What Is A Facial Cleanser?
Cleansers are the foundation to any skincare routine and cannot be overlooked as using the right cleanser for your skin will maximize the efficacy of your skincare routine. But what exactly is a cleanser? We will break down what a cleanser is and tell you which cleanser you need for your skin. Understanding this key first step in your skincare routine will help you achieve great, healthy skin.
What Does A Facial Cleanser Do?
A facial cleanser is a cleansing product meant to be used on your face to remove dead skin cells, makeup, dirt, debris, or any other impurities on the skin. Most facial cleansers contain surfactants, which work to grab and hold those impurities to then be washed away. Unlike traditional soap, facial cleansing products are specially formulated to be used on the face, containing ingredients that are typically gentle and non-irritating.
For best results, you need to be sure that you are using your cleanser properly.
What Types Of Facial Cleansers Are There?
Facial cleansers are often separated into 3 different types: Gel Cleansers, Foam Cleansers, and Cream Cleansers.
Gel Cleansers: A gel cleanser is a water-based cleanser with a gel consistency that is often used for lighter cleansing. Offering a more mild form of cleansing, gel cleansers are recommended for people with sensitive skin, unless otherwise stated by the product's manufacturer.
Foam Cleansers: A foam cleanser is the more traditional cleanser which will lather up into a foam, giving them the classic suds we’re familiar with. Foam cleanser can leave skin feeling dry or irritated and should be avoided by those with sensitive skin.
Cream Cleansers: Cream cleansers are water based cleansers with a thicker texture that also use oils to help leave this skin hydrated. This is best suited for a dry skin type as they also do not strip the skin of its natural oils.
Benefits Of A Facial Cleanser
Using a facial cleanser as the first step of any skincare routine will provide multiple benefits prolonging the appearance of healthy skin, including:
- Remove impurities from your skin, like dirt, debris, makeup, dead skin cells
- Helps fight the signs of aging by keeping your skin healthy and soft
- By removing impurities, cleansers will help the products in the rest of your routine penetrate your skin for maximum results
- Having clean skin is essential to having healthy skin
- Encourages better hydration and improves skin barrier function
Drawbacks Of A Facial Cleanser
Cleansing the skin is essential to its overall health and when used properly there are typically no drawbacks with adding one to your routine. However with improper use, you may see:
- Dry or irritated skin if you use the wrong type of cleanser for your skin
- If you leave the cleanser on your skin and do not rinse it off properly, your skin may be irritated.
- If the cleanser has exfoliating properties and your skin is not prepared, you may see further irritation and discomfort.
Do I Really Need To Use A Facial Cleanser?
Yes, not using a cleanser is similar to showering without soap. Using a cleanser removes surface debris and is a very essential step in treating any skin condition.
Can A Facial Cleanser Also Moisturize?
The short answer is no. A facial cleanser can have moisturizing properties but will never be as moisturizing to the skin as an actual moisturizer. It’s important to finish your skincare routine with the ideal moisturizer for your skin type. Without a moisturizer, the skin can become too dry, tight, and uncomfortable.
What Is Double-Cleansing?
This technique is recommended for everyone but those who wear makeup, sunscreen will benefit the most from a double cleanse. If you’re cleaning your floor at home, wouldn’t it make sense to sweep before you mop? The first cleanse works to loosen up debris, makeup, and/or sunscreen on the skin. While the second cleanse works to purify, giving the skin a deep cleanse.
Now that you have a better understanding of what a facial cleanser is and how a facial cleanser works, you can begin (or update) your skincare regimen that will lead to great, healthy skin.
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