The Cleanser Procedure 101 – What You Should Keep In Mind

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Cleansing is the first step in your makeup regimen, meaning it’s one of the most important steps. As to why cleansing is important, well, it helps in removing excess oil, sweat, makeup, dirt, as well as dead skin cells – this way leaving your face feeling refreshed as well as letting it breathe.

Face Cleanser Types

When it comes to the cleanser, it’s important to know that there is not one type. There are actually many types of cleansers which you should choose depending on your preferences as well as on your skin type. Below you will see the different types of cleansers, according to Dermstore.

1. Gel Cleansers

Work for: Oily and Combination Skin

These cleansers have a gel-like consistency and are designed for deep cleansing. They are effective in decongesting clogged pores, removing excess oil, and killing acne-causing bacteria. This is due to the fact that they have antiseptic and exfoliating properties.

2. Cream Cleansers

Work for: Dry and Sensitive Skin

Cream cleansers are thick, creamy, and they contain moisturizing ingredients like botanical oils. They cleanse the skin and do not strip it of its natural oils.

3. Foam Cleansers

Work for: Oily and Combination Skin

These cleansers, in the beginning, start out as cream or gel and then they turn into a rich and foamy lather.

4. Oil Cleansers

Work for: Most Skin Types

When it comes to oil cleansers, they are often seen with much skepticism. Oil cleansers remove pore-clogging debris gently and they do not dry the skin.

5. Clay Cleansers

Work for: Oily and Combination Skin

They draw out excess oil and toxins from the pores this way purifying the skin.

6. Micellar Cleansers

Work for: Dry and Sensitive Skin

Micellar cleansers do not require to be rinsed off with water. They feature tiny oil molecules that attract oil or dirt.

How To Use Cleanser

According to The Body Shop, there are some steps you should follow for the proper use of a cleanser.

Step 1: Remove your hair from your face.

Step 2: Dampen skin with lukewarm water.

Step 3: Choose the cleanser you prefer and apply a dab of it, initially working it between your hands and then applying it to your face.

Step 4: Massage gently into your skin and include your neck.

Step 5: Rinse with lukewarm water.

Step 6: Apply toner to cleansed skin using a cotton pad.

How To Use Cleanser Cream

The cream cleanser is different from other cleansers in that it has a thicker cream texture, it’s made with heavier oils and waxes and it’s usually sulfate-free. It’s highly moisturizing and it cleanses the skin without removing its natural oils. This cleanser is most likely to leave behind residue, but it won’t leave your skin feeling dry or tight afterward.

There are some things that you should keep in mind when using cleansers that have a thicker consistency, according to The Skincare Edit.

Begin by massaging the cleanser on dry skin, not wet. Since applying it on wet skin would dilute the product and make it harder for it to grab onto debris.
Massage the cleanser over your face and neck thoroughly.
Use circular motions with your fingertips.
Proceed for about 30 seconds.
Rinse with warm water afterward.
To see if you have any makeup left, use a cotton pad with micellar water or toner and swipe it across the skin.

Generally, cleansing creams are not preferred for people who have oily skin since they leave behind a residue that leaves you feeling greasy. Some experts might recommend to follow up with either mild soap or astringent to remove the residue.

Skin Cleansing Tips

What you should keep in mind while using facial cleansers is:

Wash your hands before using a cleanser in order to avoid transferring bacteria from your hands to your face.
Don’t be too rough on your skin when using cleanser.
Massage the skin with the tip of your fingers onto your face while also cleansing.
Do not use hot water since it can rid your skin from the essential oils it needs.
Use lukewarm water.
After cleansing, you should moisturize. Make sure your face is still damp because according to L’Oréal, that’s the best time for moisturizing.
Do not over-cleanse. Preferably do so once in the morning and once in the evening.

Homemade Face Cleanser Recipes

Although there are face cleansers you can purchase, there also the possibility of making homemade face cleansers on your own. Below you will see some of them:

Honey and Lemon Face Cleanser

What you’re going to need for this one is:

2 tsp raw, organic honey
1 tsp fresh lemon juice (organic)

Mix the honey and the lemon juice in a small bowl and stir. Then, wet the skin and apply as much as you would do with any other cleanser. Rub using slow and circular motions and rinse off. This face cleanser work for many skin types, including oily skin, acne-prone, dry and aging skin.

Apple Cider Vinegar Face Cleanser

Apple cider vinegar is helpful in restoring the skin’s PH levels and this way soothing breakouts and preventing clogged pores.

Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 2 parts water, shake it well and apply to a clean face with a cotton pad. When the skin dries, simply apply moisturizer as per usual.

Natural Lavender Face Cleanser

What you’re going to need for this DIY facial cleanser by My Cakies is:

1 tbsp of baking soda
2 tbsp of oatmeal
1 tsp dried lavender

Mix and ground up all the dry ingredients together. Put some honey in your palm, add some of the dry ingredients (1 tsp) and then mix them in your palm. Wash the face with the product and then with warm water.

Yogurt Face Cleanser

Because yogurt is rich in protein and lactic acid, it makes a natural face cleanser. Applying lactic acid regularly it will encourage the skin to get rid of the dead cells through exfoliation. The protein helps in tightening the pores, hydrating the skin, and reducing the appearance of fine lines.

As Bustle explains, simply massage a thin layer of plain yogurt in your clean face using your fingertips. After 5 to 10 minutes, wash it off with warm water and a towel.

Depending on the skin type you have, it’s important to be cautious about the type of cleanser you decide to go for. But don’t forget to not over-cleanse!