Why do we need to wash and cleanse our face. The same reason why you need to shower. You cover body with clothes and lather lotion on it all everyday, likewise you need to take care of you face. Our clothes protects our skin from environmental factors and impurities. Our faces are naked to the world. The first step in protecting our face is cleaning it.; so it can better absorb nutrients from facial masks, creams, lotions, and moisturizers that protect and nourish it. It is all about putting our best face forward!
When we cleanse our skin we are removing dead skin cells, dirt, declogging pores, removing impurities, and makeup. If we just wash our faces with plan water it may not be as effective and nourishing as facial cleansers. Our skin can not fully absorb and benefit from nutrients and ingredients infused in mask, moisturizers and serums when when its is blocked by dead skin cells, clogged pores, and environmental impurities.
What makes a good cleanser for you skin?
- does not leave your skin dry and tight
- removes impurities
-is able to remove makeup or remaining makeup post makeup remover
-leaves your skin soft and clean
-does not leave soap residue
-does not leave your skin feeling oily or filmy
Basic Tips when Choosing a Cleanser
Tip #1 Change cleansers for different seasons
We wear lighter clothes during the summer and put heavy sweaters on for fall and winter. Our skin tends to produce excess oil during warmer months and skin tends to be drier during the winter months. If needed during winter you might want to use a milder or cream cleanser and for summer you might need to use a cleanser that deep cleans with oil control.
Tip #2 Try not to use cleansers that contains soap or gives you a tingling sensation. (soap can be harsh and dry up skin)
A tingling feeling and lots of soap is not the best combination for your skin. Cleansers that contain soap can be harsh to your skin especially during winter months because they can strip away your natural oils and natural moisture barrier. This will leave your skin dry and dehydrated which can lead to premature aging and fine lines. Cleansers that leave you with tingling sensation means that your skin is irritated by the product which can lead to dry patches and redness. If you have acne this can cause further inflammation and irritation.
Tip #3 Not all Oils are Bad for You
Cleansers that contain natural oils are good for the skin. It has been a myth that only oil free products should be used. Natural oils like olive oil and rosehip seed oil are popular ingredients used in cleansers. They tend to be less harsh to your skin and replenish natural oils and some have anti-inflammatory benefits. When our natural oils have been removed our body compensates by producing more oil. As a result this leads to breakouts and oily patches. "Oil dissolves oil."
Tip #4 Amount
A dime size is usually the recommended amount unless otherwise instructed on cleanser or by skincare specialist. The more you used does not correlate with effectiveness. If you apply too much cleanser than the needed you can excess residue on your skin and it's wasting your money. Not all cleansers can be used daily please read instructions and or as instructed by skincare specialist.
I have complied a list of my top 5 favorite facial cleansers. I have personally used all of them and loved them for different reasons. My skin type is combination and sensitive. Everyones' skin type is different please take this into consideration and you can always ask for store samples if available prior to purchase.
DHC Face Wash
Price: $28.50
Skin Type:Dry, Sensitive
Likes: Leaves your skin super soft and great for winter especially if you get dry patches and skin becomes irritated when the weather changes. It contains oil olive and can help replenish loss moisture.
Dislikes: It is too rich for me to use during the summer and only available online through DHCcare.com and you will need to buy a certain amout to qualify for free shipping
Where: www.dhccare.com
Clarins Foaming Cleanser (Normal/Combination Skin
Price: $20
Skin Type: Comes in Dry/Sensitive, Normal/Combination, and Combination/Oily
Likes: Milky foaming cleanser works as effective as soap and leaves skin soft and protects skin from drying effects from hard water. This cleanser is available is for all skin types narrowed down to 3 categories dry/sensitive, normal/combination, and combination/oily.
Dislikes: Only comes in 4.4oz tube bottle and I tend to go though a bottle pretty quickly. Need to use make up remover prior to cleanser and does not double as a make remover or not an effective make up remover in general.
Where: Major department stores beauty counter or Sephora
The Face Shop Brightening Rice Water Cleansing Foam (Migasmu)
Price: $12
Skin Type: All Skin Types
Likes: Smells great , leaves skin soft, and brightens skin's complexion with the rice water( 10%) . This cleanser keeps skin hydrated and minimize moisture loss and detoxifies. Rice water has been used among Asians for centuries for cleansing face, body, and hair. This cleanser comes in a 5.7 oz bottle for under $15 dollars, it is very economical.
Dislikes: Can not be used as a makeup remover and only sold in The Face Shop store. It used to be $9 they raised the price every time I go.
Where: The Face Shop
Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleanser
Price: 8oz. $12/ 16oz. $20
Skin Type: All skin types
Likes: It is great to use if your skin is easily irritated and regular exfoliators and scrubs are too harsh especially during colder months. I prefer to use this product during winter and fall months more frequently, because my skin tends to dry up and it becomes irritated, red, and flaky. This products is non foaming and exfoliates skin leaving it soft and hydrated. This cleanser is economical because comes in huge bottle for $20 or under depending on size.
Dislikes: Even though it claims to remove makeup, I felt it's best to use a makeover remover as step one prior to using this cleanser.
Where: Mario Badescu counters, www.Mariobadescu.com, or Mario Badescu Skincare
Mario Badescu Glycolic Cleanser
Price: $15
Skin Type: All Skin Types
Likes: This cleanser is great for removing dead skin cells, improve dull skin, minor skin discoloration, and clogged pores. If you have combination or oily skin this great to use during the summer months, because this product deep cleans and decongest pores without over drying skin. It also helps with excess oil production that can lead to breakouts and removes makeup better than the enzyme cleanser.
Dislikes: The product contains glycolic acid so it can not be used on the daily basis. It recommends 2-3 times a week for combination to oily skin or 1-2 times a week for dry or sensitive skin. If you notice dry flaky skin close to they eye area you are using it too frequently. I tend to use 4 times a week during the summer because my skin has build a higher tolerance to glyoclic acid, but everyones' skin is different.
Where: Mario Badescu counters, www.Mariobadescu.com, or Mario Badescu Skincare
Wishing everyone great skin for the holidays and the New Year. Beautiful in and out!!
