After a long day, there is nothing more satisfying than washing your face. Cleansing your skin of all dirt, makeup, and sweat allows it to breathe, heal, and renew itself. A spotless skin surface allows your skincare products to penetrate deeper and work more efficiently. This step is the most important in your skincare routine. It is essential to get this right before you even think about serums or anti-ageing creams.
How to Choose the Best Type of Facial Cleanser?
There are so many options for cleansing that it can be overwhelming. It’s easy to get lost in the sea of cleansing options. Knowing the differences between them will help you narrow down your choices and make it easier to find the right cleanser. We spoke to Dr. Howard Sobel M.D., the founder of Sobel Skin+ Sobel Skin RX and Clinical Attending Dermatologic Specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, to help us understand the differences between facial cleansers.
Gel Cleansers
Clear gel cleansers have a gel-like consistency and are transparent. They are generally designed to cleanse deep and remove oily skin. Dr Sobel recommends using gel cleansers for oily or acne-prone skin.
Cream Cleansers
Cream cleansers work just like gel cleansers. They are creamy and rich in texture, much like cream cleansers. Dr Sobel says that cream cleansers are gentler and more hydrating, making them suitable for sensitive or dry skin types. They gently clean your skin without stripping its natural oils. If you are interested in double cleansing, they can also be used as a second cleanser.
Foam Cleansers
Foam cleansers fall somewhere in the middle of cream and gel cleansers. This makes them perfect for people with combination skin types. Foam cleansers start as cream or gel, and then they become a rich, foamy lather. This cleanser is as effective at removing excess oil as gel cleansers. Dr Sobel says that foam cleansers are great for removing layers of makeup or sunscreen from a long day.
Oil Cleansers
Dr Sobel explains that while it may seem odd to put more oil on oily skin, these cleansers often contain an oil base to remove dirt from the skin and not interfere with its barrier. The oil you produce from your skin is combined with the cleanser to balance your skin. Oil cleansing is a gentle and effective way to remove pore-clogging makeup, including waterproof mascara, without drying the skin.
Clay Cleansers
Clay cleanser is a great choice if you like clay masks. Clay cleansers are known for absorbing oil and other toxins, which help purify the skin. Clay cleansers work well for both oily and combination skin types. They don’t contain any harsh acids or scrubs, so they are suitable for sensitive skin.
Micellar Cleansers
Micellar waters are French and feature micelles and tiny oil molecules suspended within soft water. They attract dirt, oil and makeup. Micellar cleansers don’t contain alcohol and are gentle enough to be safe for sensitive skin. Dr Sobel says that while micellar cleanser’s gentle formula may be a turnoff for many people, they are extremely effective in tightening pores.
Cleansing Balms
Cleansing balms can be a great choice for those who want to simplify their skincare routine. These formulas don’t require water to remove oil, dirt, or makeup. Dr Sobel says that cleansing balms can be extremely moisturizing and even have hydrating properties due to coconut oil. They don’t contain any harsh or stripping ingredients, making them an excellent choice for people with sensitive or dry skin.
Cleansing bars
These cleansing bars can be used as a great alternative to traditional cleansers. They are also ideal for those who want to travel light or conserve the environment. These bars are not the same as regular body soap, which can strip natural oils from the skin if used on the face. Dr Sobel says that bar cleansers are sustainable and won’t dry your skin.
