How To Choose the Right Facial Cleanser for Your Skintype
The best facial cleanser is going to be one that is suitable for your skin type, won’t damage the skin barrier (the outer layer of skin which is the primary barrier between the body and its environment), and still gets your face clean, ready for the next step in your skincare routine.
With so many different facial cleansers out there, it is hard to figure out what is going to be the best facial cleanser for your skin. There is so much info on the internet about moisturisers for your face that trying to find comprehensive information about cleansers is like looking for a needle in a haystack.
So, in this blog I will lay out what to look for in a facial cleanser, what different options are out there and what skin type they suit best, and HOW we should be washing our faces and I can tell you after making the change I have seen serious improvement!
If you read our blog about SLS/SLES, you will know that these ingredients are to be avoided when looking for a cleanser. They may give you that squeaky clean feel, but they are way too drying as they ‘strip’ the skin, leaving it susceptible to irritation and the skin barrier becoming compromised. You also want to avoid anything that is not PH balanced meaning they are acidic like your skin and not alkaline like most soaps.
WIPES
Let’s face it, they are not good for the environment and their ability to properly cleanse your face is questionable, so leaving them to times when there is literally no other option (like festivals, camping and flights) is the way to go. Always dispose of thoughtfully (do not flush).
FOAM CLEANSERS
High foam cleansers often use the ‘stripping’ surfactants like SLS and SLES which effectively remove dirt and pollutants from the skin, can cause irritation and dry skin on your face. This process can result in the skin producing more oil to compensate for the loss.
Low foam cleansers can be a great alternative to those who “must have bubbles” when they wash to feel clean, however this would only be used if you have oily skin or acne prone skin. Always be sure to check the ingredient list for SLS/SLES before purchasing.
GEL CLEANSERS
Gel cleansers are a suitable alternative if you prefer a lightweight, hydrating cleanser. They remove dirt and debris effectively and (provided they don’t contain any drying/stripping ingredients) won’t negatively affect the skin barrier. They are a good alternative to foaming cleansers and are perfect if you have normal, combination, oily skin and acne prone skin.
OIL CLEANSERS
We have been hearing a lot about oil cleansers for removing heavy makeup and how a lot of people are using this as their first cleanse option when wiping off the day. If you suffer from oily skin this is probably the last option of cleanser you would be reaching for, however, the idea that oils dissolve oils, means that it may be a great way of cleansing for those with oily skin. The use of an oil cleanser in your skin care can also help balance your skins natural oil production and they are often packed with nourishing ingredients. This type of cleanser is perfect for those who like to cleanse twice. Once for heavy makeup or dirt and debris, then follow with a light foam cleanser, gel cleanser or cream cleanser. It is suitable for all skin types.
CREAM CLEANSER
The cream cleanser is the ultimate cleanser for dry skin, normal skin or sensitive skin. It is important to note that although the cream cleansers don’t use foam to clean, they are still very effective in removing makeup, dirt and debris from the skin, all while protecting the skin barrier. A cream cleanser will have a luxurious feel about it. Good formulas are ultra-soothing, hydrating and packed with nourishing ingredients. They don’t give you that squeaky clean, dry and tight skin feeling, and you may find you need to use a chemical exfoliant a couple of nights a week to assist with any build up of skin cells you may have. Not only are they the best facial cleanser for dry skin but as they are gentle and contain no SLS/SLES you will find many skin types are able to use these facial cleansers.
John Plunkett’s SuperLift Super Fresh Cleanser is a great cleanser for dry skin. It is also particularly great for sensitive skin as it contains no fragrance or colours and is PH balanced.
HOW SHOULD I BE WASHING MY FACE?
It may sound silly, but the heat of the water in the shower can be quite damaging/drying to our face and as such it isn’t recommended. You don’t necessarily need to add another step to your routine. Actively turning down the temperature in the shower and cupping the water in your hands to splash on your face is a good alternative if you don’t want to perform this task at the basin. If you would prefer to keep the shower hot and do this at the basin instead, you can use lukewarm water and your facial cleanser of choice, and even a muslin cleansing cloth or other gentle face cloth.
So, with all the information at hand, I hope we have been able to shed some light on the question of which cleanser is the best facial cleanser for you. We are open to questions so hit us up on our social channels or via our website.
