Bye Bye Grimy Face: 7 Types of Cleansers And Which Is The Right One For You

Bye Bye Grimy Face: 7 Types of Cleansers And Which Is The Right One For You

 The most basic, but also the most important requisite to healthy skin is keeping it clean. And for this very reason, a good cleanser is necessary. But as is the bane of skincare, the ultimate question always hangs overhead – which is the right one for you? An important question, since clean skin is the dream skin. Well, let’s find out.

 

Cream Cleanser A cream cleanser is thicker in texture and is known for its hydrating and deep cleansing abilities. They offer a thorough cleanse without drying up the skin as most cleansers are wont to do. However, if your skin is acne-prone, be very careful with a cream cleanser, as most of these are comedogenic.

Ideal for: Dry and mature skin
Vaunt picks: The Body Shop Vitamin E Gentle Face Wash

 Cleansing Gel Gel-based cleansers are gummy in texture but extremely gentle on the skin. These cleansers are known to hydrate and soothe the skin without taking away the excess oils. However, due to their mild composition, they might do a thorough job of cleaning up the skin. A simple solution to this is to just leave the cleanser on for a longer duration (at least five minutes).

Ideal for: Combination skin
Vaunt picks: Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser

Foam Cleanser Foam cleansers are some of the strongest cleansers out there, as they're designed to clean up the stubborn grime. They're also an economical choice since you just need a small amount for a thorough rinse, making them last longer. However, dry and sensitive skin types ought to stay miles away from these powerhouse performers, since they can dry up your skin further, causing irritation and aggravating sensitivity.

Ideal for: very oily, acne-prone skin (particularly among teens)
Vaunt picks: Sebamed Clear Face Cleansing Foam

Cleansing balm Cleansing balms look a lot like thick cold creams or petroleum jelly. They're solid at room temperature, but liquefy when applied on the body. They’re usually made of plant-based oils or butters that mixed with oil to get that added thickness. These cleansers are extremely rich in texture, and are extremely easy to use. You apply it on your face, massage gently and then wipe it off with a muslin cloth. This also helps exfoliate and tone the skin.

Ideal for: Very dry skin

Vaunt picks: Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm

Cleansing Oil The very mention of these cleansers makes eyebrows shoot up, especially among those with oily skin. We get what you're saying though, how can oil be good for oily skin? Well, oil cleansers work on a simple principle of “like attracts like”. When a cleansing oil is massaged onto the skin, the oil molecules bind to the impurities and pull them out, giving you a clean, soft and hydrated skin!

Ideal for: Oily, acne-prone skin
Vaunt picks: Dermalogica Precleanse

Cleansing Milk Cleansing milk doesn’t actually contain milk. It’s a light and gentle, natural emulsion of fats and water. What makes cleansing milk so great is that they clean out your face without stripping off the natural oils and throwing the skin’s Ph balance off kilter. It keeps your skin clean, hydrated and well-balanced.

Ideal for: Normal to combination skin
Vaunt picks: The Body Shop Cucumber Cleansing Milk

Micellar Water Micellar water is made up of something called as surfactants. Surfactants, in turn, are made up of a lipophilic (oil-loving) tail and hydrophilic (water-loving) head. Now, when you dab some cotton in Micellar water, the Micelle molecule arrange themselves such that the oil-loving tail sticks outwards (towards your skin). As a result, when you swipe the cotton ball across your dirty, greasy or makeup laden face, it attracts all that is oily on your face, leaving behind nothing but clean and moisturised skin!

Ideal for: Sensitive and acne-prone skin

Vaunt picks: Avene Micellar Lotion Cleanser and Makeup Remover

How do I know I’ve got the right cleanser?

Two simple markers help you decide:

  • If your skin feels too tight and stretchy, and you find yourself reaching out for the moisturiser more, then you need a milder cleanser.
  • And if your skin doesn't really feel fresh and the gunk is still there after a wash, then you need a stronger cleanser. 

What’s the right cleansing technique?
Step 1: Remove your makeup before washing your face.
Step 2: Wash your face with lukewarm water.

Step 3: Apply cleanser and massage your face in a circular motion.

Step 4: Rinse the cleanser. Repeat if you use a mild product.
Step 5: Dab your face with a soft cloth. Don’t rub, as it may cause wrinkles and burst capillaries.

Remember, listen to your skin and keep your eyes on the ingredient list! Happy cleansing!

Karen loves research. She can research the most frivolous subject and make it sound cool or dive into quantum physics and you know you will love her take on it!  If you want her to review, explain or research anything related to skincare or even the workings of the universe email us at sayhello@vauntskincare.com or leave your comments below!

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