Cleansers.. which one is for me?
The first and the last product you use in your daily skincare routine are the most important i.e. cleanser and SPF! I cannot stress the importance of using a cleanser and particularly one appropriate to your skin type.
Throughout the day your skin is continually covered with bacteria, pollutants, viruses, dirt and dead skin cells. Cleansing removes all these impurities, without it your skin would have a thick layer of dirt and grime creating a barrier for other products to penetrate the skin properly.
The key benefits of cleansing are:
Removes Daily Build Up
Boosts Hydration
Helps Maintain Clear Skin
Helps to maintain proper pore size
Keeps your skin looking radiant and healthy
There are so many types of cleansers available - oil, foam, gel, cream.. Which one is for me and my skin type? Here’s a quick breakdown to help you get started in finding the right cleanser for your skin type:
Gel Cleansers
Texture: Clear, with a gel consistency.
Great for deep cleansing, decongesting clogged pores, removing excess oil and killing acne-causing bacteria, thanks to their antiseptic and exfoliating properties.
Best for: Oily and Combination Skin
This cleanser from La Roche-Posay is great for oily/combination and acne prone skin. It’s gel to foam consistency provides a deep cleanse and removes excess oil from the skin - helping with oil control throughout the day.
Cream Cleansers
Texture: Usually Thick, creamy.
Gently cleanse your skin without stripping it of its natural oils. Cream cleansers can also come in the form of ‘milk’ or ‘lotion’.
Best for: Dry and Sensitive Skin
Cerave is a really trusted drugstore brand and dermatologist approved. Their Hydrating Cleanser is renowned for being effective and affordable. Suitable for all skin types, especially dry skin it leaves the skin hydrated and cleansed. This product contains 3 essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid which are key ingredients in treating dryness and improving skin hydration and skin barrier.
Foam Cleansers
Texture: Foam, lightweight.
Lightweight cleansers that start out as a cream or gel and burst into a rich, foamy lather. This type of cleanser removes excess oil as effectively as gel cleansers.
Best for: Oily and Combination Skin - not for Dry Skin
Another from Cerave, this product is great for oily/combination skin as it includes Niacinamide which is a key ingredient in treating excess oil, large pores and breakouts. It is super gentle and does not leave the skin feeling tight.
Oil or Balm Cleansers
Texture: Well.. oil.
I am a huge fan of oil cleansers - especially for removing make up. Simply apply the oil cleanser to your face and it melts off dirt and make up - even waterproof. Rinse with water. It is gentle and hydrating on your skin. Note: Oil cleansers do not make your skin oily, so people with oily or combination skin - don’t be scared to use this!
Best for: All skin types - very gentle on skin.
This is a great evening cleaner to remove makeup, SPF and pollution. It begins with a jelly/oil consistency and when applied to the face with water becomes more of a milky texture. It leaves the skin feeling supple and hydrated.
Cleansing balms are amazing for a first step cleanse. This cleansing balm from Elemis is great for removing impurities, unclogging pores and leaving the skin hydrated with a brighter complexion.