Face Cleanser: The First Step in the Routine for Healthy & Glowing Skin

Ask any dermatologist the secret to healthy and glowing skin and they will tell you a good cleansing routine. In your daily life, you encounter different factors, like makeup and pollution, that can take a toll on your skin. By the end of the day, a lot of impurities have built up on your skin, making it prone to breakouts.

Regular cleansing helps maintain proper hydration levels and removes any pore blockage. Cleansing also helps maintain a healthy pH level of the skin, which in turn, enables better moisture and skincare product retention. And because using an effective face cleanser removes excess dirty build-up, oil and other unwanted debris, this step prepares the face for specific skincare products applied afterwards. So, don’t skip a good facial cleanser!

Why Is It Important to Use a Cleanser?

But what’s all the fuss with cleansers? Can’t a regular soap do the same job? Dermatologists don’t recommend using soap on your face. They explain that the perfume and the detergent properties of soap are just too harsh on your face. A facial cleanser has a low pH, which is less likely to irritate your skin. Soaps, on the other hand, are high pH products and can irritate and dry out your skin.

How to Choose the Right Cleanser?

On the market, you can find a face cleanser for every skin type. This means it’s essential that you pick one that will suit your face. Finding the right cleanser starts with knowing the differences between them.

• Gel Cleansers – a clear cleanser with a gel-like consistency. Gel cleansers generally have deep-cleaning and exfoliating properties, making them ideal for oily, acne-prone skin.
• Cream Cleansers – usually ticker than gel cleansers, cream cleansers can also be moisturising. They cleanse the skin without stripping it off its natural protective oils, which is ideal for dry or sensitive skin.
• Foam Cleansers – a lightweight solution that creates a foamy lather when dispensed from a pump package. In addition to removing excess oil as effectively as gel cleansers, foam cleansers are hydrating. As such, they are ideal for combination skin.

If you have sensitive skin and are prone to allergies and skin rashes, consider getting a cleanser with natural ingredients. Pure and natural cleansers don’t contain synthetic ingredients and irritating additives and are fragrance, paraben and alcohol-free. These cleansers usually work best with sensitive skin but are a safe option for all skin types.

If your skin is dry and irritated, then it is essential that you choose a hydrating cleanser that will moisturise and soften your skin all while cleansing it. Cleansers formulated to hydrate help improve the moisture retention of your skin. The less water your skin can hold, the more apparent the signs of aging such as deep wrinkles, fine lines and cracked skin. A hydrating cleanser will help replenish and lock the moisture in the skin’s deep layers. Look for one with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, Aloe Vera or calendula oil.

What Is the Right Way to Use a Face Cleanser?

Many think that face cleansing is a simple skincare step, but there is a specific technique involved. Here are the dos and don’ts of face cleansing.

DON’T: Cleanse With Dirth Hands
No dirty hands when touching your face! Washing your hands before cleansing your skin helps avoid transferring bacteria from your fingers to your face.

DO: Wet Your Face First
After you’ve washed your hands, splash your face with water before applying the cleanser to your skin.

DON’T: Be Rough With Your Face
Proper skincare is all about being gentle to your skin. So, when you’re cleansing your skin, don’t scrub harshly. Remember, the skin around your eyes is especially delicate, and rubbing it harsh will result in premature wrinkles.

DO: Treat Cleasing as a Massage
A massage is welcome in any circumstance. So, why not use your cleansing routine as an opportunity to squeeze in a bit of pampering and give yourself a facial massage? Gently massage your face wash onto your skin with the tip of your fingers. Use circular motions to apply the cleanser and use light pressure before rinsing off with water.

DON’T: Over-Cleanse Your Skin
Dermatologists suggest using a facial cleanser twice a day – once in the morning and once at night.

DON’T: Use Steamy Hot Water
While using super hot water to cleanse your skin might feel relaxing, it is not a smart thing to do. That is because hot water can strip your skin of essential oils, leaving it feeling dry.

DO: Rinse With Lukewarm Water
Now that you know that hot water isn’t good for your skin, go ahead and turn down the dial the next time you wash your face. Use lukewarm water to cleanse your face instead.

DON’T: Rub While Drying
Take it easy with that towel! Remember – It’s all about being gentle with your skin. Getting too aggressive when drying can be irritating, so just gently blot your face dry with a towel.

DO: Apply a Moisturiser Before Your Skin Dries Off
According to dermatologists, the best time to apply a moisturiser is when your skin is still damp after cleansing. So, before you even grab your towel, apply your moisturiser. As for what to use, choose a product that matches your skin type.