Cleansing is one of the most, if not the most, important step of any skincare routine. Yet, many overlook the importance of using cleansers with a list of ingredients that you can trust, often opting for cleansers based simply on the price, texture and fragrance. A high-quality cleanser does not have to break the bank – the key is to discerningly look through the ingredient list and choose a cleanser appropriate for your skin type.
A quality skin cleanser should be able to effectively remove dirt and grime from the skin without stripping the skin of its natural oils and maintain the skin’s natural pH balance. Using cleansers that leave your skin feeling dry and tight might cause issues such as skin inflammation, oil overproduction, and as a result, lead to accelerated skin ageing.
Proper cleansing is crucial to the health and integrity of the skin as it prevents congestion, removes excess oils and dirt and prevents and eliminates acne causing bacteria. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides are crucial in maintaining the skin barrier’s integrity and AHAs and BHAs help to gently exfoliate the skin to prevent a build-up of dead skin cells. Skin soothing ingredients are particularly useful for sensitive skin types as they help to calm the skin and reduce redness.
Which cleanser is right for me?
For sensitive skin types, cleansing balms and cleansing oils work wonders in cleansing, nourishing, and soothing the skin. For that reason, many people with other skin types very much enjoy using cleansing balms and oils, particularly as the first step of their double cleansing routine. These oil based cleansers gently and effectively remove makeup and dirt without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
The Evolve Organic Beauty Gentle Cleansing Melt is a lovely cleansing balm that melts into a cream when warmed between hands. Containing Boobab oil, which contains high levels of Vitamins A & C and calcium to nourish and fight free radical damage, this cleansing balm is one of the team’s favourite. Scented with natural vanilla which also acts as a potent antioxidant, this cleanser is great as a morning cleanse to spice up your day in the morning or as a relaxing night cleanse to end the day (one of my favourite night cleanse).
For those who use heavy makeup, cleansing oils are a great way to remove oil based and waterproof makeup. The PAI Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil is an excellent oil cleanser that boosts radiance while removing impurities from the skin. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, the oil can be gently massaged into the skin to stimulate blood circulation to double as a massage oil while cleansing.
If your skin is extremely sensitive or particularly dry, cleansing milks and creams may be a suitable option as they contain richer, nourishing ingredients that promote the skin’s barrier integrity. Examples of hydrating and botanical ingredients that sooth and strengthen the natural skin barrier and sooth redness are algae, witch hazel, and lily. The Osea Ocean Cleansing Milk is a gentle and nourishing cleanser that contains organic algae extract, water lily extract, witch hazel, and organic chamomile flower extract to hydrate, protect, and relief redness. The Organic Pharmacy Rose and Chamomile Milky Cleanser is another of our latest favorite. The calming, milky texture of this Rose & Chamomile Cleansing Milk makes it a brilliant remedy for sensitive skin, or complexions prone to redness.
Acne and blemish prone skin types could benefit more from cleansers containing antimicrobial ingredients such as tea tree oil. The OSEA Ocean Cleansing Mudd contains a potent blend of Organic Algae and Cypress oil along with Tea Tree, Peppermint, and Rosemary, that will combat acne causing bacteria and reduce the appearance of blemishes. Cleansing gels such as the Esse Probiotic Gel Cleanser is formulated with similar antimicrobial ingredients such as Peppermint and Spearmint Oils to regulate sebum production while tackling acne causing bacteria.
