How to choose the right Facial Cleanser for your skin

Introduction

The skin is our protective cover, our blanket, our first layer that touches the world outside our body. Our skin is permanently exposed to climate changes, substances, and pathogenic agents present in the air, textures, and contact with other beings.

Therefore, skincare is a form of prevention for our entire body. So, there is nothing more logical than choosing skin cleansing and moisturizing products that are safe, effective and that also protect our skin. In this article, we will guide you on how to choose the right facial cleanser for your skin. Let’s dive in.

What is skin?

To begin, let’s understand what skin is and what its function is in the human body. Skin is the largest organ of them all. If stretched from head to toe, it measures approximately two square meters and can weigh from four to nine kilos in an adult person.

This layer, which covers our body, is also responsible for fundamental functions for maintaining life, such as thermal regulation and sensory functions (touch, pressure, cold, heat, and pain, among others). Skin tissue also plays the role of an excretory organ, as it eliminates some substances that need to be discarded from the body through the pores.

In a single centimeter of skin, we have:

65 small muscles attached to the hairs.
70 heat receptors.
15 cold receptors.
100 sebaceous glands.
More than 500 sweat glands.
Tens of millions of cells.

What does skin do?

Keeps heat on cold days and cold on hot days.
Reserve water to be used by the body when necessary.
Controls blood pressure.
Produces vitamins and eliminates toxic substances.
Captures information from the environment and transmits other information.
It is not rigid and adapts to the part of the body it covers.
has nerves, glands, and muscles.

What are the skin types?

Well, now that we know a little more about skin, let’s learn about its types and the so-called phototypes. Skin can be classified into four types: normal, dry, oily, and combination. Below are some of the characteristics of each type:

Normal

This type of skin has a healthy, velvety texture. It produces an adequate amount of oil, without excess shine or dryness. In most cases, normal skin has small, barely visible pores.

Dry

Dry skin is caused by excessive water loss and usually has few visible pores and little luminosity. Dry skin is more likely to flake and become red. Dry skin can be a reflection of both genetic or hormonal factors, as well as environmental and external conditions, such as cold weather, wind, and long, hot baths.

Oily

Oily skin is the opposite of dry skin. It has a shinier and thicker appearance due to increased sebum production, enlarged pores, and a greater tendency to develop blackheads and pimples. Its cause can also be genetic, in addition to excessive exposure to the sun, stress, and a diet rich in foods with a high-fat content. It has enlarged pores and a greater tendency to form acne, blackheads, and pimples.

Combination

Finally, we have combination skin, which is the most common skin type. It has an oily appearance and dilated pores concentrated in the so-called “T zone” (forehead, nose and chin). On the cheeks and extremities, it is drier.

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What is a facial cleanser?

A facial cleanser is a product designed to cleanse the skin of all impurities and dirt. This helps unclog pores and allows the skin to breathe. This means your face is less likely to develop blemishes: pimples, blackheads, spots, etc.

Common mistakes in choosing Facial cleansers

There are many common mistakes made when choosing skin cleansing products. Some of the most common mistakes include:

Wrong identification of skin type: Choosing a product without knowing your skin type can cause irritation or dryness of your skin. It is important to know whether your skin is oily, dry, combination, or sensitive.

Using the wrong products: It’s important to use the right products for your skin type. For example, if you have oily skin, you don’t want to use a harsh cleanser, which can irritate your skin or cause more oil production. If you have dry skin, you don’t want to use an alcoholic cleanser, which can strip your skin of moisture and dry it out even more.

Overuse of products: Washing your skin too often or using products that are too harsh can irritate you. Washing your skin twice a day, morning and night, is enough. If you wear makeup, make sure to cleanse your skin before going to bed.

Not washing products off long enough: When cleansing your skin, it’s important to massage in long enough for the cleanser to remove all dirt and makeup. Aim to wash your face for at least 30 seconds.

Not drying your face: After washing your skin, gently pat it dry with a soft towel. Avoid rubbing your skin as this can irritate.

Not using moisturizer: It is important to use a moisturizer after cleansing your skin. This will help your skin stay hydrated and look healthy.

Is Cleansing necessary in skincare?

The secret to successful skin care is definitely and indisputably proper cleansing of the facial skin. Without it, nothing will happen. Even the most expensive care with the best active ingredients will not work if the skin does not have good cleansing. The key to success is the right selection of cleanser for make-up removal and facial cleansing and their conscious use.

Remember also that facial cleansing is not only about removing make-up and color cosmetics, but also about getting rid of urban pollution that penetrates deep into the skin, smog that causes discoloration, dust that clogs pores, and thorough and proper removal of daily care and sebum secretion.

How often should you wash your face?

To properly remove dirt from your face, do it in the morning and evening. In the evening routine, a two-stage skin cleansing is the most recommended. It provides the best dissolution and washing of dirt. It is a myth that micellar fluid or makeup removal milk alone is enough for daily facial care. During the first stage, the selected cosmetic product dissolves the dirt formed on the skin’s surface and cleanses.

Washing your face in the morning can be much gentler than in the evening. In this case, we can already focus on a single-step cleansing. Because it is not enough to wash your face with water after evening care. At night, the skin sweats secrete sebum, and comes into contact with impurities that accumulate on the sheets.

The variety of facial cleansers on the market

You have several options when choosing a good cleaner because there are several types of cleaners on the market. Examples are given below

Facial toner

Facial toner removes impurities, unclogs pores, and can improve the skin’s natural glow. These are liquid formulations, usually water-based, that help to normalize the skin’s pH, maintaining hydration and protecting against microorganisms.

For oily or combination skin, toners based on salicylic acid, vectorized with organic silicon, which has anti-acne and anti-seborrheic action, are recommended. For normal to dry skin, it is important to prioritize an alcohol-free toner with moisturizing active ingredients.

Micellar water

Micellar water is a rinse-free cleansing solution made up of micelles – molecules soluble in oil and water, with the ability to penetrate deep into the skin, removing impurities and eliminating residues less irritatingly, without damaging the skin.

During the day:

To refresh the face, cleanse the skin, and control oiliness
To remove makeup and cleanse the skin before going to bed
Before cleansing the skin
After the gym, to control oiliness and sweat after exercising
After the beach or pool, remove sunscreen from the skin and balance oiliness.

Makeup remover

Soap and water are excellent for skin hygiene, but they cannot remove makeup residue, especially water-resistant makeup. Makeup removers come into play for this specific cleaning, melting, and removing makeup without drying out the skin.

Makeup removers can be found in cream, gel, lotion, biphasic, and even foam forms. Skin types considered normal can use liquid, creamy, or biphasic products (with oil and water in the composition). Those with oily skin can invest in more aqueous or gel products. For those with drier or more mature skin, the use of creamy or mousse makeup removers can be very advantageous.

Cleaning gel

Cleansing gel is a very effective foaming treatment for properly cleaning the skin without damaging it. Indeed, cleaning with a texture that becomes a foam is less stripping than a cotton pad for example, and therefore more respectful of the epidermis.

Cleansing milk

Cleansing milk is a product with a light and creamy texture that gently cleanses the skin. A mixture of an oily substance and an aqueous substance, it removes all impurities while providing hydration to your face. Thus, it respects the finesse of your face and gives it a healthy glow.

Cleansing balm

The cleansing balm is very popular thanks to its multi-texture. It looks like a thick cream when you apply it to your skin and then changes appearance by becoming an oil when you massage the product. Finally, it becomes milk when it comes into contact with water when you rinse the balm.

Cleansing oil

Cleansing oil is also a good way to cleanse your face while providing it with a good dose of hydration and nutrition. Indeed, cleansing oil works on the principle that fat dissolves fat. Thus, its lipophilic phase removes excess sebum from your skin while leaving enough to keep your skin hydrated.

Water for facial cleansing

These are waters that, in addition to having minerals in their composition (like thermal waters), have multifunctional active ingredients with calming and healing properties in their composition. Highly recommended for post-dermatological treatment, but can also be used to soothe the skin after sun exposure, at the beach before reapplying sunscreen.

It helps skin recover, soothes minor irritations, and refreshes. It is best to use it before applying makeup or moisturizer, helping the product to be absorbed. It is not the most suitable product for completely cleaning the epidermis.

Facial Cleanser Based on skin type

Facial Cleansers for Oily Skin

Oily skin has a higher production of oil, leading to shiny skin and enlarged pores. Choosing the right cleanser is crucial to help regulate this oil production and minimize blemishes.

Opt for gel cleansers that effectively purify without drying them out. Ingredients like witch hazel or chamomile are to be sought for their soothing properties. Foam cleansers are also recommended for their ability to eliminate excess sebum without attacking the skin. Among the ingredients to look for in cleansers for oily skin, we will find:

Salicylic acid (BHA) -Glycolic acid

Niacinamide (vitamin B3)

Green tea extract

Zinc sulfate

Clay

Avoid products that are too aggressive, which can disrupt sebum production and cause the opposite effect is even more oily skin. Also, a non-comedogenic formula is suitable to avoid clogging pores. Finally, even if your skin is oily, don’t forget to moisturize it after cleansing to maintain its balance.

Facial cleansers for normal to combination skin

Normal to combination skin is characterized by oily skin on the forehead, nose, and chin area, and dry skin on the rest of the face. The ideal cleansers for combination skin are those that can balance these two areas.

Opt for a gentle, rebalancing formula, designed specifically for combination skin, and capable of deeply cleansing oily areas while protecting the hydration of dry areas of the face. The best solution is double cleansing, a two-step makeup removal technique with an oil phase (makeup remover oil) and a water phase (gentle cleanser without sulfate surfactants). Ingredients to look for in cleansers for combination skin:

Salicylic acid (BHA)

Witch hazel extract

Cucumber extract

Green tea extract

Chamomile

Facial cleansers for dry skin

For dry skin, choosing a facial cleanser requires special attention. Indeed, this type of skin tends to be more fragile and reacts more strongly to external aggressions. The idea is to choose a cleanser that gently cleanses without drying out the skin while nourishing and hydrating it.

Cream or balm cleansers are often recommended for their ability to hydrate while cleansing. They are generally enriched with emollient and hydrating ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides. Cleansing oils can also be a good option. They effectively remove impurities and makeup while leaving the skin soft and hydrated. Ingredients to look for in cleansers for dry skin:

Glycerin

Hyaluronic acid

Ceramides

Plant oils (such as sweet almond oil, coconut oil, olive oil)

Aloe extract

Chamomile extract

What types of Facial Cleansers should you avoid?

In your quest to choose the right cleanser for your skin, it’s equally important to know what types of cleansers to avoid. Some products can be harsh, dry, or irritating to the skin, which can lead to issues like irritation, redness, and increased dryness. Here are some types of cleansers to avoid:

Abrasive cleaners

Some cleansers contain coarse exfoliating particles or abrasive ingredients such as crushed fruit pits or sugar granules. While exfoliation is beneficial for removing dead skin cells, over-exfoliation or over-aggressive exfoliation can lead to irritation and increased sensitivity.

Scented cleansers

Scented cleansers may sound appealing, but they may contain synthetic ingredients that can be irritating to the skin. It’s best to opt for cleansers that are fragrance-free or have mild natural fragrances to minimize the risk of adverse reactions.

Stripping cleansers

Some cleansers are formulated to remove excess oil and mattify the skin. However, these products can be too harsh and cause excessive dryness, especially if you already have dry or sensitive skin. It’s best to look for gentle cleansers that remove impurities while preserving the skin’s natural moisture.

Cleansers containing sulfates

Sulfates, such as sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate, are common foaming agents used in many cleansers. However, they may be too unsuitable for some skin types, especially dry and sensitive skin, as they can strip the skin of its natural moisture.

Conclusion

Choosing the right facial cleanser is essential to maintaining healthy and balanced skin. By knowing your skin type and choosing the right cleansers, you can prevent skin problems and improve the quality of your skin. Don’t hesitate to ask a beauty professional for recommendations or do some in-depth research on products before making your choice.

Follow a regular cleansing routine and make this moment a real wellness ritual to take care of your skin in depth. Finally, opt for natural products as much as possible, this is probably the best way to protect your skin daily. Healthy skin for all.

How to choose the right Facial Cleanser for your skin

Introduction

What is skin?