In many ways cleansing your face is one of the most important steps in your beauty regime.
Why is cleansing so important?
Our skin is constantly being exposed to external pollutants. Whether it’s air, water, or sunlight, your skin needs a little help keeping these pollutants at bay. That’s where a good facial cleanser comes in. A good cleanser will not only remove impurities from your skin but also nourish and hydrate it so that it remains healthy and youthful looking for years to come.
It’s so important to have a clean canvas going into your facial regime. You want to ensure that you wash away dirt and other impurities before you apply your, toner, moisturiser or serum. Our faces are an extension of our soul, and if we don’t take care of them, we won’t look our best—or feel our best!
Do you take your make-up off each night?
When you consider that skin-clogging dirt, pollutants and make-up are removed every time you wash your face, it’s surprising how many people don’t do it regularly. Most dermatologists recommend cleansing every night to reduce the likelihood of spots, enlarged pores and inflammation. Once or twice a week also works well for many people. This helps to keep pores clear and skin healthy, as well as reducing bacteria that can cause spots, blemishes and inflammation.
What to look for in an facial cleanser
So, you’re on a mission to find yourself a good facial cleanser. But with so many choices out there it can be tough to know which one will work best for your face. We’ve talked to our beauty experts at Beauty Earneco and they have listed down a few points that will help you narrow down your search.
Here are some things to look for in an ideal facial cleanser:
This is probably one of the most important factors when choosing a facial cleanser as it ensures that all traces of dirt and oil are removed from your skin. This is also important because if not done properly, these impurities can build up over time and lead to clogged pores, blackheads or even acne breakouts. Choose a facial cleanser with salicylic acid or glycolic acid which help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.
Another good ingredient to look for in an ideal facial cleanser is benzoyl peroxide. It works by killing bacteria on your face which helps prevent pimples and blemishes from forming. It’s also great for getting rid of excess oils on your face so you don’t have to use harsh exfoliators anymore!
If you have dry or sensitive skin, opt for a facial cleanser that doesn’t leave your skin feeling tight or stretched. Some facial cleansers include ingredients like glycerine and aloe vera which can soothe and moisturize your skin after washing.
And if you have oily skin, look for a facial cleanser that can give your skin a matte finish. There are many options out there with mattifying properties, so take your time and find one that works best for you!
Types of Cleansers
Micellar water
A micellar water is a type of facial cleanser that contains micelle molecules, which are like a magnet for dirt and oil. It’s an easy way to wash your face without having to use a ton of product. They’re also good for people with sensitive skin, as they don’t contain any harsh chemicals or fragrances.
Cream and milk cleansers
Cream and milk cleansers are a type of facial cleanser that’s similar to a lotion. They contain ingredients like shea butter, glycerine, and vitamin E that help moisturize your skin while you wash. The downside is that they can be difficult to rinse off completely, which means they can leave behind an oily residue on your face. If you have dry skin, these products are worth considering.
Oil cleansers
Oil-based facial cleansers are great for deep cleaning your pores and removing makeup. They’re also a great option for people with dry skin, as they moisturize while you wash. The downside is that oil-based products can be messy to use and can leave behind an oily residue on your face. Don’t use oil cleansers on acne-prone skin – opt for another option.
Cleansing balms
Cleansing balms are a type of facial cleanser that’s similar to an oil-based cleanser, but without all of the mess. They contain natural ingredients like beeswax and shea butter that melt into an oil when you rub them on your face. The balm also contains a surfactant (cleaning agent) to help remove dirt and makeup.
Foaming cleansers
If you want to be able to wash your face easily and quickly, a foaming cleanser is an excellent option. They contain surfactants and emulsifiers that combine with water when you rub them into your skin. The foam they produce gives them a nice texture, but it doesn’t linger on your skin like some other types of facial cleansers. These products are very effective at removing dirt and makeup without stripping your skin of its natural oils.
Cleansing cloths
If you’re looking for a way to clean your face quickly and easily, you might consider using cleansing cloths. They can be used in place of traditional facial cleansers, saving you time and money. They come pre-moistened or dry and can be used with your favourite moisturizer for added hydration.
Gel cleansers
If you want something that leaves your skin feeling clean and hydrated, a gel cleanser is worth considering. These products tend to be very gentle and moisturizing, but they can also be a bit more expensive than other facial cleansers. Their light texture makes them easy to spread on your face and they usually do a great job at removing dirt, oil, and makeup.
The best facial cleansers of 2022
- Cerave Hydrating Cleanser, £9.50, LookFantastic – Gel | Any skin type but especially dry / dehydrated
- Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, £28, LookFantastic – Balm | Any, especially dry
- Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water, £5.99, LookFantastic – Micella Water | Any, including senstive
- Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser, £31, Cult Beauty – Gel | Normal to oily
- Frances Prescott Tri-Balm, £49, Liberty – Balm | Any, especially dry
- Pro-Collagen Naked Cleansing Balm, £44, Lookfantastic – Balm | Any, especially dry
- Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel, £37, Cult Beauty – Gel-balm | Any, especially dry
- Skingredients Sally Cleanse, from £27, skingredients.com – Gel | Oily or combination skin
- The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, £5.50, Cult Beauty – Balm | Any
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar H Hydrating Cleansing Cream, £13.99, Superdrug – Cream | Any, especially sensitive
