I know that it seems like any ol’ cleanser will do the trick when it comes to washing your face but that is simply not the case. Many people use the wrong type of cleanser that is too harsh for their skin type. A lot of times, changing this one simple thing will change your skin for the better.
Generally speaking, cleansers come in a gel, foam, cream or oil/balm consistency and we often pick one based upon the sensory experience. Some people just like the way a gel (foam, cream or oil) cleanser feels on the face. The problem is that using the wrong cleanser can cause a lot of other problems with your skin. Your skin should never feel super dry and tight after washing. If so, it’s stripping your skin and you need a more gentle cleanser. Likewise, if you have oily skin, you shouldn’t be using an oil based cleanser to wash your face as this may congest your pores.
A good rule of thumb is if you have dry or mature skin, a creamy based cleanser is best for you. If you have oily, acne-prone or normal skin, a gel cleanser will do the trick. Foaming cleansers will also work for those with oily or combo skin. I know the big trend right now is cleansing oils or balms because they feel so good on the skin when washing. I’m not a huge fan of these types of cleansers. The problem is that oils leave behind a residue (whether you feel/see it or not) which means your serums cannot penetrate the left behind residue. If you absolutely love your oil cleanser, please do a double cleanse with a gentle cleanser afterwards to remove the residue. Then follow-up with a toner to bring the pH of you skin back to normal. If you already have super-dry skin, I wouldn’t advise using an oil cleanser and/or performing the double cleanse as it’s just too harsh for your skin. Stick with the creamy cleanser. And please, whatever you do, do not use bar soap on your facial skin!
Another question I get asked is if professional cleansers are superior to over-the-counter cleansers. Not necessarily. I personally use an OTC cleanser but sometimes when a lot of damage has been done to the skin, a professional cleanser (recommended by a skincare professional) is necessary to restore the skin. One advantage to professional cleansers is that they are more concentrated, meaning a little bit will go a looooong way. Typically, you will have to use a lot more product when using an OTC cleanser to get the face clean. Overall, it’s probably pretty equal in a cost comparison. As always, it’s best to consult with your skincare professional. He/She will be able to guide you in the right direction.
“You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress simultaneously”
-Sophia Bush
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