Clean It Up
You've been washing your face long before you cared about pores, crow's feet and discoloration and now have it down to a breezy routine. But, cleansing isn't as easy as it seems, and the formula you are using can have dramatic effects on your skin. So, unless you are Beyoncé and wake up with radiant skin no matter what you drink or eat, your skin could probably use a little help. Here, we explain what cleanser you should be using for your skin type.
Gel cleansers are best for oily/combination skin types because they provide hydration without over-drying. Their gentle yet exfoliating formulas unclog pores, remove excess oil, kill bacteria and buff away dead skin cells. Pick a formula with hyaluronic acid and a brightener, like GLOW RECIPE Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser, to eliminate future breakouts and fade hyperpigmentation.
Slathering your face with a cleansing oil might seem like a quick way to cause a slick complexion with clogged pores, but actually, cleansing oils gentle remove stubborn makeup, dirt, and other impurities all while containing nourishing ingredients to soothe and smooth out the skin. For a gentle cleanse fortified with wild rose extract and anti-aging benefits, try SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil.
A secret weapon in most French beauties' skincare routine is the all-inclusive, micellar water, an effective yet gentle cleanser, which is made up of tiny oil molecules suspended in soft water that attracts and removes impurities. These super gentle formulas don't need rubbing or rinsing and are the go-to for sensitive skin types. We like REN Rosa Centifolia™ 3-In-1 Cleansing Water for those days when our skin is irritated as the flower water not only cleanses and tones our skin but also leaves it feeling moisturized and supple.
Nothing is more satisfying than creating a sudsy lather to remove your makeup and while you may love that squeaky-clean feeling, foam cleansers can dry out the skin. These lightweight formulas contain sodium lauryl sulfate a type of surfactant that chips away at the skin's natural protective barrier. Oily skin is usually unbothered by this but the sensitive skin will become inflamed and reddened. Rosacea-prone or easily irritated complexions should look for cleansers that won’t leave the skin tight and dry like KIEHL'S SINCE 1851 Calendula Deep Clean Foaming Face Wash, which provides a natural surge of moisture from the calendula.
Cream
Cream cleansers are thick and utterly luscious, which is why these cleansers are made for people with dry skin. They contain super moisturizing ingredients that revive parched, flaky skin. When your skin is dry, look for products that won't worsen dried patches but also support cell turnover like ALGENIST Gentle Rejuvenating Cleanser.
