The Benefits of Using a Face Cleanser

Cleansing removes makeup, sweat, dirt and excess oil from the skin. It also provides a fresh foundation for applying other products, such as facial moisturizer or face sunscreen.

Dry skin often needs gentle cleansers that are free from irritant ingredients, like alcohol. These formulas are also usually allergy-tested and fragrance-free.

Cleansing

Throughout the day, makeup, oil, pollutants and dead skin cells accumulate on the face. Unless they’re washed away, these impurities can clog pores and lead to acne, dark spots and dullness. A regular cleansing routine ensures that these build-ups aren’t causing blemishes and that your skin is looking its best.

A facial cleanser is a gel, cream or liquid that removes impurities from the face. There are different formulations of face wash to suit various skin types, from sensitive skin to aging skin. Gel cleansers are gentle on the skin and offer a deep clean without stripping the natural oils from the skin’s surface. Creamy cleansers have a luxurious feel and are ideal for dry or sensitive skin. There are even some foaming cleansers that, when dispensed into water, lightly lather up to remove dirt, oil and makeup.

There are also other cleansing options like muslin cloths, kassa mitts or cleaning sponges that use water and dissolve the impurities in your skin to leave it feeling clean. However you choose to cleanse your face, it’s important not to over-cleanse. Using cleanser too often can strip the skin of its natural oils and damage its protective barrier.

The best face wash for you is one that offers a combination of cleansing and exfoliation. If your skin is dull, opt for a cleansing product that contains alpha hydroxy acids to loosen the dead skin cells. For a brighter, smoother complexion, look for a cleanser with physical exfoliators (like the Allure Beauty Box editor-favorite Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser) that contain granular ingredients to gently slough off dull surface skin cells.

Exfoliation

Cleansing your face removes sweat, dirt and oils that have built up on the skin’s surface. This will prevent clogged pores and prevent bacteria from overgrowth which can lead to breakouts.

A gentle face cleanser can also help to hydrate the skin which will keep it from looking Face Cleanser dry and rough. Many natural face cleansers contain soothing ingredients to help with this.

Exfoliating your face can be done using an exfoliating cleanser that contains small beads or granules that scrub the skin to remove dead cells, or by manually using a facial scrub or an exfoliating tool such as a Clarisonic brush. Exfoliating can be done as often or as infrequently as you like, but it is important to never scrub your skin so hard that you damage the surface of your skin. Vigorously rubbing the skin can cause micro-tears which will contribute to fine lines and wrinkles.

Exfoliating with a light physical scrub such as a granule-based exfoliant or chemical exfoliant can be used twice a week, or as needed. The most important thing is to use a cleanser and exfoliant that are appropriate for your skin type. Oily skin will benefit from a light, foaming cleanser that is oil-free and contains astringent properties to control excess sebum production. Sensitive skin will need a gentle, hydrating cleanser to prevent redness and irritated skin.

Moisturising

Face cleansers help your skin keep its healthy barrier intact by preventing the over-production of sebum which leads to oily skin. They also help reduce the build-up of impurities that can lead to clogged pores and acne. Regular cleansing also helps prevent premature aging by encouraging the natural turnover of new cells.

Face Cleanser also helps remove any makeup, dirt or oil that may be stuck in your pores. This is important because a dirty skin is an ideal environment for microorganisms to grow face cleanser and cause breakouts. Many dermatologists recommend double-cleansing, an easy two-step routine that focuses on removing excess oil and makeup while keeping your skin’s barrier healthy.

A good cleanser should have a pH of between 4-6 and be gentle on the skin. This is because harsh cleansers can damage the skin’s surface causing dryness and irritation, which can then lead to more oil production. It’s also a good idea to avoid vigorously rubbing your face when you cleanse because this can cause micro-tears which contribute to fine lines and wrinkles.

There are a variety of face cleansers available with different formulations that cater to specific skin types and preferences. Gel cleansers can be very effective at removing makeup and sebum because they are clear and can often have exfoliating properties while foaming cleaners emulsify oils and impurities and rinse away easily.

Hydrating

Using a face wash that is specifically designed to hydrate the skin helps lock in moisture and prevent water loss. This will help prolong the results of your facial and keep your skin feeling soft, smooth and supple to the touch.

A hydrating cleanser is often gentler than regular cleansers and is designed to gently remove makeup, impurities and excess oil. It is also often formulated to use mild exfoliants to slough away dead skin cells without stripping the face of its natural oils. It may also contain soothing ingredients to calm and comfort the skin.

Some hydrating cleansers are also enriched with ingredients that help to replenish the skin and keep it hydrated such as hyaluronic acid or ceramides. The hydrating cleanser may also be free from fragrance and sulfates to make it suitable for even the most sensitive skin.

Hydrating face wash is often a gel formula that gently lifts impurities from the pores and is then rinsed away. Some hydrating cleansers are gentle enough for everyday use and can be used in conjunction with other skin care products such as facial oils and moisturizers. If you are unsure which product to use for your skin type we recommend performing a patch test with any new product. Our bestselling facial cleanser Benefit Clean is soap-free and contains nourishing grapefruit oil and Australian sandalwood for a clean that is gentle enough for every day use.