Your Ultimate Guide to Cleansing and How To Choose The Best For You
Although it is an essential part of any skincare regimen, Cleansing is often not the most loved. People are put off by the idea of washing their face with soapy water and possibly stinging their eyes. It’s a daily ritual that’s important for your skin, just like your five-a-day cleansing gel.
There’s a right way to do it, just like with everything. It is essential to choose the right Cleanser for you and take the time to clean your skin properly (20 seconds is not enough). It is essential. It is necessary to listen to your skin and feel it. We believe that having multiple types of cleansers is vital.
Why one Cleanser isn’t enough
Emily Parr is the founder of the new cleansing brand HoliFrog. She is passionate about skincare and the importance of the right Cleanser. She explained that her skin is sensitive, cranky, and thirsty. It also has different needs, so one-and-done is not going to cut it. It’s like having a separate cleanser for each situation. This is what we call Situational Cleansing. Your skin’s needs at waking up are very different from what it needs after a workout or when you have makeup on and all-day dirt on your face.
Are your skin’s pores dry and tightened? A hydrating cream, soothing cream, or milky Cleanser is needed. Are your skin oily, dry, or sensitive? A gel or foaming Cleanser containing AHAs and enzymes is your best friend. You may be thinking that this sounds silly and unnecessary. But your skin will appreciate it in the end. Dry skin will get even more dehydrated, and harsh cleansers will dry it out further. Oily skin or skin with acne will result in clogged pores. It’s possible to think this sounds expensive. However, it means that you always have at least two cleansers, and they last longer.
We also want to say that you could have as many as three cleansers in an ideal world. Our skin has improved dramatically since we began using the Korean double cleansing technique. The Korean double cleansing method involves first using an oil-based cleanser and then using a water-based cleanser best facial cleansers for black skin.
Double Cleansing Ritual:
1. Cleanse your skin by using an oil/a balm to massage it (starting with a dry face). This will melt and dissolve SPF, makeup, and dirt. Oil attracts oil, so it binds with dirt, sebum and makes up the most effective. Sometimes you may feel your pores being pulled out by sebum plugs — at least one minute. The WISHFUL Clean Guinea Butter, $35, is our favorite cleansing balm. It’s gentle and powerful.
2. Next, choose a cleanser that suits your skin type and how it feels that day. It’s worth investing in two. You might want to alternate between using an AHA (exfoliating), foaming, or milk cleanser in the evenings when it’s cooler. If your skin feels drier or has used too much retinol, you might consider switching to a gentler cleanser such as a cream, milk, or hydrating gel. To ensure that the formula penetrates pores, it is essential to wash your face for 60 seconds.
How to choose the right Cleanser for your skin type:
Gel Cleansers
BEST FOR: Normal/ Combination/ Oily/ Acne-Prone Skin
These gel formulas have a thick, clear consistency and are great for deep Cleansing. They can decongest blocked pores and remove excess oils from the skin without stripping it.
Avoid overly drying ingredients. Gel cleansers can cause skin tightening.
Cream Cleansers
BEST FOR: Sensitive/ Aging/ Dry Skin
Cream cleansers have a thick, dense formula that is very moisturizing and perfect for aging skin. Cream cleansers are often denser and less foamy, which means they won’t dry out your skin. Some formulas suggest applying the cream to dry skin and then wiping it off with a cotton ball. In this instance, it is better to use toner to ensure no residues on your skin.
Beware: Some cream cleansers can be very thick. Look out for labels that state non-comedogenic to ensure it doesn’t block pores.
Foam Cleansers
BEST FOR: Oily/ Acne-Prone Skin
The pump dispenser is usually included with foaming cleansers and can get deep into the pores. Foam cleansers have a lot of controversies as some people believe they are too harsh for the skin. However, foam cleansers can be an excellent choice for those with oily skin.
Avoid sodium lauryl sulfate (a foaming ingredient) as it can irritate sensitive skin.
Milk Cleansers
BEST FOR: Normal/ Dry/ Sensitive/ Aging skin
Extra-gentle milky formulas consist of an emulsion made of fats and water. The tiny drops of lubricant in the water give these formulas their milky look and silky texture. Cleansing milk does not foam. Instead, it dissolves makeup and dirt with oils and fats. This makes it very moisturizing and won’t strip your skin of any chemicals.
Use caution: You may need to cleanse your skin with a more potent cleanser if you are working out or wearing heavy makeup.
Oil Cleansers
BEST FOR: Makeup Removal/ Dry/ Sensitive Skin/ Eczema
Oil attracts oil is the theory behind cleansing oils. When you run an oil cleanser onto your skin, the good oils will bind to the sebum, makeup oil, and dirt. These can then be rinsed off together. Oil cleansers can be gentle on your skin. It doesn’t penetrate your pores and doesn’t remove impurities. Your skin’s natural pH will be maintained and balanced by an oil cleanser. This prevents your skin from producing excessive oil. As the first step to our cleansing routine, we love to use cleansing oil. Then we follow up with a water-based cleanser that suits our skin type.
Avoid Phthalates, petrolatum, and parabens. Look for oil formulas that can transform into the milk before you rinse. The Keihl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil is lightweight and non-comedogenic. It cost $32.