Different Types of Facial Cleansers and How to Choose Them

Clean skin is healthy skin. Regardless of your age, gender or skin type, regular skin cleansing is something you must practice to maintain a youthful and revitalising look. Every time we step outside the home, we expose our skin to such harsh conditions as pollution, dirt, cold, sweat etc. Your face is sensitive and deserves proper care to maintain a healthy skin balance. Therefore, you must have a dedicated skincare routine and know how to find the right cleanser for your face.  

What is a facial cleanser?

Facial cleansers are uniquely formulated cosmetic products that remove any leftover makeup, dirt, extra oil, dead skin and other pollutants from your face. Choosing the best facial cleanser can help you avoid skin troubles like clogged pores and acne. Regularly cleansing your face will keep your skin healthy and glowing.

How do facial cleansers work? 

Washing your face is no easy task. Even though you might think that it is as simple as splashing some water on your skin, it is not. 

A face cleaner has detergent particles called surfactants in them. These particles could be either chemical or organic, based on the formulation. With varying strengths and effectiveness, surfactants attract dirt particles, oil, and makeup. Alkaline matter helps wash away these particles, thus removing any external matter on your face. 

However, such a chemical reaction can sometimes imbalance your skin's pH level, which should usually be somewhere between 4.5 and 6.5. Therefore, you need to choose soap-free, cream or gel products for extra sensitive skin. 

What are the benefits of using facial cleansers?

Contaminants keep adding to your skin at all times. Even when you are at home, sleeping. That's why you should change your pillow covers regularly. Having a regular face cleansing routine is essential to keep your skin healthy and prevent a build-up of dirt or oil particles on your face. 

Here are some major benefits that will help you understand the face cleaners even more. 

1. Boosts skin hydration

Let's be honest; we are all a little lazy when it comes to drinking water regularly. But did you know, regular face cleansing is equally needed to maintain well-hydrated skin? It nourishes your skin deeply and ensures that the skin's pH level is within the acceptable range. It keeps your skin looking smooth, supple, young and healthier by preventing wrinkles and other ageing signs. 

2. Removes dirt and pollution

Every time you go out, your skin faces pollutants, dirt particles, sun rays, bacteria, sweat and whatnot. To prevent the accumulation of these unwanted particles on your skin, you need to regularly cleanse your face. Your skin also regenerates and sheds dead skin cells. However, unfavorable environmental conditions can slow down the shedding of these dead skin cells, thus causing more build-up on your face. Cleansing your face twice a day will help keep these problems at bay, thus ensuring fresh, healthy and glowing skin. 

3. Removes makeup effectively

Going to bed with makeup on is a disaster in any skincare routine. No matter how light or heavy, you should always thoroughly cleanse your face to get rid of the entire makeup product. Letting chemicals sit on your face is never a good idea in the long run. Also, cleansing your face will give you a better canvas to work on the next day. Without any external particles acting as barriers, skincare products will be efficiently absorbed by your face, thus providing essential hydration and skin nutrition. 

4. Treats the skincare problems

We all often find ourselves complaining of acne, blackheads, blemishes, inflammation, tanning, hyperpigmentation and several other skin related issues. Using a good product will help improve skin elasticity and prevent severe skincare issues and pre-ageing signs. Facial cleansers also contain ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide that are known to prevent acne breakouts. 

5. Rejuvenates and relaxes your skin

Massaging your face can have several positive impacts on your skin and mental health. It helps you relax and stimulates blood circulation in the face. Lightly using your fingertips in a circular motion is also known to be a stress reliever. Similarly, exfoliation, scrubbing, steaming and masking can promote healthy and rejuvenated skin while relaxing your mind and body. 

Types of facial cleansers available

Most of us can't resist questioning a person with beautiful, supple skin regarding their skincare routine or what makeup products they use. That is precisely why brand advertisements hire the best actors/ models to be the face of their company. However, those are mere tactics. Every person has different skin. Something that works for your friend might prove to be a disaster for you. 

Therefore, it is essential to check all the different options available in the market before purchasing. 

1.Gel-based cleanser

Ideal for people with sensitive skin, gel-based cleansers are known for their mild irritation and lightweight formula that efficiently deep cleanses your facial pores. Enriched with oil-based ingredients, these products have unique water and oil balance to ensure that your skin is free of all the impurities and retains enough moisture to provide the necessary hydration. With the high exfoliation properties, they become suitable for people with acne-prone skin. They are usually formulated with anionic or amphoteric surfactants and can also contain alpha and/or beta hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs).

2.Foam cleanser 

Washing your face with a lathering cleanser while gently stroking the airy foam clouds on your face is probably the most satisfying face wash method ever. Available in the form of gel or cream, they are ideal for combination or oily skin. Made with potent ingredients, foam-based face cleaners provide deep pore cleansing. But they can strip your skin off natural oils and leave a tight texture behind. Ingredient sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a skin-drying-irritant, helps in creating the foam. 

3.Cream cleanser

As the name suggests, these products contain moisturizing elements that hydrate and nurture your skin. They are also popularly known as milk cleansers or cleansing lotions. With thick, cream-like consistency, they are ideal for people with dry, dehydrated or sensitive skin. 

4.Oil-based cleanser

If you are wondering whether oil-based cleansers will leave your skin looking more grimy than usual, worry not. Oil-based cleansers are ideal for all skin types, especially dry skin as they are made with a blend of oils with minimal surfactants. Korean skin regimen is based on these face cleaners. Here, the oil particles attract the impurities from the skin and are then rinsed away. 

How to choose the best facial cleanser for your skin

Depending on your skin type and specific skin conditions, you can look for a product that will suit your skin perfectly. 

Oily skin - You can go for any water-based, gel or foam facial cleansers as most of this support deep pore cleansing. However, you might need to watch out for certain potent ingredients. 

Dry skin - You should ensure that the product doesn't contain alcohol in any form as it can further dry your skin. Oil-based and cream ones are ideal for dry skin people as they help retain the much-needed moisture and sufficiently hydrate your skin. 

Sensitive skin - While some people might adapt to certain chemical substances better, it is tough for people with sensitive skin to find a suitable facial cleanser. You must ensure to stay away from sulfates, artificial dyes, parabens or fragrances. Most cream or micellar water cleansers are ideal for sensitive skin. You can also look for organic ingredients like essential oils, botanicals etc. 

Acne-prone skin - It is tough to steer clear of acne. If like most people you also struggle with acne-prone skin, choose a facial cleanser that will balance your skin pH levels. Water-based or oil-free cleansers are ideal choices. 

Dull skin - Go for a scrubbing or exfoliating product that will wash off the dead skin cells and give you a fresh, glowing look. Foam cleansers can also deep-cleanse your skin pores and prevent any breakout, thus avoiding blemishes and spots. 

Popular facial cleanser brands available @ Purplle

You will find a wide variety of facial cleansers available on Purplle. We deliver pan India and accept COD payments as well. 

1. Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser

 With salicylic acid as the main ingredient, this product provides thorough skin cleansing and leaves behind soft, supple skin. 

Explore: Bestselling Neutrogena Cleanser

2. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

 Suitable for all skin types, face and body, Cetaphil Cleanser is formulated with mild, non-irritating ingredients that are ideal for a baby's sensitive skin as well. 

Explore: Top Rated Skin cleanser by Cetaphil 

3. DermDoc Oil Control Cleansing Gel with AHA

Excess oil or sebum production can lead to greasy appearance and breakouts. Bring balanace to your skin with SermDoc's Oil Control Cleansing Gel with AHA

Explore: Genuine Cleanser by DermDoc
 

Conclusion

No matter what beauty regimen or skincare routine you follow, they are all incomplete without a good facial cleanser. Our skin is exposed to a lot of oil, dirt and makeup particles that can set deep in the face pores and later on emerge as acne or blemishes. It is necessary to regularly wash your face with an effective cleanser to get rid of impurities and dead skin cells. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1 - How to use a facial cleanser?

First of all wash your hands properly. Then wet your face and take the recommended quantity ( usually a pea-sized drop ) of product on your palms. Gently massage it on your face in circular motions. Rinse when you're done and pat dry your skin. 

Q2 - What are the benefits of ordering a facial cleanser via Purplle?

Purplle has a wide range of 100% genuine cosmetic products available, based on the most common preferences. There's also a 15-days easy return policy and pan India delivery. 

Q3 - How many times should I use the facial cleanser?

If you have oily, acne-prone skin, you should wash your face twice a day. In case of dry, sensitive skin, once a day cleansing is sufficient. Apart from that, you can simply wash your face with water. Ensure that you do not use facial cleanser multiple times a day, as it can strip your skin off natural oils and hydration. 

 Read More:
- Top 10 Best Cleansers for Dry Skin | Purplle