Which facial cleanser to choose?
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Understanding the different types of facial cleansers
The first thing to consider when choosing a cleanser is its texture. Indeed, this will give us first clues about the type of product to choose.
Cleansing gel or foam for purified skin
Cleansing gel and cleansing foam are facial care products that aim to deeply purify the skin. Their compositions, often enriched with purifying active ingredients, help eliminate impurities, traces of makeup and excess sebum.
In addition, thanks to the presence of moisturizing and softening active ingredients, they also contribute to hydrating the skin, making it soft and comfortable after rinsing. They are often recommended for combination to oily skin because of their ability to regulate overproduction of sebum and limit the appearance of imperfections.
Finally, it is essential to adopt gentle use, avoiding rubbing the skin too intensely with the product so as not to attack it.
Cleansing balm or oil: softness and hydration
The cleansing balm and cleansing oil combine the benefits of an effective cleanser and a gentle, moisturizing treatment. They are ideal for skin looking for comfort, thanks to their composition rich in soothing active ingredients.
Their texture transforms into a light emulsion upon contact with water, providing a pleasant and relaxing cleaning experience. They are valued for their ability to deeply cleanse the skin while preserving the skin's natural moisture, making them popular in skin care routines, especially for those with dry or sensitive skin.
In addition, these formulas most often preserve the skin's natural pH, thus supporting the skin barrier and hydration.
Micellar water: for whom?
Micellar water is a versatile skincare product that is suitable for all skin types. It is a gentle and effective solution for cleansing the skin, removing impurities, makeup and excess sebum without requiring rinsing.
It is particularly recommended for dry and sensitive skin, because it respects the skin barrier and limits the risk of irritation. Micellar water is also a wise choice for those looking for a product that is practical and quick to use. In fact, it generally does not require rinsing, which makes it ideal for a simplified beauty routine or for travel.
Make-up remover milk:
Some people are fans of it! Much more than a simple cleanser, it is a gentle emulsion, often rich in texture, specially designed to remove makeup, impurities accumulated throughout the day and excess sebum. Its delicate formula allows gentle cleansing, while preserving the natural balance of the skin.
With or without rinsing, it is very popular with dry and delicate skin which prefers the creaminess of milk to the foaming effect of a gel. Make-up remover milk can also be adapted to different skin types depending on the ingredients it contains: soothing, moisturizing, nourishing and even anti-aging, to be chosen according to the skin's needs.
Choose your cleanser based on your skin type
Whatever your skin type, one rule prevails: avoid harsh cleansers. It may indeed be tempting to choose a facial cleanser that leaves your skin completely stripped and clean, but this can actually be harmful. Cleansers that are too harsh can disrupt the skin's natural balance and cause overproduction of oil in response to dryness.
On the other hand, we also advise you to avoid cleansers containing sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), alcohol or other potentially irritating ingredients. That being said, let's see which cleanser to choose according to your skin type.
Facial cleansers for oily skin
Oily skin has higher sebum production, leading to shiny skin and enlarged pores. The choice of cleanser is crucial to help regulate this sebum production and minimize imperfections.
Opt for cleansing gels that effectively purify without drying out. Ingredients like witch hazel or chamomile should be sought out for their soothing properties. Foam cleansers are also recommended for their ability to eliminate excess sebum without damaging the skin. Among the ingredients that we will look for in cleansing products for oily skin, we will find:
-Salicylic acid (BHA) -Glycolic acid
-Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
-Green tea extract
-Zinc sulfate
-Clay
Avoid overly aggressive products which can disrupt sebum production and cause the opposite effect: even oilier skin. Also, a non-comedogenic formula is preferable to avoid clogging pores. Finally, even if your skin is oily, don't forget to moisturize it after cleansing to maintain its balance.
Facial cleansers for normal to combination skin
Normal to combination skin is characterized by oily skin on the forehead, nose and chin area, and dry skin on the rest of the face. Ideal cleansers for combination skin are those that can balance these two areas.
We opt for a gentle and rebalancing formula, designed specifically for combination skin, and capable of deeply cleansing oily areas while protecting the hydration of dry areas of the face. The best solution: double cleansing, a two-step make-up removal technique with an oily phase (make-up removing oil) and aqueous phase (gentle cleanser without sulfated surfactants).
Another solution: a combined formula. By mixing aqueous and oily phase, a treatment like cleansing Emulsion by Beau Domaine allows you to obtain an effect close to that of double cleansing with less effort.
Ingredients you can look for in cleansers for combination skin:
-Salicylic acid (BHA)
-Witch hazel extract
-Cucumber extract
-Green tea extract
-Chamomile
Finally, always favor non-comedogenic products to avoid clogging pores.
Facial cleansers for dry skin
For dry skin, choosing a facial cleanser requires special attention. Indeed, this type of skin tends to be more fragile and react more strongly to external aggressions. The ideal is to choose a cleanser that gently cleanses without drying out the skin, while nourishing and hydrating it.
Cream or balm cleansers are often recommended for their ability to moisturize while cleansing. They are generally enriched with emollient and hydrating ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid or ceramides.
Cleansing oils can also be a good option. They effectively remove impurities and makeup while leaving the skin soft and hydrated.
Finally, makeup remover milk is a good choice for dry or sensitive skin who wants to avoid cleansing with water, or the foaming effect of another type of cleanser.
Ingredients you can look for in cleansers for dry skin:
-Glycerin
-Hyaluronic acid
-Ceramides
-Vegetable oils (such as sweet almond oil, coconut oil, olive oil)
-Aloe extract
-Chamomile extract
Effective cleansing is the first step to taking care of your skin effectively. From the choice of texture to that of ingredients, be sure to always select a treatment that matches your skin type. Finally, opt for as much as possible care of natural origin, it is probably the best way to protect your skin on a daily basis.