What kind of facial cleanser should you use in the summer? A guide to facial cleansers that prevent breakouts

The high temperatures and humidity in Hong Kong summers mean that even after washing your face, it starts getting oily again within half an hour. During seasonal changes, redness and sensitivity are also common. Many people's immediate reaction is to "wash more thoroughly" or "wash one more time," unaware that excessive cleansing is the real culprit behind worsening summer skin! Choosing the right facial cleanser for this everyday task is actually the first step in skincare.

Why is skin more prone to oiliness and sensitivity in summer?

In summer, skin produces more oil primarily because higher temperatures directly stimulate the sebaceous glands to secrete more oil. Coupled with Hong Kong's humid and stuffy climate, pores are often in an expanded state, making them prone to accumulating dirt.

Oiliness → Frequent cleansing → Compromised skin barrier → More oiliness, more sensitivity.

The root of the problem is that once the skin's natural barrier is damaged, it loses its ability to regulate oil-water balance. If this structure is damaged by harsh cleansing products, the skin will compensate by "secreting more oil" and at the same time become more prone to redness, dryness, and irritation. Therefore, the summer cleansing strategy is not to cleanse "more thoroughly" but to cleanse "smarter."

Facial Cleanser Selection Guide: Foaming vs. Cream vs. Gel, which one is right for you?

Foaming Cleanser: Strong lathering, high cleansing power, suitable for daily use on oily skin, but be aware of ingredients like SLS/SLES. While these provide strong cleansing, they can strip too much oil, leading to even oilier skin over time.

Cream/Milk Cleanser: Smooth texture, cleanses while replenishing oils, ideal for dry, sensitive, and post-treatment skin. The advantage of these facial cleansers is that they don't leave the skin feeling tight or dry, embodying the concept of "cleansing as skincare."

Gel Cleanser: Light and refreshing texture, with cleansing power between foaming and cream types. Suitable for combination skin or those who prefer a refreshing feel in summer. The downside is relatively lower moisturizing properties, which may not be enough for dry or sensitive skin with long-term use.

Herb's Oil Mango Softening Repairing Foaming Milk Cleanser: A New Recommended Choice for Summer Cleansing

Addressing all the pain points of summer cleansing mentioned above, Herb's Oil's new Mango Softening Repairing Foaming Milk Cleanser incorporates the concept of "repair" into the cleansing step.

Key Ingredient Highlights:

• Mango Butter + Skin-mimicking Lipids: Hydrogenated coconut glycerides and glyceryl oleate work synergistically to replenish skin lipids while cleansing, effectively eliminating post-wash tightness.
• Ceramide Repair System: Ceramide NP/AP/EOP + cholesterol + phytosphingosine, precisely repairing damaged barriers.
• Ectoin + Chamomile Extract: Dual soothing formula, safe for sensitive and fragile skin.
• Advanced Hydration System: Nano hyaluronic acid, glycosyl trehalose, xylitol complex moisturizing factors, instantly hydrates and locks in moisture during cleansing.
• Gentle Cleansing System: Amino acids + glucosides (APG), free from SLS/SLES, effectively cleanses dirt and sunscreen residue without over-stripping.
• Clean Beauty Promise: Free from SLS/SLES, artificial fragrances, and essential oils, a safe choice for sensitive and fragile skin and post-aesthetic treatment care.

How to Use: Take an appropriate amount into your palm, add a small amount of water, rub until it lathers, gently massage over the entire face, then rinse thoroughly with water, once in the morning and once at night.

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FAQ | Common Summer Cleansing Questions