal clear, rejuvenated skin.

Does your cleanse and tone routine need a makeover?

Originally published as The Best Cleanser/Toner Duos for Your Skin Type from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Gel moisturizers are the skin care products du jour this year—and while they aren’t exactly new to the Mario Badescu line (they’ve been part of our core collection for a few decades now), there’s no perfect time to spotlight our favorite gel formulas than now.

For oily, troubled, or congested skin types, water-based formulas are a blessing: they deliver the hydration your skin needs without the shine traditional face creams tend to leave behind. Come summer, gel moisturizers become a universal favorite. Sweltering heat and humidity has all of us craving something lightweight and refreshing—what better way to hydrate your skin than with a tall glass of water, literally and through your skin care, too?

These are our top three gel moisturizers and water-based serums that have been making waves since the 80s:

Herbal Hydrating Serum 

When Herbal Hydrating Serum first launched in the 1980s, it was aptly called “Spring & Summer Drops” for its perfect-for-warm-weather formula. What was supposed to be a seasonal release was brought back by popular demand and renamed “Herbal Hydrating Serum.”

Since then, this gel-serum has become a staple in all skin care regimens, no matter the skin type. With invigorating botanical extracts like Ginkgo and Ginseng to give the complexion a refreshing boost, and Glycolipid Ceramides to help bind water to the skin, Herbal Hydrating Serum is essentially like give your skin a drink of infused H2O.

Oily skin types love its ultra-light texture and dry skin types adore it for its versatility. Wear the Herbal Hydrating Serum on its own, or layer it over your favorite moisturizer—either way gives skin a fresh-faced finish.

Anti Acne Serum

“Acne” and “serum” are two words that don’t seem to go together—but in the world of Mario Badescu, they can, and do.

Anti Acne Serum is another ultra-lightweight gel that glides on easily and absorbs seamlessly into skin. What’s unique about this product is that it works to balance, hydrate, and promote a clearer-looking complexion all at once—thanks to its oil-free Salicylic Acid and Thyme Extract formula. In just one step you get the hydration you need and the clarifying measures essential for and maintaining happy skin.

Ceramide Eye Gel

Unique in texture and formulated with water-binding Ceramides, this lightweight, oil-free eye gel absorbs seamlessly to deliver essential moisture without feeling heavy on skin. It’s refreshing on application as is, but we recommend stashing the jar in the fridge to add an extra cooling, wake-me-up boost to your skin care routine.

. . .

Originally published as Top 3 Gel Moisturizers & Water-Based Serums for Oily Skin from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Your choice of moisturizer can make or break your skin care regimen. Bold statement, I know, but I’m standing by it.

The way I see it, moisturizer is pretty much the porridge of skin care—you know, like from Goldilocks? If a face cream is too rich it can cause blackheads and breakouts. If it is too lightweight, it will leave your skin feeling dehydrated and tight. To win a coveted spot in your medicine cabinet it has to be just right, doesn’t it?  I can stick it out to the end of a bottle of cleanser that isn’t quite right until I try a new one. Heck, I’ll use pretty much any eye cream until I hit the bottom of the jar, but if I suspect that my face lotion has caused one single pimple . . .mmm, bye.

Because of this, I’ve created this guide to help you navigate our assortment. Keep reading to find the one that is “just right” for your individual skin type: 

Very Dry
Complex Moisturizer with Vitamin E SPF 20: Everything that dry, delicate skin needs in one place. Creamy, comforting moisture, antioxidant Vitamin E, and sun protection make this classic formula a long-time favorite of our most loyal customers.

Hydrating Moisturizer with Biocare & Hyaluronic Acid: For when you want the same cushiony formula as the Complex with Vitamin E without the sunscreen. Hyaluronic Acid adds moisture-binding muscle to help soften even the driest skin.

Dry
The Moisture Magnet SPF 15: Dry skin? This is your go-to. This best-selling formula thoroughly hydrates without sitting heavily on the skin and shields you from the harmful rays of the sun.

Cellufirm Moisturizer: Peptides, Collagen, and Vitamin E work to boost hydration levels . . .and your youthful appearance!

Combo/Dry
Hyaluronic Moisturizer SPF 15: Hyaluronic Acid helps to hydrate dry areas and SPF 15 protects.

Honey Moisturizer: This super-sweet, mid-weight formula sinks right in and uses Honey Extract to soften and hydrate.

Combo/Normal
Collagen Moisturizer SPF 15: A favorite of the staff at Mario Badescu’s New York City Salon, this feel-good staple contains Cottonseed Oil to replenish any dry bits without adding too much moisture to areas that lean oily.

Buttermilk Moisturizer: This classic was originally formulated by Mario Badescu himself, and is perfect for those who need replenishment but prefer the feeling of ultra-lightweight formulas. Lactic Acid helps up your glow factor.

Combo/Oily
Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 17: This tried-and-true go-to never disappoints. If you have combo/oily skin, this is a must.

A.H.A. & Ceramide Moisturizer: Keep it light and bright, literally. AHAs gently brighten while this lightweight formula imparts just the right amount of moisture to combo/oily skin types.

#MBSkinTip: Not into ultra-rich night creams? Try A.H.A. & Ceramide, Honey, or Buttermilk as part of your PM regimen.

Oily and Acne-Prone
Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 30: We love this 3-in-1 formula that combines reparative Green Tea, oil-free hydration, and broad spectrum sunscreen.

Oil Free Moisturizer: The perfect boost to restore balance to oily and acne-prone skin.

Very Oily/Acne-Prone (and everyone else)
Herbal Hydrating Serum: Ok, this is technically a serum, but I’m including it in this post because it is my secret weapon for keeping my notoriously persnickety skin happy and hydrated. Herbal Hydrating Serum can be applied alone to the very oiliest skin types. It can also be used on any skin type in conjunction with any moisturizer. Herbal Hydrating Serum is a win for everyone.

Now that we have that sorted, where did those bears go?

Originally published as Best Face Moisturizer for Your Type from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Our prerogative is to keep things light, fresh, and dewy no matter what summer throws our way. Ninety-degree weather? We’re not fazed. Humidity like you wouldn’t believe? No problem. We’re armed and ready with oil-free skin care products for every skin type.

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Seaweed Cleansing Soap

What it is: A creamy—but still oil-free!—cleanser enriched with marine botanicals. Tiny seaweed grains buff away dulling, dead skin cells to soften and rejuvenate skin.

Who it’s for: All skin types

#MBSkinTip: Love seaweed-infused skin care? Try Seaweed Cleansing Lotion and Seaweed Night Cream, both of which are packed with mineral-rich Bladderwrack Extract (a type of seaweed) and are oil-free.

Enzyme Cleansing Gel

What it is: A fruit extract-infused face wash is as refreshing as it sounds. It’s an oil-free gel formula that rinses away pore-clogging oil, light makeup, and surface impurities to reveal a bright, fresh-faced complexion.

Who it’s for: All skin types

#MBSkinTip: Toner is essential to the cleansing process. After you’ve washed your face, we recommend following with…

• Aloe Vera Toner if you have dry or sensitive skin
• Alpha Grapefruit Cleansing Lotion if you have dry or mature skin
• Glycolic Acid Toner if you have dull or mature skin
• Cucumber Cleansing Lotion if you have combination or oily skin
• Special Cucumber Lotion if you have oily, troubled skin

Acne Facial Cleanser

What it is: A daily face wash specially formulated for troubled, congested skin. This cleanser features Salicylic Acid and Thyme Extract to help clarify and promote a clearer-looking complexion. And of course, it’s oil-free.

Who it’s for: Oily, congested, or troubled skin

#MBSkinTip: Take it to the next level and follow with Special Cucumber Lotion.

Botanical Facial Gel

What it is: A daily face wash that removes pore-clogging oil and helps cut T-zone shine.

Who it’s for: Oily skin

#MBSkinTip: After washing our face, follow with toner to further remove surface impurities and excess oil. Cucumber Cleansing Lotion was made for you.

Ceramide Eye Gel

What it is: A water-light, oil-free gel that delivers essential hydration to the eye area without feeling heavy (or looking slick) on skin.

Who it’s for: All skin types—but especially Oily skin types!

#MBSkinTip: Pop it in the fridge for an extra cooling, instant wake-me-up effect!

Oil Free Moisturizer

What it is: An ultra-lightweight moisturizer you can use day and night.

Who it’s for: Combination, Oily, or Sensitive skin

Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 17

What it is: A lightweight, fast-absorbing moisturizer with broad spectrum sun protection. It’s oil-free and fragrance-free—making it the perfect daytime formula if you have congested or troubled skin.

Who it’s for: Combination, Oily, or Sensitive skin

Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 30

What it is: A creamy, oil-free moisturizer infused with Aloe Vera and Extracts of Green Tea and St. John’s Wort. One of our most frequently asked questions is how this one compares to the other oil-free moisturizers in our range; Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 30 is still lightweight, but of the line-up, has a richer consistency that makes it a favorite for all skin types—not just those who are oily.

Who it’s for: Combination, Oily, or Sensitive skin

Aloe Moisturizer SPF 15

What it is: An Aloe-infused moisturizer that helps hydrate, soothe, and protect—which is why it’s a favorite for those with troubled skin.

Who it’s for: Combination, Oily, or Sensitive skin

Herbal Hydrating Serum

What it is: Dewy skin in a bottle. Lightweight, versatile, and oil-free, this gel-serum can be worn alone or over your favorite moisturizer (oil-free or not), which allows you to customize how—and where—you hydrate.

Who it’s for: All skin types

Seaweed Night Cream

What it is: A nourishing night cream formulated sans oil. Just because your skin feels oilier doesn’t mean it doesn’t need proper moisture and hydration. Mineral-rich Bladderwrack Extract, Collagen, Elastin, and Sodium Hyaluronate combine in a moisturizing blend that leaves skin soft, smooth, and radiant come morning.

Who it’s for: Combination, Oily, or Sensitive skin

#MBSkinTip: Say it’s the hottest night of the year and you want skip night cream. Use your daytime, non-SPF moisturizer (like Oil Free Moisturizer, for example) and layer Herbal Hydrating Serum on top for an ultra-lightweight, refreshing boost of hydration.

. . .

Originally published as The Best Oil-Free Skin Care Products from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

What is Silver Powder?

Silver Powder is an award-winning product (most recently, winner of the Teen Vogue Acne Awards 2018!) that is designed to absorb excess oil, draw out blackheads, and help improve the look of large, congested pores. Formulated with just three ingredients—Kaolin Clay, Calcium Carbonate, and Zinc Oxide—this finely-milled white powder works to help clarify oily areas like the T-zone.

How Do You Use Silver Powder?

1. Start with a clean face. Cleanse and exfoliate to help get rid of all the dirt, oil, and dead skin cell buildup. Make sure you focus on the T-zone—especially around the edges of your nose—so you can ensure that our Silver Powder will work even more effectively at absorbing all that pore-clogging gunk.

→ If you’re dry…use the Botanical Exfoliating Scrub.

→ If you’re oily… use the Kiwi Face Scrub.

→ If you’re broken out… no granular exfoliants for you! Instead, use our Glycolic Foaming Cleanser.

2. Prep and apply the Silver Powder. This is the fun part because you’re essentially DIY-ing your mask. You can do it one of two ways:

1. Dampen a cotton ball or pad with water and dip it into the powder. Then, press the product on your nose, chin, or wherever you’re seeing congestion.
2. Scoop out some of the powder into the lid or a small dish. Add equal parts water to the powder and mix it together using a (clean) spatula/spoon until it turns into a paste. Then, apply it as you would a mask—again, on the nose, chin, and wherever else you see blackheads.

3. Wait 8-10 minutes, or until the mixture is thoroughly dried. Wipe off using your favorite toner until all trace of the powder is gone.

4. (Optional) Inspect results in mirror. You don’t have to, but you’ll want to.

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Originally published as What is Mario Badescu Silver Powder—and How Do You Use It? from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Depending on your skin’s needs a toner can brighten, clarify, balance, or even help soothe sensitivity. But with so many options, we know that finding the right one can be a challenge, so we decided to put together this handy guide to help you find your perfect match!

Oh, what was that? You aren’t sure why you need a toner in the first place? Take a look at this and meet us back here. Take your time, we’ll wait.

Dry/Sensitive skin:

Aloe Vera Toner– This gentle, alcohol-free toner will whisk away traces of makeup and oil without stripping essential moisture from the skin. Aloe Vera has long been known for its soothing and hydrating properties. Even the most sensitive skin types will feel refreshed.

Try pairing with Cucumber Cream Soap.

Dry/Dull skin:

Glycolic Acid Toner– Glycolic Acid and Grapefruit Extract gently work to exfoliate dull skin and uncover your freshest complexion. The alcohol-free formula is easy on dry skin.

Try pairing with Orange Cleansing Soap

Combination/Unbalanced:

Seaweed Cleansing Lotion– Mineral-rich Seaweed and naturally clarifying Witch Hazel come together to restore balance and address the concerns that come with combination skin. Oily areas will feel thoroughly cleansed and dehydrated areas nourished. If you feel like your skin has multiple personalities, this toner is for you!

Try pairing with Seaweed Cleansing Soap.

Oily Skin:

Cucumber Cleansing Lotion– Amino acids found in Cucumber Extract work to refine the skin as you banish excess oil from the T-Zone. We always look forward to using this invigorating Cleansing Lotion first thing in the morning.

Try Pairing with Enzyme Cleansing Gel.

Acne-Prone Skin:

Special Cleansing Lotion “C”– Cucumber and Sulfur purify pores and target blemishes without overdrying. Use twice daily to keep troubled skin at bay.

Try pairing with Acne Facial Cleanser.

Which toner is right for your type?

Originally published as Best Toner for Your Skin Type from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

New year, new . . . blog series!

One of the most frequently asked questions we get here at Mario Badescu is, “What are your best products?” And while we love to give recommendations, that question doesn’t have a simple answer. There are a number of things that factor into deciding which products are best for your individual skin type. So we decided we’d ask MB insiders to tell us their skin types and whittle down their favorites (there are over 150 products in the full Mario Badescu line) to the very tippy-top five on their list. For our inaugural #MBmy5 post, meet Karolina!

Karolina is one of our favorite smiling faces around Mario Badescu headquarters. Whether she is plugging away on a spreadsheet or telling us about her latest adventure (did you catch her #MBTravels pics from Paris earlier this year? If not, have a look here and here), Kari shines bright.

Here are Karolina’s favorites in her own words:

Skin Type: Oily, Acne-Prone

1. By far my go-to, number one favorite is the Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater. It’s my trusty sidekick in the fight against moisture loss by giving my skin quick refreshment. It’s multi-functional when a toner is out of reach, a mist for pre/post-makeup and the touch of Aloe even helps when a post-sun cooling gel is nowhere near. Whether it’s sitting behind a desk, in a car, or traveling on a plane, a bottle of facial spray is within my arm’s reach.

2. My go-to exfoliator and post workout in-shower cleanser is the Glycolic Foaming Cleanser. Even though my skin is oily, it’s still sensitive and very acne-prone, so using exfoliators that have grit in them can irritate my skin. This, however, foams to a lightweight consistency that makes it ideal to use on my face, as well as on my chest and back to get rid of any dead skin cells. The scent also reminds me of summertime in Brooklyn eating Lemon Italian Ices as a child. Oh, nostalgia!

3. Since I started working at Mario Badescu, I’ve learned that different parts of your face have different needs, which means that different parts of your face need help from different masks, a.k.a. multi-masking! A few times a week you will find me looking like a pastel leopard covered in spots, with the largest areas covered in the Super Collagen Mask. This mask works great for my T-zone area, as well as for plumping areas on my cheeks where I have some post-acne scars. It’s very hydrating on areas where acne products tend to overdry the skin, especially during the winter season. I love using this mask before I go out or when I’m home for the night to give my complexion a boost of moisture and Collagen. It’s never too early to incorporate anti-aging into my regimen.

4. Even with oily skin and eyelids, it’s never too early to add an eye cream to a beauty regimen. Ceramide Eye Gel is a great, lightweight alternative to a heavily emollient eye cream. I am very prone to getting milia, or small white bumps, around my eye area from using thick eye creams. This gel’s glide-on texture doesn’t tug the under-eye area and makes it ideal for year-round use that won’t slip under makeup. Due to its gel consistency, it can be stored in the fridge to give my under-eyes a pick-me-up when they look puffy, especially when it looks like I missed out on some ZzZzZzs.

5. The second sunshine and humidity go away, my hands become parched. Especially during East Coast winters, when there’s no humidity and constant washing to keep germs and bacteria at bay. Special Hand Cream with Vitamin E is my ultimate savior. Its whipped consistency makes it lightweight and non-greasy. I love having the classic jar laying close by on my desk, that won’t leave residue on my mouse or keyboard. I’m even more obsessed now that the hand cream is available in a tube! It’s ideal to place in a bag or leave in the car to hydrate my dry hands on the go.

Originally published as #MBmy5: Karolina from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Great skincare starts with clean skin. Removing sunscreen, makeup and impurities leaves the skin feeling fresh and prepped for the next steps of your skincare routine. Cleansing the skin improperly or entirely skipping this step limits the effects of the rest of the products in the regimen.

Whether your skin is dry or sensitive, oily or combination, acne- or redness-prone, there’s a cleanser for everyone out there. Our guide will help you pick the best cleanser with the most beneficial ingredients for your skin type and skin concerns.

What is the importance of a facial cleanser?

Using a gentle face wash suitable for your skin type and taking a few extra minutes to cleanse the skin from heavy makeup, dirts, oils and grime that may have built up throughout the day can make a world of difference and help maintain a healthy complexion. Cleansing allows the skin to renew while helping the rest of your skincare products absorb better and perform more efficiently. To get the full effect of the active ingredients in your facial cleanser, it is recommended to remove any makeup with a gentle remover before cleansing. This technique is known as “double cleansing” and essentially involves using a facial cleanser or makeup remover to remove excess product so your cleanser can deeply cleanse your skin. 

Our Best Facial Cleanser for Combination Skin

Does your T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) look shiny while your cheek area appears normal or dry? If the answer is yes, then you most likely have combination skin. In this case, the keyword is balance, so it is essential to regulate sebum production around the oilier areas without stripping the skin where it is drier. 

Try: Enzyme Cleansing Gel– This non-foaming gel cleanser is wildly popular and consistently tops our list of best-sellers. Skin will feel equally clean and refreshed. This deep cleansing but gentle face wash refreshes the skin and removes excess oil without feeling harsh or drying. The added Papaya Fruit Extract and Grapefruit Extract provide gentle exfoliation to leave the skin looking radiant and youthful.

Good cleanser for all skin types                                                                           Best cleanser for combination skin and oily skin types                                     Try pairing it with Seaweed Cleansing Lotion or Cucumber Cleansing Lotion

Our Best Face Cleanser for Oily Skin and Blemish-Prone Skin

Oily skin is characterized by a shiny appearance, enlarged pores and congestion. If your makeup and skincare tend to move around your face after application and you frequently get blemishes, your skin might produce excess sebum that can clog the pores. It is important to regulate the oil production and maintain clear and fresh skin without stripping of its natural oils. 

Try: Acne Facial Cleanser– Skin types prone to congestion and breakouts will love this non-foaming gel-based cleanser. The gentle, yet effective, formula employs Salicylic Acid and Thyme Extract to banish blemishes along with Aloe Vera and Chamomile to keep skin calm.

Our best cleanser for oily skin and blemish-prone types Try pairing it with Special Cleansing Lotion C for toning action. 

Our Best Face Wash for Dry Skin

If your skin is flaky, feels tight and lacks elasticity, there is a good chance it is dry. Another way to identify dryness is by applying a moisturizer and paying attention to the reaction of the skin. Dry skin will drink up the moisturizer almost instantly. 

Try: Cucumber Cream Soap – Anyone who has dry and/or sensitive skin understands how using the wrong facial cleanser can seriously throw your skin off balance. People with dry skin can benefit from using a rich and creamy facial cleanser. This non-foaming cleanser gently cleanses without stripping skin of essential moisture. The Cucumber Extract provides essential vitamins and minerals to the skin and leaves it feeling nourished and calm.

Good cleanser for all skin types Our best cleanser for dry skin

Try removing makeup prior to cleansing with Cucumber Makeup Remover Cream and toning with Aloe Vera Toner.

Our Best Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

Try: Cleansing Milk with Carnation and Rice Oil – Some skin is so dry and sensitive that even cleansing with a gentle rinse-off cleanser is irritating. For those with ultra-sensitive skin this oil-based milk cleanser is a must. It will completely dissolve makeup and impurities so that they can be wiped away with a soft cotton pad for a gentle cleansing experience. The result is cleansed and nourished skin without stripping its surface of essential moisture.

Good cleanser for dry, sensitive skin Our best cleanser for dry, sensitive skin

Our Best Brightening Face Wash

If you’re trying to achieve that gorgeous glowing look but you are too afraid of leave-on

treatments, you may want to give a cleanser with Glycolic Acid a try. Glycolic Acid is known to gently help with pore refining and texture resurfacing, ensuring a radiant complexion and youthful look. 

Try: Glycolic Foaming Cleanser – Your skin will be next-level clean with this supplemental, foaming, gel cleanser. Glycolic Acid works to gently dissolve dulling, pore-clogging dead skin cells and other impurities from the surface of the skin making this the perfect regimen booster.  If you are new to acids, start using the cleanser just a couple of times a week. For best results, let the cleanser sit for a few minutes before rinsing.

Use 1-2 times a week for Dry and Combination/Dry skin and 2-3 times a week for Combination Skin and Oily Skin types.

Good for all skin types Best cleanser for glowing skin Pairs well with any toner that suits your skin type!

Shop facial cleansers.

Originally published as Our Best Facial Cleansers for Your Skin Type: Oily, Dry, and Combination Skin from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Of the many types of skin care products that make up a well-rounded regimen, the most controversial category by far, is toner. Do we need them? Let’s find out!

Doubters, naysayers, and conspiracy theorists alike have been warning the masses of the uselessness of toner and astringent for as long as I can remember. They have explained that this extra step is not only completely unnecessary but also a manipulative ploy by beauty pros to take up space in your medicine cabinet and lighten your wallet.

On the other hand, the pro crowd will tell you that toners help to balance the skin post-cleanse. They will talk to you about how they will leave your skin feeling fresh and clean while whisking away the traces of dirt and makeup that are inevitably left behind after you splash away your facial cleanser.  

Now that that’s out there, I’d like to tell you the simple reason why I think that toner or astringent (or cleansing lotion as Mr. Badescu was partial to calling them) can be such a key, game-changing element to a skin care regimen: this step is a weightless way to deliver complexion-enhancing ingredients directly to your skin. Think of it as a cheat layer of skin care. Sweep it on and forget that it is even there. So, what does toner do, again? That depends on your individual skin care concerns.

Sensitive skin? Calm down with Aloe Vera Toner. This formula is coveted by MB devotees with dry and sensitive skin and is a refreshing but gentle way to prep for moisturizer.
Feeling dull? Brighten up Glycolic Acid Toner. Glycolic Acid is known for its ability to dissolve the dead skin cells that sit at the surface of the skin and dim your glow.
Oily? Refresh with Cucumber Cleansing Lotion. This ultra-refreshing formula will wipe away excess oil and leave skin cool and clean.
Prone to breakouts? Clarify with Special Cleansing Lotion C. Sulfur works to manage oil production and fight stubborn summertime breakouts.

Where do you weigh in on this issue?

Originally published as Toner: Essential or Excessive? from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.