I have to admit that I’m slacking in my Skincare 101 Series. I have found a lot of so called “skincare therapists” and “beauty gurus” presenting a lot of misinformation online when it comes to taking care of your skin. I created this series to help educate and inform everyone on Skincare and hopefully dispel some of the myths and misinformation that you hear or read online.

Now, I’m pretty sure that everyone is familiar with skincare cleansers, but if you are not, then you definitely need this post. While cleansing the skin seems like a pretty basic step in your routine, you would be surprised by how many people just don’t know what cleanser to use for their skin or even how to use one. So I’m here to break it down for y’all!

What is a Facial Cleanser?

While cleansers might not be as sexy as serums and other fancy skincare products, they are actually one of the most important steps in your skincare routine. Cleansers refer to a product that effectively removes dirt, makeup, dead skin, excess oils or other substances from the skin.

Cleansers come in many different forms these days and it is best to pick one based on your individual skin type and your skin’s needs. So let’s break them down by skin type.

Cleansers for Oily and Acne Prone Skin

Oily skin, or skin prone to acne breakouts, will do better with a foaming cleanser that is a gel based. Look for anti-bacterial cleansers and even one that may contain Salicyclic Acid. Cleansers that foam are great for helping to remove the excess sebum and dead skin that can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.

While you do want to remove excess oil or control oil on the skin, you also don’t want to use a harsh cleanser that actually dries your skin out. So look for gentle cleansers that can help control oil without drying you out.

Cleansers for Normal Skin

Bless those normal skin people, because they can use just about anything. Although, there are very few of us this day and age that fall into this category. When it comes to picking a cleanser for normal skin, it will comes down to texture and your own personal preference. But you can use everything form foaming cleansers, to micellar water, cream cleansers and more.

Cleansers for Dry and Sensitive Skin

If you are dry and sensitive skin you will want to look for cleansers that also hydrate as they cleanse. You will have to be careful not to use a cleanser that is too harsh and strips your skin of oils and moisture, thus leading to an impaired barrier function.

I fall into this category because I tend to be dry and prone to eczema breakouts. I typically love oil and cream/milk cleansers. These do a great job at cleaning my skin while still leaving it soft and well hydrated. Now that I am on my clean beauty journey, I also avoid cleansers that have surfactants (harsh cleansers) in them. So if you are more dry, avoid surfactants like SLS in your facial cleansers.

The Double Cleanse Method

The double cleanse method has grown in popularity recently but it is something that I have been doing for well over a decade. I typical use a gentle cleansing milk in the morning that I just tissue off. However, at night, I do a double cleanse. I first use a cleansing oil that is perfect for removing dirt, spf and makeup. Then I follow that up with a gentle cleanser that makes sure to also get any left over dirt, etc. from the day.

Cleansers come down to your preference for texture as well as your skin’s individual needs. Please watch the video below to learn about the different types of cleansers and what works well for each skin type. If you have any questions on your skin type or need recommendations on products for your skin, please reach out to me. I’m hear to help and I got you!