Without cleansing, your skincare routine is missing a step. Cleansing your skin is an essential part of skincare and people with all skin types can find a cleanser that works for them.
Cleansing your skin is simple, but finding the product that works for your skin type can be difficult.
There is an astounding number of cleanser types from numerous brands available in any beauty aisle. So how do you select the best cleanser for you?
Your skin type is an important factor to consider when choosing any product.
People with sensitive skin shouldn’t use the same cleanser as someone with oily skin. Once you know your skin type, picking a suitable cleanser will be a breeze.
There are many types of cleansers. Here we have matched 9 different types of cleanser to different skin types:
1. Clay cleansers
Clay cleansers were inspired by clay masks and they behave similarly when applied to the skin. Clay cleansers have strong detoxifying properties, they absorb any oil and dirt on the skin that may be causing acne.
Clay cleansers help to clean out clogged pores, especially for oily skin. They provide a matte finish and are great when used for the second stage of a double cleanse. This is because they don’t work well at removing make-up. Good for: acne-prone, combination, and oily skin. Their oil-pulling properties may exacerbate dry skin.
2. Cream and lotion cleansers
Cream and lotion cleansers are deeply moisturising cleansers. They have rich textures and do not lather. Cream cleansers are good for removing makeup and controlling sebum excretions.
Cream and lotion cleansers do not strip the skin of its natural oils, they leave your skin feeling smooth, soft, and supple.
Unfortunately, their heavy textures can clog the skin, leading to break-outs. Some cream cleansers need to be rinsed, while others can be wiped off with a clean cloth.
Good for: sensitive and dry skin. Other skin types may benefit from cream cleansers during dry and cold seasons.
3. Foam cleansers
Foam cleansers are a good choice for people who love the sudsy feel of soap. They exist in liquid, gel, and cream form. When mixed with water they develop a foamy consistency. Foam cleansers are good for removing makeup, cleaning pores, and removing dirt from the skin.
Be careful when choosing a foaming cleanser, some of them can be drying because of the foaming agent used. This gentle foaming cleanser from Okana, formulated with only natural ingredients, will cleanse, remove makeup, and nourish your skin. Good for: oily and combination skin.
4. Micellar water
Micellar cleanser/water originated in France. It is a very light cleanser and provides a gentle cleansing action. Micellar cleanser has a consistency that is very similar to water, but it contains micelles – minute oil molecules – that attract makeup, dirt, oil, and grime on the surface of the skin. Micellar water not only cleanses, but it also tones the skin as well.
You can apply micellar water with a cotton pad. It does not dry out the skin and it has a softening and smoothing effect. You don’t have to rinse up after cleansing your skin. Micellar water is not a deep cleanser, so you can use it as a first step for removing makeup. Good for: all skin types. People with dry, combination, sensitive, normal, and oily skin can use micellar water.
5. Gel cleansers
Gel cleansers are lightweight but they are deep cleansers. They are clear with a jelly-like consistency. Gel cleansers often have to be rinsed off. Gel cleansers remove excess oil, clean out the pores, and eliminate acne-causing bacteria. They are hydrating, moisturising, and leave your skin fresh and moist. Gel cleansers are very good at removing makeup after a long day.
Good for: acne-prone skin, oily skin, normal skin, and combination skin. Gel cleansers are formulated for different skin types.
6. Oil-based cleansers
Oil cleansers are great for removing oil-based products, dirt, grime, and sebum without drying out your skin. They stick to oils on the skin and dissolve them. They are good pre-cleansers and can be used for thoroughly removing heavy makeup. Use oil-based cleansers as the first stage of double cleansing your skin, followed by a deep cleanser. Good for: dry, normal, oily, and combination skin.
7. Cleansing Wipes
Cleansing wipes are a quick, convenient option for cleansing your skin. They are not deep cleansers but they work better as makeup removers. They are ideal for lazy days, but you must use a follow-up cleanser to ensure that oils and dirt are completely removed from your skin. Good for: all skin types, but people with sensitive skin should be careful to avoid irritating their skin.
8. Balm Cleansers
Balm cleansers have a cleansing action similar to oil cleansers. They serve as makeup cleansers rather than deep cleansers. They have a creamy texture that melts during application.
They remove makeup but contain ingredients that leave the skin moisturised, soft, and nourished. Some balm cleansers have to be rinsed off, while others do not. As with oil cleansers, a deep cleanser should be used afterward.
Good for: normal and dry skin. Their heavy texture may cause clogged pores and breakouts for acne-prone, oily, and combination skin.
9. Powder Cleansers
This is a lesser-known type of cleanser. Powder cleansers are powders that turn creamy or foamy when mixed with water. Powder cleansers are highly concentrated and contain few additives.
Most powder cleansers contain enzymes that help to dissolve the dirt and grime on the surface of the skin while deeply cleansing your skin. These enzymes make it easy for powder cleansers to clean out clogged pores. They can offer a level of exfoliation depending on how they are mixed.
Because powder cleansers contain few additives, they rarely offer added benefits like hydration, but they are less likely to irritate the skin. Good for: sensitive, oily, and combination skin.
Conclusion
An ideal cleanser should be gentle and non-drying while providing a deep-cleansing effect.
Knowing the ingredients of a cleanser is the best way to make a good choice for your skin. Paying attention to the ingredients will also alert you to possible allergens and irritants, so you know which cleansers to avoid.
Generally, avoid cleansers containing fragrance, parabens or alcohol as they can irritate and inflame the skin or lead to breakouts.
