The first and most basic step in any skin routine is cleansing, and for good reason – it helps remove oil, dirt and makeup that accumulate through the day without stripping the skin off its natural moisture. It helps maintain a healthy and glowing complexion by keeping the pores clean and warding off potential breakouts in the form of acne, blackheads and whiteheads.
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Role of Cleansers Play in Skincare
Cleansers are the first step in a skincare routine, followed by a toner. They create a clean canvas, which aids in the absorption of active ingredients present in other skincare products such as serums and moisturizers.
While we may be overwhelmed with the number of choices available, navigating through the different types of cleansers to find the perfect fit for your skin type need not be daunting anymore. Here is a comprehensive guide to finding the right cleanser for your specific skin type.
The Different Types of Cleansers
Foam Cleansers
Foam cleansers are those that lathers up into a foamy consistency when combined with water. They are lightweight cleansers that effectively remove all traces of makeup and dirt, and get rid of any impurities to reveal softer, smoother skin. They provide the pores with a deep cleanse, making them an excellent choice for acne-prone skin.
Cream Cleansers
Cream cleansers have thicker, richer textures with deeply moisturizing properties. They are also known as “Milk Cleansers”. They cleanse the skin without stripping away natural oils, replenish lost moisture and provide intense nourishment and hydration. They are an excellent choice to remove makeup, which can often dry out the skin. However, they are more suitable for dry skin over oily skin, as their creamy texture can clog the pores.
Gel Cleansers
Gel cleansers have a clear, bouncy consistency similar to jelly. They offer deep cleansing and clear out the pores to remove excess sebum and bacteria that can lead to breakouts. They leave the skin feeling moist and fresh due to their intensely moisturising ingredients. They also provide hydration to the skin while healing it in the process.
Oil-Based Cleansers
Oil-based cleansers are great to thoroughly cleanse the skin, and are a great choice to remove heavy makeup, waterproof sunscreen or simply just double cleanse. The oils present in these products stick to the natural oils on the face and get dissolved, which allows the makeup to separate and makes it easier to rinse off.
Micellar Water
They are the lightest forms of cleansers with a texture that is similar to water. They have tiny molecules of oil called micelles, which help remove dirt, grime and makeup effectively from the skin’s surface. Unlike most cleansers, they do not need to be rinsed off. They can be applied using cotton pads with a gentle, sweeping motion across the face.
Makeup Pads/Wipes
They super-convenient, but they also are a great choice to remove dirt and makeup from the skin. They have a soft feel and do not feel sticky or greasy. While using these, always ensure that you are gently wiping your face and not pulling on your skin, as this can cause damage to the skin’s natural barrier. They are definitely a great choice for all the lazy girls out there, and super easy to use on to the go too!
