Skincare Basics | 001 - Choosing Your Cleanser
Cleansers are the foundation of your skincare routine. Period. Without an appropriate cleanser, nothing else in your routine will work properly.
WHY DO YOU NEED A CLEANSER?
· Your skin is constantly secreting oil and sweat, and shedding excess skin cells. This builds up over time causing skin to look dull and blocks your pores leading to breakouts and blackheads.
· Cleanser removes this build up to brighten your skin and remove any congestion. This prepares your skin for the rest of your skincare routine and means that your products will work as effectively as possible.
WHEN SHOULD YOU CLEANSE?
· You should cleanse twice a day. In the morning you need to remove the layer of oil and skin cells which have built up overnight, and in the evening, you need to remove any makeup and sunscreen
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR CLEANSER(S)?
Depending on your concerns and whether you wear makeup, you may want to consider building up a small selection of cleansers. We recommend having:
· A first cleanse to remove makeup and sunscreen in the evening. This will be an oil-based cleanser which you massage into dry skin and remove with a damp flannel. You then follow this up with a different cleanser. You don’t need to double cleanse in the morning.
· A general cleanser suited to your skin type and concerns. This can be used as a morning cleanse and a second cleanse in the evening.
· An exfoliating cleanser for a deeper cleanse. How often you use this will depend on your skin type. Sensitive skins might use an exfoliating cleanser twice a week, whereas a more resilient skin may be able to use this day to day. We recommend exfoliating cleansers which are based on exfoliating acids such as lactic acid, glycolic acid and salicylic acid, rather than physical scrubs as the particles can cause skin darkening and hyperpigmentation.
If you have oily, combination or breakout prone skin, look for cleansers that contain salicylic acid, to control excess oil. Glycolic acid is another great option as it will help to remove excess skin cells which can cause blocked pores and breakouts.
For dry or dehydrated skin, look for lightweight, gel or lotion cleansers containing hyaluronic acid. This will hydrate your skin without stripping or drying. For an exfoliating option, look for lactic acid which is gentle and hydrates the skin.
For sensitive skin, look for Vitamin E, omegas, oat and glycerin to strengthen and soothe skin. If your skin is especially sensitive, avoid exfoliating as this may make your skin more sensitive. As your skin becomes stronger, work up to occasionally using a lactic acid cleanser.
OUR FAVOURITE CLEANSERS
First Cleanses
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
Who it’s for: Anyone looking to remove makeup or sunscreen
Who should avoid it: No one!
Why we love it: This cleanser is affordable, and no-frills but gets the job done
Body Shop Sumptuous Chamomile Cleansing Butter
Who it’s for: Dry skin types who need to remove makeup or sunscreen
Who should avoid it: Very sensitive skin types who react to fragrance
Why we love it: Effectively removes makeup with a gentle and pleasant scent
Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm
Who it’s for: Sensitive skin types looking to remove makeup or sunscreen
Who should avoid it: Very oily or spot prone skin types who may find it too heavy
Why we love it: Removes all makeup and sunscreen effectively and gently.
Cleansers for Oily, Combination and Breakout Prone Skin
Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanser
Who it’s for: Oily skin types with breakouts or spots.
Who should avoid it: Sensitive skin types
Why we love it: Salicylic acid blended with lactic and malic acid, gently but effectively breaks down oil and unblocks pores
Murad Clarifying Cleanser
Who it’s for: Oily and combination skin types
Who should avoid it: Sensitive and dry skin
Why we love it: This cleanser contains salicylic acid and green tea extract to remove excess oil and calm inflammation from breakouts.
Dermalogica Daily Glycolic Cleanser
Who it’s for: Oily and combination skin types who also have concerns around fine lines or rough skin
Who should avoid it: Sensitive and dry skin
Why we love it: This cleanser will both break down excess oil and also help to smoothen any roughness in the skin. Calendula Extract and Jobjoba seed oil prevent irritation.
Cleansers for Dry and Dehydrated Skin
Cosmedix Purity Clean
Who it’s for: Dry and dehydrated skin that is feeling congested or dull
Who should avoid it: The most sensitive skin
Why we love it: The lactic acid in this cleanser will brighten dull and dry skin by removing excess skin cells and whilst also hydrating the skin
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
Who it’s for: Dry and dehydrated skin that feels stripped with a foaming cleanser
Who should avoid it: Oily skins and anyone with congestion
Why we love it: It’s a cult classic for a reason! This hydrating gel cleanser comforts tight, dry and dehydrated skin without stripping the skin.
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
Who it’s for: Dehydrated and parched skin looking for a boost
Who should avoid it: Oily and breakout prone skin types
Why we love it: This thick gel cleanser is hydrating but feels light. Squalane helps to strengthen and hydrate skin.
REN Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Gel
Who it’s for: Dry, dehydrated skin
Who should avoid it: Suitable for everyone but oily and resilient skin types may not feel a benefit
Why we love it: This refreshing gel cleanser removes impurities without stripping or drying the skin. Glycerin and Oat Amino Acids will hydrate and strengthen skin.
Cleansers for Sensitive Skin
Aveeno Calm and Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser
Who it’s for: Sensitive and dehydrated skin
Who should avoid it: Oily and spot prone skin
Why we love it: The prebiotic oat in this cleanser helps to soothe sensitive skin and repair the skin’s natural protective moisture barrier.
Salcura Bioskin Face Wash
Who it’s for: Sensitive and itchy skin
Who should avoid it: Resilient skin types
Why we love it: Enriched with omegas, vitamins, starflower oil and witch hazel, this cleanser gently washes away impurities and daily dirt whilst strengthening and protecting skin.
Bioderma Atoderm Rinse Off Cleansing Gel
Who it’s for: Dry and dehydrated skin from top to toe
Who should avoid it: Oily and combination skin
Why we love it: A gentle gel cleanser which you can use all over your body and treats dry, and itchy skin
Finding the right cleanser for you is the first step to building the perfect skincare routine for your concerns.