Cleansing is an important first step in any skin care regimen but how you are cleaning and what you are using could make a big difference. You have to think – is it the appropriate product for your skin type and condition? Unfortunately I find that many people are using cleansers that are too strong, not effective or wrong for their skin. Here are a few different types of cleansers and what each is good for.
Surfactant Cleansers
Surfactant cleansers are labeled as “foaming” cleansers or facial washes. They can be foaming creaming cleansers or cleansing gels/liquids. They are applied to wet skin and immediately start foaming due to their detergent content. Surfactants help remove excess sebum by reducing the surface tension of oils and debris on the skin, lifting it off the skin’s surface. For this reason, these types of cleansers are best for oily and combination skin however I used to find clients used these types of cleansers even if they were extremely dry which in my opinion isn’t the best.
Surfactant cleansers are very popular because they foam, are easily rinsed and can be used in the shower. People often love this type of cleanser because they are the easiest to use and make you feel very “clean.” However, surfactant cleansers do not remove makeup as well as emulsion cleansers and if they contain too high a concentration of surfactant for the individual skin type, they can actually remove too much sebum which can make the skin dehydrated, feel tight and dry.
Emulsion Cleansers
These are also known as cleansing milks and my personal favorite. Emulsion cleansers are non foaming products and do not foam because they usually don’t contain detergents. They are designed to remove makeup and are often a good choice for dry skin. I happen to be extremely dry and milk cleansers are what I use on a daily basis.
Facial Cleansing Oils
Facial cleansing oils are a current “trend.” Some are actual plant oils or mixes of botanical oils. These work very well for removing makeup and for cleansing dry skin. For oily and acne-prone skin however, they can leave a residue that often has pore-clogging potential or that simply do not remove enough excess sebum to help manage oily skin.
Another trend is the use of micellar water to cleanse. Micellar water contains tiny lipid particles that help remove makeup and cleanse. Micellar water is not rinseable and must be physically removed with a soft cloth or cotton pad.
Have you guys been using the right cleanser for your skin type? Let me know!
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