Article by BR Natalie
Even if you don't stick to a skincare routine (tut, tut) we're going to go out on a limb and say that you wash your face every day. For many of you this will include using a cleanser to effectively remove the build up of dirt and debris your skin has accumulated over the day. A few people will stick to bar soap when washing their face, and others will use just water. However you choose to cleanse your face we're going to tell you why finding, and regularly using the right cleanser is essential to your daily routine.
What is a cleanser?
Facial cleansers are products specially formulated to remove oil, dirt, dead skin cells, makeup and other debris from the skin.
Why do I need to use a cleanser?
Clean skin is the first step to healthy skin, as oily skin and clogged pores are two of the main factors contributing towards breakouts and spots. Cleansers clean much more effectively than just water, or even bar soap.
When skin is cleaned thoroughly, other products will work to their full potential. Your treatments and moisturisers will penetrate more deeply and deliver key ingredients where they are needed
A note about bar soap - Your skin's pH level is around 4.7, yet bar soaps have a much higher pH than your skin - around 9 or 10. Soap can therefore affect your skin's natural balance and create an environment that favours bacterial growth. Bar soaps can dry out the skin and strip it of the natural and essential oils. This causes the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, leading to clogged pores. However, not all bars are bad, specially formulated solid facial cleansers (like Dove's Beauty Bars) are not the same as standard bar soaps.
What cleanser should I buy?
As with all things beauty, there's a range of cleansers to choose from. It really is trial and error as to which formula you prefer. Your ideal cleanser will remove oil, dirt and pollution from your skin, but won't wash away your natural skin barrier. Look for cleansers aimed at your specific skin type or concern.
Cleansers come in many forms; liquid, gel, creams, oils, gels and lotions and many of these forms can be created for different skin types. It's how the cleanser is used and behaves that really distinguishes them.
Foaming cleansers are like soap - you'll moisten your face before applying a small amount of cleanser and working it in to a lather. You'll need to thoroughly rinse foaming cleansers with warm water. Foaming cleansers can take many forms; liquid, cream and gel for example. Foaming cleansers are popular as they can be used in the shower.
Some foaming cleansers are quite drying, which makes them more suitable for oily skin types and unsuitable for dry or sensitive skin. Others, such as Moisture Mist's Gentle Cleansing Foam are rich enough to rinse away impurities and light makeup, but gentle enough to be suitable for all skin types.
Non Foaming cleansers tend to be more mild than foaming cleansers. They generally don't need to come in to contact with water at all and can be wiped off instead of rinsed off. As water isn't a factor, non foaming cleansers are more effective at delivering the active ingredients to the skin. Non foaming cleansers formats include creams and oils.
Non Foaming Cleansers are usually very gentle and so are great for people with eczema and sensitive skin. They're not going to remove a full face of makeup though, so are best teamed with a suitable makeup remover.
Medicated cleansers are usually foaming cleansers, but non-foaming versions do exist. They are for acne prone skin and will contain ingredients such as salicylic acid to unblock pores and benzoyl peroxide to kill bacteria
Medicated cleansers can be really harsh, so if your skin is acne prone and sensitive you might find it more beneficial to use a gentle cleanser and using an acne treatment product after.
Cleansing balms are often thought of as 'pre cleanser'. Cleansing balms are solid cream or oil based products (think of thick cold creams) that turn in to a liquid/oil consistency when warmed to body temperature (such as between your fingers). You apply as you would any cleanser and remove using cotton wool or tissue. They're extremely effective at removing makeup, sunscreen and waterproof products.
Cleansing balms will probably leave a film behind on the skin and so are best followed by a second gentle cleanser.
Exfoliating cleansers are similar to foaming cleansers, but contain small particles (natural or artificial) that gently scrub the skin to remove dead skin cells and dirt. Exfoliating cleansers can make the skin smoother, but over use can lead to redness and irritation.
Oil cleansers are fantastic for removing waterproof makeup and sunscreen. These are not the same as using a pure oil to cleanse your skin - they are a heavily oil based blend. You apply the oil cleanser to dry skin, rub with your hands and rinse. As you rinse the emulsifiers in the cleanser allow the oil to be washed off with just water.
How do I cleanse?
Always wash your hands before cleansing your face!
Whatever variety of cleanser you use, always remember to be gentle. Don't vigorously rub, pull or stretch the skin. Gently pat the cleanser on to your face, neck and chest and smooth over in upwards and outwards motions. (This is to prevent sagging and loss of muscle tone).
Leave the product on for a minute or so to let it get to work and gently remove by either rinsing thoroughly with water (foaming cleansers) or removing with cotton wool or a face cloth (again using upwards and outwards strokes) and rinsing lightly with water.
So there you have it; a quick BR guide to cleansers. Why don't you tell us about your cleansing routine? Have you found the perfect product, or is finding the perfect cleanser more difficult than finding the perfect pair of jeans? Get chatting below!
The last cleanser I used was from avon years ago. It was a tea tree product . I can say I dont cleanse much at all. My skin is very dry .