Cleansing is an essential part of any skincare routine, first and foremost because it allows us to remove oil, dirt, pollutants and more from the surface of the skin.
This creates a blank canvas for your other skincare products, allowing them to be absorbed more deeply by your skin. Cleansing also helps manage pH levels, which is also important for the skin’s retention of the products.
You want to make sure you are choosing the right cleanser for such an important task!
With that said, let’s explore some of the most common questions that come up when looking for the perfect cleanser for you.
First, let’s clear it up: cleanser or face wash?
Want to know the difference between the two?
Cleanser is a gentler alternative to face wash, allowing it to be used daily even on sensitive skin. Face wash, on the other hand, can be used to remove oil and other impurities from your skin, but may be too harsh for daily use on dry skin.
Cleanser can be used to remove makeup – with face wash, you’ll have to check if it is made to remove makeup, otherwise you may want to pair it up with a cleansing balm or oil.
Among our favourites, the Klairs Gentle Black Fresh Cleansing Oil will effectively remove makeup, oil, dirt, sunscreen, and dead skin cells without leaving skin oily.
Second, do I use cleanser or toner first?
During cleansing, natural oils are removed from the skin, so you’ll want to follow this step with a hydrating toner to replenish moisture and further prep the skin for your serum and moisturizer.
With deeply hydrating ingredients like Aloe, Butylene Glycol, and Sodium Hyaluronate, a soothing toner like the Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner is a great follow-up to your cleanser.
Third, what’s double cleansing, and should I be doing it?
Double cleansing means, well, cleansing your face twice.
If you are asking yourself why add yet another step to your routine, you may want to know that double cleansing can not only be used to remove impurities from the skin more thoroughly, but also to prevent skin from being overly stripped of its natural moisture.
Wondering how to add double cleansing to your skincare routine?
The first step in double cleansing consists of using a cleansing balm or oil to gently massage the skin and gradually melt away makeup and oil-based buildup. After rinsing with lukewarm water or gently wiping off the first cleanser with a washcloth, the second cleanser can be applied to the damp skin.
When it comes to the second cleanser, you’ll want a product that will clear all remaining residue while being kind to your skin. The Nacific Fresh Herb Origin Cleansing Foam deeply cleanses skin while helping calm and soothe irritation.
1: what cleanser is good for acne?
There are different ingredients to look for in a cleanser that may potentially benefit acne-prone skin. A salicylic acid cleanser, like the Abib Acne Foam Cleanser Heartleaf Foam, helps exfoliate and unclog pores.
2: which cleanser is best for me?
The best cleanser for you will, of course, depend on your skin type. As a general rule, all skin types do well with a cleanser that is not overly aggressive, removing excess oil without drying out the skin or causing tightness and irritation. Ingredients like sulfates, for example, should be avoided, as they can strip your skin of its natural moisture barrier.
Picking a cleanser for oily skin
Foams are your BFFs if you struggle with excess oil!
Foam cleansers are very effective at removing impurities, so choosing a gentle formula is your best bet to avoid overly drying skin. You can also opt for a cleansing oil designed for oily skin, like the Nacific Fresh Herb Origin Cleansing Oil, which delivers gentle yet powerful cleansing effects to help address clogged pores, blackheads, and acne, while also offering light hydration.
Choosing the best cleanser for dry skin
Gentle and moisturizing is what you’re looking for in a cleanser for dry skin. A lightweight oil balm cleanser provides the right balance – look no further than the I'M FROM Fig Cleansing Balm, which lifts impurities from deep within pores while keeping skin with its rich vitamin and polyphenol content.
