The Best Cleanser For Your Skin Type
Establishing a proper home skincare routine is super important for the skin to stay hydrated, balanced, and radiant in between visits to your esthetician. When the skin is given some care, love, and attention it will behave!
Let’s be honest there is nothing better than clear healthy skin because it will give you an extra boost of confidence that your friends will notice! The first step in your skincare routine to focus on is cleansing. Cleansing your face helps remove dirt, makeup, excess oils, and pollution. When it’s done correctly it will allow the rest of your skincare products to absorb into the skin providing it with hydration, nutrients, and protection.
There are many different forms of cleansers on the market such as gels, lotions, creams, and oils. Choosing the right cleanser is important because each formulation will provide varying benefits to the skin. Before spending a large sum of money on skincare products it’s important to do some homework on your skin type first.
Knowing your skin type will help you make the best choices when deciding what skincare products to buy for your particular needs. If your a little lost and confused on where to begin don’t worry! I’ve been there done that and I’m here to guide you!
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Cleansing Gels
Cleansing gels are suitable for oily/combination skin types. These cleansers are a detergent type foaming cleanser and are designed to dissolve more oil. If you notice your skin becoming oily throughout the day, have open/closed comedones commonly known as ( whiteheads/ blackheads) or experience acne, a cleansing gel can be a great option for you.
Not only will the cleansing gel help remove any excess oils but it will also control the accumulation of sebum that can lead to open and closed comedones and acne breakouts. There are two active ingredients that you should look for if you’re concerned about oil production or acne. The first is Salicylic Acid which acts as a mop and soaks up all the excess oils on the skin while also having a keratolytic affect meaning it will break down dead skin cells that may be clogging your pores. The second active ingredient is Benzoyl Peroxide which can be found in gel cleansers to target acne breakouts. This active ingredient introduces oxygen to the skin and when oxygen is present it will kill the acne bacteria known as P. Acne. Both of these active ingredients work differently so it’s important to understand what they do before purchasing.
It is common for these types of cleansers to dry out the skin. I recommend alternating between two cleansers such as the GM Collins (Normal to Oil Cleanser) in the morning and the PCA 5% Benzoyl Peroxide or Glymed Salicylic Exfoliator Cleanser at night.
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Cleansing Lotions
Cleansing lotions are suitable for dry and normal/combination skin types. Dry and normal/combination skin types tend to lean towards being a little drier, however in general normal skin types have a rather balanced hydrolipidic film on the skin which allows the skin to be clear and blemish free. These cleansing lotions are water based emulsion which means that there is more water than oil in the formula. There are also milky cleansers that are great for dry skin as it contains more oils and emollients in them. These cleansers don’t strip the skin of its natural oils compared to cleansing gels. If you are someone whose skin appears and feels thin, flaky, tight, irritated, and itchy then this type of cleansing will best suite your skin.
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Cleansing Creams AKA Cold Creams
This option is suitable for very dry and mature skin and also great for performers and actors. Cleansing creams are much thicker in consistency and are heavy in oils and emollients. Individuals who’s skin type is extremely dry may experience tightness, flakiness, redness around the cheeks and nose, and distended capillaries.
In order to start addressing these concerns its crucial to use the right cleanser. Cleansing creams will not strip any natural oils on the skin but will add additional oils and emollients that the skin is craving.
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Oil Cleansers
Oil cleansing is suitable for everyone and is a great option for those who live in a polluted area, wear makeup, or work in outdoor environments. I recommend oil cleansing as part of a two step cleansing process. With oil cleansing you will notice how quickly the oil will melt away the makeup and dissolve oils because LIKE DISSOLVES LIKE. Make sure to saturate your skin with an oil cleanser and massage the product into the face for 3-5mins. This will help remove any dirt, makeup, and unclog pores. You can then follow up with removing the oil with a damn cloth. The second step is to follow up with the appropriate cleanser from the options discussed above that best suite your skin type.
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How To Cleanse Properly
Now that you know exactly what cleanser to use for your particular skin type, you’ll want to make sure you are cleansing the right way to get maximum results. You’ll need no more than a dime to nickle size of product dispersed into your hands.
Depending on your chosen cleanser you’ll either add some water in your hands to lather the product or dampen your face before apply your cleanser. Rubbing the product in circular motions will help lift dirt, makeup, and unclog your pores.
Most importantly remember to focus a few extra seconds in area of the face where superficial hair is more concentrated. Dirt and makeup love hiding underneath the hair follicle! You can continue with this circular motion for about 1-2 minutes and then rinse with cool water.
It’s recommended to not cleanse in the shower with warm water because the heat can cause redness, dehydration, and tightness on the skin.
Hi I’m Natalia! Your makeup and skincare specialist. I’m excited to share with you my tips and tricks to get you glowing radiant skin and flawless makeup looks.
