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What Is Facial Cleanser?

Last Updated on January 11, 2022
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written by nail expert Jess Rowley

What should be the first step in your skincare routine?

A good facial cleanser. For everyone, regardless of their skin type or skin concern. It’s the key to getting the most out of the rest of your skincare routine, and prepping your skin, as well as getting rid of dirt and grime from the day. Do you struggle to find the best facial cleanser for you?

Then listen to this. I am going to take you through what is a facial cleanser, as well as the different kinds and who they are best for. Facial cleansers are often the understated hero in the skincare world, and I’ll let you in on a little secret- it’s just as important as that expensive serum you just bought!

A skincare routine is only as good as how you prep your skin. After all, you don’t want to be using all your expensive, full of good ingredients, creams and serums on a face full of dirt and bacteria. If you have oily skin, struggle with excess oil and clogged pores, a facial cleanser is going to help giving you a fresh base for your makeup or skincare. If you are an organic girl, have you ever wondered how to make facial cleanser?

What does a facial cleanser do? I’m going to take you through why you need a facial cleanser in your life. From finding how to use a facial cleanser to all the benefits of using a facial cleanser in your skincare regimen you can find out all there is to know about using facial cleansers. Once you know why you need one in your life and how to choose the right facial cleanser for you, then you will be in a good spot to know how to use facial cleanser.

So here’s the deal.

If you want to know the ins and outs of facial cleansers, then you’ve come to the right place. Facial cleansers and face wash is essential to clean your face from the days dirt, as well as giving you a fresh base for your skincare and makeup. It is ideal if you want to avoid clogged pores, acne and want to get the most from your skincare ingredients. It’s one of those things that everyone should have.

You probably already have a face wash or cleanser in your skincare cupboard. But how can you tell if it is the right one for you? How to tell if you need a cleanser or a face wash? A milky cleanser or a foaming cleanser? There is a host of ingredients that are included in cleansers, and not all of them are good. Stay tuned to find out how to select the right facial cleansers for you.

Let’s get straight into it.

What is a facial cleanser?

In simple terms, a facial cleanser is designed to clean our skin. They are made to break down oil and dirt, makeup sunscreen and the remains of dead skin cells and pollutants. It’s essential for unclogging pores and exfoliating the top layer of the skin, without damaging the skin barrier or leaving it too dry.

There are many different types of facial cleansers, and it’s important you find the one that works best for you. Cleansers range from micellar water, foaming cleansers, cleansing gels, creams and balms, oils and even wipes.

Benefits of using Facial Cleansers

If you’re not using a facial cleanser in your skin care routine, then you’re seriously missing out. What is a facial cleanser used for?

Here are a few benefits to convince you to invest in a good facial cleanser:

Keep your skin hydrated and soft- cream cleansers can help restore moisture to your skin

Get rid of dead skin cells– reveal a fresh layer for a natural glow and brighter skin

Clear up buildup- get rid of dirt and grim from the day, as well as helping to unclog pores

Boost blood circulaiton- stimulate blood circulation around your face

Fight signs of aging- make your skin look fresher and younger

prepping your skin– get the most from your skincare products by prepping your face and leaving it clean and ready to soak up all the skincare benefits.

Now that you’ve heard of the benefits, it’s time to try out a facial cleanser and see for yourself. But, which type of cleanser is right for you?

Types of Facial Cleansers

Here are different types of facial cleansers, each suited to a skin type.

Cleansing Lotions

A cleansing lotion is ideal if you have dry or sensitive skin. These types of cleansers are hydrating and gentle, and work to nourish your skin. Made with a creamy formula, they won’t dry out your skin and will moisturize it. Ideally, go for one without irritating ingredients and free from alcohol or fragrances. When you use a cleansing lotion, your skin will feel soft and supple but thoroughly clean.

Micellar Water

Believe it or not, micellar water is also a type of cleanser. It’s an easy and gentle way to cleanse your skin of any makeup and impurities. You can use it morning or night to cleanse your skin and refresh yourself without worrying about irritating it. Micellar water is gentle but capable of cleansing your skin from dirt and pollutants, without damaging the skin’s barrier, even for sensitive skin. Micellar is for all skin types, but especially for those who wear makeup.

Gel Cleansers

A gel cleanser is a perfect way to start and end the day prepping your skin for your skincare routine and getting it clean. I love gel cleansers because they have a cooling effect that refreshes the skin. It can help to thoroughly break down dirt and residue on the skin. Use gel cleansers with lukewarm water to clarify and smooth the skin, then rinse off.

Gentle Cleansers

Gentle cleansers are those that contain no nasty ingredients and are gentle on the skin but tough on dirt. Try a sulfate-free cleanser if you have sensitive skin that easily gets irritated. Gentle cleansers are free from sulfates, or soap, alcohol and dyes, as well as fragrance and parabens. They are good to use morning and night, and help to remove oil and impurities without damaging or stripping the skin of moisture.

Exfoliating Cleanser

I’d recommend using an exfoliating cleanser a few times a week to shed dead skin cells and get rid of excess oil. Try to find one with direct acids or AHAS/BHA’s as these are much more gentle on the skin than harsh scrubs. Its essential for oily and acne prone skin types to use an exfoliating cleanser to treat blemishes and unclog pores. It can also help with blackheads and keeping your complexion clear. They help to tighten pores and smooth skin.

Final Thoughts

No matter if you have dry skin or combination skin, using a face wash suited to your skin type is one more step on route to healthy looking skin. A gentle cleanser will help remove excess oil but without stripping the skin of natural oils. Face washes are a must have for every skin type, and if you want to retain the skin’s natural moisture then having a nourishing cleanser for your skin is necessary. Every skincare product you use is useless without a cleansing routine to prep your skin before, even for normal skin types.

Anyone can use face washes twice a day, you simply wet your face and gently massage your face with the product, to then rinse it off to reveal clean skin. Face cleansers help to remove dirt, deep clean, remove makeup, keep your pores clear so you can continue applying moisturizer. Some key ingredients to look out for include salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.

If you want to prevent breakouts and improve texture and even heal skin conditions, then include the right cleanser, soap free, in your daily routine.

What is your current cleanser?

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