Cleansers, what are they, how do you us them, and which is best for you?
These are common questions I get frequently about cleansers, and in this post I will go trough an in-depth and focus look into cleansers.
Or if you'd like to see the video instead, here's our YouTube Cleanser video.
WHAT IS A CLEANSER?
Exactly as it sounds, a cleansers cleans the facial skin of any impurities. During the day, the skin accumulates microscopic dirt and bacteria from contamination in the air, or by touching an item then touching your face, and even releases toxins from the body. That's a lot of gunk on the face! WHEN SHOULD YOU CLEANSE?
As a general rule you should be cleansing twice a day. In the morning and at night. You may wonder why at night when all you've done is sleep. But remember how I said the body releases toxins? Well, when we sleep, that's when our bodies take advantage to do all that extra work and releases more toxins then during that day. And if left on the face, it clan clog pores or be trapped under make-up during the day which can cause break-outs and dull-looking skin. However, if twice a day is still too daunting, then best at night to go to sleep with a fresh clean face. Besides, who really wants to take all the collective dirt of the day with them to bed? Yuck! HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CLEANSE?
Every...single...day.
HOW DO I USE MY CLEANSER?
Easy. Once you have the product in your hands, rub all over your face. If you have oily areas, rub the product in using circular motions with your fingertips. Rinse, and that's it!
WHAT'S MY SKIN TYPE?
There is such a wide variety of skin types out there, all of them unique and different. However, as a general rule, here is the basic skin types and how to tell which one you are:
Oily: Those who have excess oil along their nose, forehead, chin and sometimes jaw area and are prone to break-outs. After cleansing, their cheeks don't feel dry.
Combination: Those who have oily noses, foreheads or chins, which occasional or no break-outs. After cleansing, their cheeks tend to feel tight or dry.
Sensitive: Those who react easily to products. With redness along the nose or cheeks. Irritations, mild itching sensations. Usually those who suffer from eczema, rosacea or other skin conditions.
Mature: Those usually aged 35+ when the skin starts to lose it's elasticity or develops sun spots etc.
Normal: Those blessed with no excess oil, or dryness, or irritations. Don't feel down if this isn't you. It's rare that someone usually doesn't have any issues. Mostly those who don't, already follow a dedicated skincare routine!
WHAT TYPE OF CLEANSERS ARE THERE?
Cleansers come in a few formats to offer everyone a texture and use to their liking. Each product example can be found at The Queen V.
Oil-based: These cleansers usually have a natural oil-base like coconut oil that may seem odd for someone with acne-prone skin. But coconut oil has natural anti-bacterial properties that can help reduce breakouts. It also lifts dirt from the skin and is incredibly nourishing. Also works as a make-up remover.
Wildcraft Wash Oil Cleanser $25
Gel-based: Just like it sounds, these products either come out of the container in their natural form, and you need to make it foam with water in your hands, or the pump will make it foam for you.
Niu Body Purify Gel Cleanser $28
Powder-based: A brand-new form of cleanser, these are actually soap-free meaning they do not foam. You place some in your hand, add a little water and rub it into a paste that you use to clean your face.
Schmear Matcha + Kelp Gentle Cleansing Powder $22
Cream-based: Made with a high amount of water incorporated to produce cream texture. Good for gentle or mature skin. Also works as a gentle make-up remover.
Graydon Aloe Milk Cleanser $20
WHAT CLEANSER SHOULD I USE FOR MY SKIN TYPE?
Now we get to the good stuff, finding your perfect cleanser! This can take some trial and testing, but to help your search, here are the top ingredients to look for in cleansers that benefit your skin type, and our products in shop for them.
Oily: The following ingredients are great for fighting over production of oil, removing impurities and cleaning out acne: Tea Tree, Lavender, Rosemary, Witch Hazel, Peppermint, Apple Cider Vinegar, Cucumber.
Wildcraft Wash Oil Cleanser $25
Skin Essence Organics Fresh Facial Cleanser $28
Schmear Matcha + Kelp Gentle Cleansing Powder $22
Combination: These ingredients will help reduce oiliness, but also sooth dry areas: Geranium, Lavender, Cucumber, Green Tea or Matcha.
Wildcraft Wash Oil Cleanser $25
Schmear Matcha + Kelp Gentle Cleansing Powder $22
Niu Body Purify Gel Cleanser $28
Sensitive: These ingredients help sooth skin irritations and offer a gentle cleanse: Comfrey Root, Chamomile, Willow, Oatmeal, Rice *NOTE: Apple Cider Vinegar can help some with irritations, but might cause a reaction for others. Test first before committing to a product with this ingredient.
Skin Essence Organics Pure Facial Cleanser $28
Graydon Super Sensitive Face Foam $28
Schmear Matcha + Kelp Gentle Cleansing Powder $22
Mature: These ingredients offer a gentle cleanse, while fights age spots and nourishes skin to combat lines: Apricot, Lavender, Cucumber, Green Tea or Matcha, Aloe, Geranium.
Graydon Aloe Milk Cleanser $20
Niu Body Nourish Cleansing Oil $20
Schmear Matcha + Kelp Gentle Cleansing Powder $22
BONUS QUESTIONS!:
SHOULD I USE THE SAME CLEANSER ALL YEAR ROUND?
Skin changes from season to season. It's a good idea to check on what your skin in doing as in the summer it will sweat and can produce more acne, while the winter can dry out skin more than usual. Judging by how your skin works, it's a good idea to change your cleanser to match your skin needs depending on the season.
CAN I USE THE BAR OF SOAP IN MY SHOWER ON MY FACE?
We would advice against it. Soap bars have a higher content of heavier products such as Shea and Cocoa butter which is very nourishing for the skin on the body which is thicker than the face. However, on the face it can be too heavy and will clog pores which could cause breakouts. Also, the cleansing levels are higher which could drastically alter your facial skin ph levels.
DO I USE THE CLEANSER BEFORE OR AFTER MY EXFOLIANT?
Use it after. The exfoliant will first remove all dead skin so that the cleanser can get deep into the pores.
And that's the end of our Cleanser post. We hope to have answered all questions you may have. If not, please comment or write to us. We're also happy to work with you to find the perfect products for you.
Please contact or comment if you enjoyed the post, have any other questions or suggestions.
And always...Be the change.