When you are trying to choose between the types of cleansers available today, two main factors can help you to decide:
- Your skin type
- Your preference
In general, 5 main types of cleansers are available today:
- Cream. Of all the types of cleansers, cream cleansers tend to be the most moisturizing. They work well in drier climates and are ideal for drier skin types. They are also a great choice for the cooler months when humidity drops and skin requires more moisture. Cream cleansers don’t strip away skin’s natural oils so tend to offer mild, gentle cleansing. Our Cloud Nine Foaming Cleansing Crème is a gentle, foaming cleanser, that not only cleans, but also moisturizes and protects skin. Rich with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients, it soothes aging and sensitive skin, while delivering a healthy glow to all skin types. It is paraben-free, sulfate-free, fragrance-free, gluten-free and vegan.
- Gel. Usually lighter in texture than most other types of cleansers, gel cleansers are often foaming as well. They may contain actives including alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or salicylic acid and are ideal for combination to oilier skin types, but all skin types can benefit from gel cleansers if they can be tolerated. Our AHA-Mazing Clean Gel contains a triple combination of AHAs helping to exfoliate skin. Light foaming action cleans without drying and the refreshing peppermint scent (from essential oils) helps to revive the senses.
- Cleansing Oil or Balm. While it may seem counterintuitive to cleanse with oil, cleansing oils (liquid) or balms (solid) work like ‘magnets’ to attract surface impurities including dirt and sebum. They may contain a mild foaming agent to help with rinse off, or may be removed with warm water and a washcloth. Best for normal to dry skin types, even combination and oily skin types can use this type of cleanser. Often used as the first step in the ‘double cleansing’ method, I love cleansing oils and balms for their ability to remove make-up.
- Micellar Water. If you’re a no nonsense kind of person, a micellar water may be just what you’re looking for. These water-based, non-soap treatments are made up of tiny molecules called micelles that attract dirt and debris. They do this without disturbing the skin’s natural oils. No scrubbing is involved making them a great choice for sensitive skin types especially. They are excellent for removing make-up.
- Powder. Powder cleansers contain a dry mixture of oil-absorbing and exfoliating granules. They are designed to be mixed with water to cleanse and work to exfoliate, leaving skin feeling smooth afterwards. Ideal for combination and oily skin types.
Cleansers are an important part of any skin care routine because they not only help to remove dirt, oil and make-up, they also prep the skin to better absorb treatments that are applied afterward. Cleansing should definitely be done at night, but for the most part, is considered an optional step in the morning.
What’s your favourite type of cleanser?
