A cleanser is a skincare product formulated for washing away the excess oil, dirt grime, dead skin cells, and makeup residue from your skin. Cleansing every day prevents the clogging of pores and being sluggish about it may lead to a dull complexion.

You can get your hands on the best cleanser by understanding your skin type and what would suit it best. If you know what troubles your skin you may well be able to choose a cleanser to restore your skin balance. 

Oily skin type:

A salicylic acid-infused cleanser is suggested if you have oily and acne-prone skin. The integration of charcoal powder may facilitate the process of cleansing furthermore and help you achieve clear skin. foaming cleansers are also great.

Combination skin:

This is rather complicated as some parts of your skin are oily including the T-zone while some are not. For this, you will need a cleanser that deeply cleanses the pores without causing any dryness to the rest of your skin. 

Normal skin:

Normal skin is not too oily or too dry and is therefore balanced. To treat normal skin type, you may need a brightening jelly cleanser. This will cleanse your skin while also making it bright. 

Types of cleansers:

Oil cleansers

Contrary to common belief these are suitable for all skin types including oily skin. These work by breaking down and effectively dissolving oil-based impurities on your skin such as sebum, sunscreen, and makeup. They are particularly useful for removing waterproof makeup which may require a lot of effort. This is because oil-based cleansers tend to emulsify with water and rinse away all impurities without leaving behind any greasy residue. 

Cream cleansers

These are best for dry and sensitive skin as they offer gentle cleansing without stripping off your skin’s natural oils. This is because of their rich composition of moisturizing ingredients that render a creamy texture to soothe your skin while cleansing. They also effectively eradicate dirt and oil while retaining your skin's moisture levels. 

Clay cleansers

Owing to their ability to draw out excess oil and impurities from congested pores, clay cleansers are ideal for oily and acne-prone skin. They comprise ingredients like bentonite clay and kaolin that boast quick absorbent properties. You can invest in a clay cleanser to refine your pores and thoroughly cleanse your skin without having to worry about excessive dryness. 

Gel cleansers

Gel cleansers are lightweight and therefore tend to offer a refreshing cleansing experience. Formulated with the goodness of hyaluronic acid and glycerin these offer intense hydration to your skin while cleansing. They effectively purify your skin without leaving any residue or excess oil. It is for this reason they are a great choice for oily and combination skin. 

Micellar water

Since micellar water comprises tiny oil molecules suspended in soft water, it is a gentle and no-rinse cleansing option. It attracts dirt, impurities, and makeup to lift it away and eliminate it from your skin without any harsh rubbing. It is best for those with sensitive skin and is very convenient if you don’t want to put your hands in the water. 

How to use a cleanser?

The use of each cleanser depends on the kind that you are using. So, you must make sure you read the instructions on the label. Here are some general tips that you may follow. 

Step 1: Pull back your hair

If you have long hair or bangs falling on your face, you may want to tie them before beginning the cleansing process. This will ensure hair strands don’t distract in the process and your hairline doesn’t get congested with excess hair product. 

Step 2: Clean your hands

Before you touch the delicate skin on your face you must make sure your hands are clean. If your hands are dirty you may as well transfer the germs on your face. 

Step 3: Wet the face

You must wet your face with lukewarm water before you apply the cleanser. This will help the cleanser to glide smoothly on your skin and thus spread evenly all over your skin. 

Step 4: Apply cleanser

Take a dime-sized amount of the product on your fingers and apply it on your face. Make sure you cover all the parts of your face evenly. It is common to avoid the hairline, jaw, and neck but you shouldn’t do that. However, you must be careful around your eyes as that could irritate them. 

Step 5: Massage

As you apply the cleanser you need to gently massage your skin in circular motions with your fingers. The time for the cleanser to work its magic on your skin may vary depending on its type. You may have to consult the label for this. 

Step 6: Rinse

After you are done with the cleansing process you can rinse your face with lukewarm water. You must avoid hot water as it may inflame your skin and cause dryness. 

Step 7: Dry your face

With the use of a soft towel, pat your skin dry. Since the skin on your face is delicate you must avoid rubbing or tugging your skin when drying. More so, make sure you use a fresh towel for your face and not the one you have been using to wipe dry your hands. 

Step 8: Post wash regime

Once you are done with cleansing, add a few steps to your post-wash regime. This may however depend on your skincare goals, but you may consider using the following post-cleansing.

Moisturize

After thorough cleansing, apply some moisturizer to your skin. This will help lock in hydration to prevent any dryness on your face. You may want to consider a moisturizer with sunscreen to keep your skin protected from the sun and extreme dryness. 

Toner

If your skin is oily you may want to apply a toner to remove the makeup residue left behind despite cleansing. 

Pore strip

Many of you already do this, but try being a little regular with it. A pore strip instantly removes blackheads without causing any damage to your skin. They help you get rid of pore-clogging that occurs due to the accumulation of oil, dirt, and blackheads. Upon regular use, you may also won't have to worry about the appearance of pores. 

Mask

These work great on clean skin, so they are perfect for use after cleansing. A clay mask is recommended to suck away all impurities from your skin for a brightening impact, thrice a week. 

Exfoliate

This helps in eliminating all the dead skin cells built up. However, it is best you keep it at a minimum, once or twice a week to avoid inflammation on your skin. 

The final verdict

A simple daily cleansing routine may help you maintain healthy skin. It removes dirt and oil from your skin thoroughly to rejuvenate it for some brightness. Different skin types necessitate different types of cleansers. For effective skin care you must get your hands on a cleanser that suits your skin. so, what are you waiting for? Grab your favorite product and get started with your cleansing regime!