Facial Cleansers 101: Best Face Washes for Every Skin Type

Facial cleaners are A compulsory part of a great skin care routine, but as often as they seem the skin will feel tight and uncomfortable. There are also so many options, so how do you choose the best facial cleanser that is perfect for you? Well, do not fret! In this post I have compiled all the mandatory information about facial washes so you know exactly what to look for in a good facial cleanser and avoid the duds.

In this Article I explain what is washing face, and about all types of facial cleansers. I will show exactly how facial cleansers are to be used and when, and I will address a few other frequently asked questions on the subject. I also explain how to choose a face wash based on your skin type, and even list the best facial cleansers you can try! Read on to find out how to make your facial cleansing a breeze.

Facial Cleaner 101: Contents

• What are facial cleansers?
• What are the different types of facial cleansers?
• What should you look for in the best facial cleanser?
• When should lotion be used?
• How do I use toner?
• Should I use a facial brush?
• How to choose the perfect face wash for every skin type?
• Best facial cleansers for normal and combination skin
• Best facial cleanser for dry skin
• Best Facial Cleanser for Oily and Acne Skin

What are Facial Cleansers?

Facial cleansers are skin care products whose main purpose is to cleanse the face of things like facial sebum, which produces our skin in a natural way), dirt and pollution throughout the day and, of course, make-up. Usually they do with the help of surfactants - chemicals that have the unique ability to bind oil-based things to water-based things.

What are the different types of facial cleansers?

Facial cleansers come in all sorts of forms, including gels, creams and oils, to meet the unique needs of every skin type.

Gel Facial Cleanser

These are the facial cleansers that you will use most often. They come in a tube or pump and have a gel structure. Once you mix them with water, they will be frothy.

Gel face washing is usually primarily made of surfactants (an ingredient that in facial cleansers, breaks down oils, binds to them and allows it to be rinsed off with plenty of water), and it's better for those with oily skin. However, many gel face washes are made with sodium lauryl sulfate (also known as SLS) - this is a powerful surfactant that can over-strip the skin of oil and dehydrate it. If it remains on the skin, it can be very irritating.

Be very careful when choosing a gel-based cleanser that does not contain SLS (at least not in the first ingredients) or just a little marginally less aggressive sodium laureth sulfate.

Soap Cleaner

Whether black Africa soap, Dr. med. Bronner's or some other soap based facial cleanser, I have to say no. Just stay away. Any soap-based product, whether in bar or liquid form, has an alkaline pH (usually between 9 and 11, which is absurdly high).

Washing the skin with an alkaline cleanser (which is soap) will regularly shed off the pH of the skin and make the skin more susceptible to all sorts of problems, from dehydration to acne to irritation. Using a pH-adjusting toner (not all toners are pH settings!) Can reduce the damage of a soap-based cleanser, but I think it's much better to stick to the proper face wash instead.

Mousse Facial Cleanser

Mousse cleansers are facial cleansers with a very creamy lather. They can either come directly from the pump in foam form, or they can start as a gel or cream and then be converted into a mousse as soon as they are mixed with water. In the case of the latter, this is actually how most gel cleansers work, so calling them "mousse cleansers" is really just a marketing choice. The true mousse foam cleaners and gel are best for those with normal, combined and oily skin, while the creamier ones work well for those with a skin that tends to dry.

Face Creams for Cold, Creamy and Balsamic Skin

Personally, this is one of my favorite cleansing options for all skin types, though they are usually best recommended for those with dry, dehydrated or sensitive skin. Cold creams have the structure of a moisturizer or face cream, but they remove makeup, dirt, oil and sweat like a dream.

You've seen a resurgence of popularity lately, especially from Korean and Japanese brands, although they used to be the right thing to do, they washed back in the early 20th century when there were no surfactant-based detergents - only hard soaps.

Formerly the cold creams were very alkaline because of ingredients like triethanolamine, nowadays most of the cream and balm facial cleanser you will find with emulsifying with gentler surfactants, and they are super safe and gentle on the skin.

DIY Oil Cleaner

These are not technically cleaning agents because they can not really be rinsed with water. The oil cleaning method that you can read about in my article on skincare oils is actually much more similar to using a makeup remover.

You choose an oil or blend of oils based on your skin type (Protip: Mineral Oil works for everyone!), Use it to melt make-up and other contaminants, and then use a washcloth or muslin to wipe it off. This method can work for almost anyone, provided that they choose the right oil, but if you do not feel that oil remains on your skin, you can follow it up with a special facial cleanser.

Commercial Oil Cleaners

Purchased facial cleansers are extremely simple, but also very good for the skin. They are made with the same types of oils that you could use for oil purification, but a few surfactants are added to the formula. These surfactants are not responsible for breaking down oil or make-up - this is the main task of the oil. Instead, their job is to emulsify the oils in the formula with water and rinse them clean. This makes an ultra-gentle formula that cleanses the skin without dehydrating or compromising.

These store-bought oil cleaners are ideal for dry, sensitive or dehydrated skin, but I would not hesitate to recommend you are for people with greasy, combined or acne-prone skin.

Dry Facial Cleanser

This new innovation is particularly popular in the natural cosmetics industry. Dry cleaners consist of a powder that often consists of a mixture of clays, various powders and some oil and essential oils. In other cases they are simply soap in a powdered form, in which case their pH is too high and they should be avoided.

You're a fun innovation that's definitely worth a try, and it works for every skin type. Remember that they could be an abrasion and exfoliation more than traditional facial washes.

Micellar Water

You may have heard of micellar water before - micellar water are both make-up remover and cleanser. They come in liquid form, so all you have to do is saturate a cotton pad with them and wipe your face to remove the build-up of the day.

They are ultra gentle, allowing them to work for all skin types, although those with sensitive skin prefer to flush their face with water after they've used them (for anyone else, it's not mandatory).

Micellar water is made with the same kind of surfactants that you might see in a gel cleaner, though since Micellar water stays on the skin, only the gentlest surfactants used to make it - you SLS will never see in a micellar water formula.

What To Look For In The Best Facial Cleanser?

• Skin sensation

Many of us (especially those of us who have oily skin or acne) expect our skin to feel tight and "sparkling clean" after cleansing the face. In fact, this feeling is actually a sign that our cleaner is not a bueno.

When the skin feels tight, it means it has been freed from all the things it needs to be healthy, strong and healthy, protected like natural skin oils, and that our moisture barrier has been compromised ,

This unpleasant sensation means that our skin has quickly become dehydrated without its natural protection, making it more susceptible to bacterial infections (that's right, it's now more susceptible to acne!), along with sensitivity, irritation, and premature aging. Instead, after you cleanse your skin should feel well, refreshed and even a little hydrated. You can be sure that your skin is still completely clean, especially if you have used one of the best facial cleanser on my list, but it will also be healthy and strong.

• Low pH

The ideal pH of the skin is between 4.5 and 5.5. At this pH, it's easier for our skin to function well because it becomes an inhospitable environment for bacteria to survive. Any higher, and our skin may be out of balance - all types of infections, including acne, are more likely to occur along with irritation, dehydration and sensitivity.

Detergents with a pH that is too high (just over 5.6) are great culprits when they shed our skin and behave badly. When choosing a facial cleanser, always choose one that has a low pH. Companies do not tend to advertise the pH of their detergents, but you can always email them to find out.

When to use Face Wash?

The most important time to wash your face before going to bed (in the evening for most of us). At night, our whole body is able to rest and rejuvenate, and this includes our skin. To help it, we want to make sure it is clean (as well as moisturized). In addition, our faces can get pretty dirty during the day. Invisible impurities from the air (especially in polluted cities) land on our faces where they cause both free radical damage (the damage that causes premature aging) and clogging the pores. Many of us also wear make-up, which should be removed before going to bed.

However, when we wake up, full cleaning is not mandatory. If you feel that your skin is producing a lot of oil, you can opt for a second morning cleansing, perhaps with a lighter cleanser than the one you use in the evening, but if not, rinse with water or wipe it with water a gentle toner will certainly suffice.

You can also choose to cleanse your skin in the middle of the day, after strenuous physical activities or when you happen to be having an activity that has made you very dirty, like repairing a car in one work greasy kitchen or go on a muddy hike.

How To Use Facial Cleansing

Different facial cleansers have slightly different directions for use, but in most cases the basic principles are the same.

1. Put a quarter size of cleaner in your hand. If you use a gel or mousse cleaner, you can add a little water and lather it up or spray your face with water beforehand. For facial cleansers with cream and oil, keep hands and skin dry.

2. Starting below the chin line, start massaging the cleanser into your skin in circular movements that move up and out. Use the upper part of your palm and the length of your fingers to quickly cover much skin and give a massage that stimulates the skin and underlying muscles.

3. If you wash your face to remove make-up, make sure you can break through the facial cleanser and remove it completely.

4. Read the instructions on your detergent to see if it is appropriate to use the eyes. If you follow the oil cleaning method, you can use your oil around the eyes. If your cleanser is not suitable for the eye area, use an eye make-up remover instead.

5. Once you have massaged your whole face with the cleanser, you can begin to remove it, along with the sweat, oil, dirt, and makeup that it has displaced.

6. For most facial cleansers purchased, rinse your skin with water until all cleansers and contaminants have disappeared. You can also wipe your face with a damp washcloth or cotton pad. For cold creams and oil cleans, a dry cloth or cotton pad will probably work better.

7. If not all make-up has been removed, you can do a second clean with either the same cleanser or another product.

8. Once your skin is completely clean, it is very important to feed it. It is up to you whether you want to apply toners, serums, spot treatments, active ingredients or chemical peels to your skin, but it is very important that you moisten with a cream or lotion that is suitable for your skin type and needs

Target I use a facial brush?

If you've heard of the Clarisonic or different types of facial brushes You may have wondered if you really need one. Some people make facial brushes sound like a compulsory tool that needs to be used, although most people do not use them. Read on, and I'll tell you exactly what you need to know about them.

Whether you opt for an electric face brush or a manual, the principle is the same. The light bristles massage your skin with the cleanser so that they can give a thorough cleansing as well as a gentle exfoliation.

Some facial brushes are more aggressive and should be considered level like any other body scrub, while others are feather-light, and can be used twice a day. So they are as obligatory as some people make them sound, you might be surprised. The answer is no. If a normal cleaning routine works for you, and you already have an excellent scrub, you really do not need a facial brush. However, if you find that your make-up is difficult to remove, or you simply use the idea of ​​using a brush to exfoliate, use it!

Some people try facial brushing and discover that they offer the perfect cleansing and exfoliating for their specific skin, while for others they simply make no difference. Whatever, they will probably not hurt anywhere except in the bag as they can be quite expensive.

How to choose the perfect face wash for every skin type?

When it comes to choosing any skin care product, be it a moisturizer or a facial cleanser, you should always consider your skin type. Below you will find all the details for choosing the best facial wash for every skin type and need!

Best Face Washes for Normal & amp; Combination Skin

When your skin is somewhere in the middle - not too dry or too greasy - you just want to stay balanced, cleansed and healthy. Any kind of facial cleanser can work for your skin, except soap-based cleaners with a high pH and gel cleaners with hard surfactants - these can spread your skin and make it dehydrated. Gentle gel cleansers, cold creams, oil cleaners, and all other types of cleansers will probably do a great job, and you should just choose what you like to use.

Best Facial Cleanser for Dry & amp; Dehydrated Skin

The best facial cleanser for dry and dehydrated skin not only cleanses the skin, it also hydrates it. If your skin is chronically dry, dense, dehydrated, or flaky, then you should choose a cleanser that is rich in emollients and moisturizers - ingredients that moisturize and give the skin a smooth sensation. These ingredients include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, botanical oils and fatty acids. These ingredients are especially in cream cleaners, but oil cleaners and DIY oil cleaners will work for you too.

You definitely want to avoid spicy surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate, as well as soap based cleaners.

Best facial cleanser for oily & amp; Acne-Prone Skin

Those with greasy and acne-prone skin often end up cleaning their skin with very hard products. They eventually dehydrate their skin, which makes it much more prone to acne. Instead, it is best to use gentle facial cleansers that will not irritate the skin but still do a good job of breaking down and removing excess oil. In addition, for acne prone skin, a cleaner with a lower pH is very important to prevent breakouts and to keep the skin healthy. If you have used harsh cleansers in the past, you might find a switch to a gentler gel or mousse cleanser that has less shock, though even cold cream and commercial oil cleansers are good at breaking down oil.

Since facial cleansing does not (or at least not) last a long time on the skin, all anti-acne ingredients have no major impact on the skin. Acne-fighting Ingredients like salicylic acid, tea tree oil or benzoyl peroxide are more useful in products that stay on the skin, such as spot treatments, serums and lotions.

The Best Facial Cleanser for All Skin Types

Now is the time for you to buy the best facial cleanser for every skin type you can find below!

Best Facial Cleansers for Normal and Combination Skin

1. CosRX Low pH Good morning Cleaner

This simple cleanser has a fan base among lovers of Korean skin care. This cleaner, as the name implies, has a low pH of about 5.5, which is perfect for all skin types. It has a blend of skin-soothing and acne-fighting plants and is free of SLS and SLES. Unlike other sulfate-free cleaners, it lathers up a bit when mixed with water, which cleans everything up. You can try it for yourself as it is for sale at Ulta .

2nd May Lindstrom Skin The Honey Mud

This powder is a 2-in-1 cleaner and mask made from a blend of ingredients suitable for most skin types are. Botanical oils cleanse the skin while Halloysite Clay cleanses and absorbs oils.

Unlike many other facial cleansers, this face toner is surfactant-free and completely natural, leaving a little oil behind to moisturize the skin, though the clay ensures that it's not too much. You can try this innovative cleaner by buying it from Net-a-Porter .

3. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water

This gentle micellar water is very popular with all skin types as it is very effective in removing make-up and so on And other nasties, but also very gentle and moisturizing. It requires more waste than other cleaning products, as you will need to use a cotton pad, but it can be a great treat for those who need easy cleaning on the go, such as at the gym or traveling. It is available for purchase through Revolve .

4. First Aid Beauty Facial Cleanser

This facial cleanser is the perfectly balanced option, with just enough foam and foam to keep your skin dry. It is one of the best facial cleanser for people with normal and combination skin, thanks to mild surfactants along with many nourishing fatty acids and balancing extracts. You can buy it from Sephora .

Best G Facial Cleanser for Dry Skin

1. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

This is another cleanser with a cult on the Internet. It hits all the important points: it's the right pH, the right price, the right ingredients and it just works very well. It is gentle and moisturizing without being too creamy or greasy. It's pretty easy, so you should start with oil cleaning for heavy make-up. You can pick it up yourself at Ulta .

2. DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

The Japanese pioneer cleansing oil is still one of the best facial cleansers on the market today. This oil cleaner combines nourishing olive oil with some emulsifiers to ensure that it completely breaks down even very heavy make-up, but that it completely rinses off the skin. It is light and moisturizing and perfect for treating dryness and dehydration. You can pick it up via Dermstore .

3. Banila Co. Clean It Zero

This cleansing balm is a K-Beauty innovation that is creamy and luxurious. Think of it as somewhere between a cold cream and an oil cleaner. When applied to the skin, the balm melts into an oil and completely breaks up impurities of all kinds. It contains many nourishing and anti-aging plants. It is for sale by YesStyle .

4. Clinique Take the Day Cleansing Balm

The punny name of this exceptional cleanser makes it even more s chätzen. It's gentle and not greasy, and it easily flushes away with a multitude of sins. It is fragrance free and super gentle, so it is ideal for people with sensitive and dry skin. It can be Nordstrom .

Best facial cleanser for f Acute and Acne Skin

1. Boscia Clear Teint Cleanser

Almost anyone who tries this Boscia gel cleanser can not help but love it. It's made for oily skin but it treats it with gentle ingredients like willow bark extract so it can work for anyone. It is a perfect job to gently remove make-up and other impurities, but it leaves the skin clean and refreshed. It is available for sale Sephora .

2. La Roche Posay Effaclar Deep Cleansing Foam cream

This creamy but foaming facial cleanser is perfect for those who are seriously on the oily side. The formula is perfectly balanced, but it eliminates more oil than some of the ultra-gentle facial cleansers on this list. Who uses it, often raves about its astringent properties that tighten the pores quickly and efficiently! Just make sure to moisten after using this detergent. You can pick it up from Walgreens .

3. Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Oil Reducing Cleaner

You can always trust it That Paula's Choice delivers smooth, simple products that are perfectly formulated, and the job is done. This is the perfect facial cleanser for the oil skin, made from ultra-gentle surfactants to foam easily, without ridding the skin of essential nutrients.

It's the perfect cleaner for someone with sensitive oily skin or for anyone who finds it difficult to break up with sulfate-based cleaners. You can pick it up from Nordstrom .

4. Drunk Elephant Juju Bar

Are you surprised that I have one Bar Cleaner added to my list of the best facial cleanser? Do not be! This unique bar by Drunk Elephant is not a soap, but a gentle surfactant-based cleanser that cleanses the skin without drying it out.

It has very gentle exfoliating properties and helps to clean most of the make-up (although waterproof makeup may need extra help from an oil). It is for sale through Sephora .

Photos on @songofstyle, @tsangtastic