The Importance of Using a Face Cleanser

Face cleanser is an important step in any skin care routine, removing makeup, oil, dirt, and other impurities. This helps keep pores clear and clean and can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, blemishes, or scars.

Cleansers come in many forms, including micellar waters, foaming gels, creams, and even wipes. We’ve picked our favorites for all skin types, ranging from gentle and hydrating to soothing for those with eczema.

What is a Face Cleanser?

Cleansers are products used to remove makeup, dirt and oils that build up on the skin throughout the day. Using a face cleanser can help prevent breakouts and leave your skin feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and moisturized.

Face washes are available in a variety of textures including gel, liquid and cream. They usually contain a surfactant which, upon dissolving in water, acts by lowering the interfacial tension to gently lift impurities from the skin’s surface. Some face washes also contain an emollient to gently nourish the skin.

Most dermatologists recommend using a gentle face cleanser in the AM and PM as part of your magic skincare routine. Cleansing is especially important for those with acne, as well as those prone to inflammation or irritation.

If you have dry skin, choose a gentle face wash with nourishing ingredients Face Cleanser like niacinamide and barrier-restoring ceramides to keep your complexion hydrated and healthy-looking. Likewise, if you have oily skin, try an oil-free cleanser with powerful natural ingredients like manuka honey to balance excess sebum and prevent future breakouts.

If you have combination skin, a gel or foaming face wash is ideal because it provides the best of both worlds. The emulsifiers in these types of face washes create lather that effectively removes oil, dirt and makeup without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.

How to Clean Your Face

Washing your face is one of the most important steps in any skin care routine, but many people do it incorrectly. That can lead to redness, irritation, breakouts and clogged pores. “It’s really important to know how to do it properly,” says Shari Lipner, a dermatologist and associate professor at Weill Cornell Medical Center.

To do it correctly, start with clean hands (if you’re wearing makeup, use micellar water or an oil-based cleanser to gently remove it before cleansing). Wet your skin with lukewarm — not hot, not cold — water and apply your preferred facial cleanser using your fingertips. Then massage for a minute or so and rinse thoroughly with warm water to avoid stripping the skin of its natural oils. Pat your face dry with a soft towel and follow up with a light moisturizer.

If you have sensitive skin, try switching to a gentle cleanser that’s free of harsh detergents and fragrances. Opt for a non-comedogenic formula and consider ingredients that address your specific concerns, such as salicylic acid to prevent future breakouts and unclog pores, green tea extract to fade dark spots and boost the skin’s natural healing process and licorice extract to help lighten pigmentation and even out skin tone. And if you have oily skin, a cleansing gel or foaming cleanser may be better for you than a liquid soap.

Cleansing Routine

As you go through the day, your skin encounters a variety of pore-clogging dirt and oil. Washing your face regularly removes these impurities and keeps pores clear. It also allows the skin to absorb other skincare products more effectively.

Cleansing is especially important if you wear makeup, sweat or have an active lifestyle. You should cleanse your skin at least twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed. Depending on your skin type, you may also want to double cleanse in the evening.

If you have oily skin, you may need to wash your face more frequently as it tends to produce more oils. You should use a cleanser that removes oil, dirt and makeup without stripping the skin. Look for a gel or foam cleanser that does not contain sulfates, dyes and masking fragrance and is gentle enough for sensitive skin.

People with dry skin should avoid harsh cleansers that can strip the face of its natural oils and lead to an even drier complexion. Instead, try a creamy, non-foaming cleanser like the Youth to the People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser that contains glycerin for hydration and skin-loving antioxidants to combat visible signs of aging.

If you are prone to allergies or sensitivity, make sure to choose a cleanser that is free of sulfates, fragrance, phthalates, parabens and formaldehyde releasers. The Youth to the People Superfood Antioxidant cleanser is also free of common allergens such as gluten, soy, nuts, eggs and milk, making it a safe option for people with sensitive skin.

Cleansing Products

A face wash is the first step in a face cleanser skincare routine, so it’s important to find the right formula for your skin type. If you have oily skin, for example, look for a cleanser with astringent properties that help control excess sebum and deep clean pores. If you have dry skin, on the other hand, choose a nourishing gel or cream that’s formulated with hydrating ingredients, like red ginseng and vitamin B5, to hydrate and soothe the complexion.

You can also find exfoliating cleansers that resurface the complexion by sloughing away dead skin cells and dissolving blackheads. If you’re looking to minimize breakouts, look for one that’s formulated with salicylic acid, which is known to target pimples and clear clogged pores. This product by SkinCeuticals is an excellent choice for those with acne-prone skin, as it contains a blend of exfoliating acids to improve the appearance of pores and reduce the frequency of breakouts.

You can also find cleansing wipes, mitts and sponges that don’t require the use of any cleansers at all to remove makeup, dirt, oil and other debris from the complexion. These products are typically infused with gentle and soothing ingredients, such as aloe vera and prebiotics, to provide a calming experience for easily inflamed or irritated skin. A popular option is the Youth to the People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser, which combines a cooling gel texture with a powerful blend of antioxidants and botanicals. It’s eco-friendly, too, coming in powder form to reduce single-use plastic waste and promote sustainability.