Cleansers are often considered a dull step of the skincare routine in comparison to the exciting serums and nourishing moisturisers we apply afterwards to improve our skin. However, cleansing is a vital part of your routine, and rushing it or using the wrong products can mean you’re still left with makeup, dirt and sebum on your face, and your active serums don’t stand a chance in getting absorbed into your skin. Even worse, using the wrong cleansing products could be stripping and irritating your skin and destroying your barrier function.
Choose your cleanser carefully
Find a cleanser that’s right for your unique skin type, which will work to refresh the skin and balance oil and sebum. You definitely want to avoid surfactant chemical cleansers that leave your skin taught and shiny, as these use harsh ingredients such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate which strip your skin (not to be confused with Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate – a mild surfactant derived from fatty acids). It’s also best to avoid parabens and phthalates, as these are common in cheap brands and are all known skin microbiome disruptors.
Normal and Combination Skin
One of our most-loved cleansers is the O Cosmedics Gentle Antioxidant Cleanser, perfect for all skin types (including reactive and sensitive skins). It’s also fortified with anti-pollutant boosters and peptides for the ultimate hydration. The antioxidant-infused Dp Dermaceuticals Tri-Phase Cleanser is another favourite for all skins, including those needing nourishment, which is applied as a balm, transforms into a gel when massaged into the skin, then into a milk when water is added.Dry Skin
Dry skins will love the Ginger&ME Nutri-Luxe Cleansing Oil, a nutrient-rich cleansing oil which removes all traces of makeup, dirt and pollutants whilst restoring the skin’s natural oil balance.Problematic Skin
If acne and congested, oily skin is an issue, you may need something a little stronger. Both the O Cosmedics Corrective Cleanser & Peel and the Dp Dermaceuticals CLR Foam Cleanser work to reduce clogged pores and excessive oiliness using Salicylic Acid, as well as killing bacteria with other active ingredients. You’ll want to avoid using these ones around the sensitive eye area.Dull Skin
If you’re looking for something more gentle to still give you a deep cleanse and a boost of radiance, the Ginger&ME AHA Milk-Gel Cleanser lightly exfoliates the skin using multi-fruit acids for a super radiant complexion.Double cleanse when needed
Do you ever wash your face at the end of the day for 20 seconds or so, only to pat it dry and still get makeup all over your towel? To effectively remove makeup and dirt from your face you’ll want to make sure you’re cleansing for at least 30 to 60 seconds, adding a bit of water to emulsify, which will mean the active ingredients in your cleanser can do their work. It can be good to do a double cleanse in the evening, especially if you’ve been wearing quite a bit of makeup, to ensure you’re getting rid of all that grime in your pores.
Try a Micellar Gel
A swipe of micellar gel after cleansing is great for removing residual eye makeup as well as protecting the skin and neutralising pollutants when applied in the morning. Think of it as a new generation toner! The O Cosmedics Micellar Treatment Gel is perfect for asphyxiated, dull and devitalised skins, working to boost radiance with continued use. Ginger&ME 4in1 Micellar Detoxifying Water works to thoroughly cleanse the skin as well as acting an anti-pollutant shield, to protect from urban pollution such as smog, toxic chemicals and fuel exhaust.
Watch your water temperature
Always make sure to use lukewarm water, never hot water (so try to keep your face out of direct shower water flow if you love hot showers!), as this can upset the skin barrier function with inflammation, dryness and irritation. Cold water might be refreshing, especially in summer, however it won’t soften with your cleanser as easily and removing makeup residue will be more difficult.
Exfoliate, but don’t over-do it
Exfoliation is a must to remove dead skin cells from the top layer of your skin, as this will help brighten your complexion and allow your skin products to penetrate deeper. However, you’ll want to make sure you’re not over-exfoliating with harsh ingredients, which can remove too much of your protective skin barrier and cause dry skin, redness, irritation and sensitivity. Less is more – opt for a gentle exfoliator once or twice a week. The O Cosmedics Exfoliating Cleanser contains four types of exfoliating beads and is fortified with peptides to nourish the skin, or the Dp Dermaceuticals Micro Derm Exfoliant buffs away dirt, make-up and impurities with fine bamboo powder and nourishes with shea and mango butters.