What Does Cleanser Do? A Guide To Their Benefits and Usage Tips

Cleansers help prevent clogged pores, acne, and other skin issues by removing dirt, oil, makeup, and impurities from the skin. 

It is important to understand the different types of cleansers since each type suits different skin types and concerns. 

Using the right cleanser ensures effective cleaning without stripping the skin's natural moisture, promoting a balanced, clear, and radiant complexion.

Today, we will answer the question "what do face cleansers do?" — from the benefits you can expect to how to use them properly.

What Is A Cleanser? 

Cleansers helps maintain skin health by preventing clogged pores, which can lead to acne. It also reduces blemishes and balances oils without stripping your skin.

Cleansers, like Kinship’s Naked Papaya, play a fundamental role in skincare by effectively removing dirt, oil, makeup, and impurities from the skin. 

Cleansers thoroughly cleanse the skin, reducing the risk of bacterial buildup and inflammation and promoting a clearer and healthier complexion. 

They also prepare the skin for the next skincare products, enhancing their absorption and effectiveness. 

What Does Cleansing Do To Your Face? 

By regularly using face cleansers, you can enjoy the benefits listed below and maintain healthy, vibrant skin over time.

• Prevention of Acne and Breakouts: By removing dirt, oil, and impurities, cleansing helps prevent clogged pores, reducing the risk of acne breakouts.
• Improved Skin Texture: Consistent cleansing promotes smoother skin by removing dead skin cells and impurities, leading to a smoother, more even skin tone.
• Enhanced Absorption of Skincare Products: Clean skin allows for better absorption of moisturizers, serums, and other skincare products, making them more effective in treating skin concerns.
• Balanced Skin Hydration: Proper cleansing maintains the skin's natural moisture barrier, preventing dryness and excessive oiliness.
• Anti-Aging Benefits: Removing environmental pollutants and impurities helps prevent oxidative stress, which can accelerate visible signs of aging. Clean skin can also better absorb anti-aging ingredients.
• Prevention of Infections and Irritations: Regularly cleansing the skin reduces the likelihood of bacterial buildup and irritations, helping to prevent skin infections and inflammatory conditions.
• Healthy, Radiant Complexion: Long-term cleansing promotes a clearer, brighter complexion, contributing to an overall healthier and more radiant appearance.

 

Types of Cleansers

Understanding the different types of face cleansers helps in choosing the right one for specific skin needs.

Below are the kinds of cleansers you can choose from.

• Gel Cleansers: These are water-based cleansers with a gel-like consistency, and are best for oily and acne-prone skin. They are effective at deep cleaning and removing excess oil and acne-causing bacteria.
• Foam Cleansers: These cleansers start as a liquid or cream and produce a foamy lather when applied. They are light and airy, effectively removing impurities and excess oil. They are best for oily and combination skin.
• Cream Cleansers: These cleansers are rich and creamy in texture, providing a moisturizing cleanse. They are gentle on the skin and cleanse without stripping away natural oils, which makes them great for dry and sensitive skin.
• Oil Cleansers: Oil-based cleansers dissolve impurities without disrupting the skin's natural oils, making them excellent for removing heavy makeup and sunscreen. They are great for all skin types, but especially dry and sensitive skin.
• Micellar Water: Micellar water is a water-like cleanser containing micelles that attract and remove dirt and oil. This is a no-rinse formula that is gentle and effective at removing makeup. It is great for all skin types, particularly sensitive skin.
• Clay Cleansers: These contain natural clay, which has detoxifying properties. They draw out impurities and absorb excess oil. They are good for oily and acne-prone skin.
• Powder Cleansers: These contain finely milled powder that turns into a paste or foam when mixed with water. They allow for gentle exfoliation and customizable consistency. These are great for all skin types, especially sensitive and combination skin.
• Bar Cleansers: These cleansers come in a solid bar form, similar to soap but formulated for facial skin. They are long-lasting and eco-friendly due to minimal packaging. These are best for normal and oily skin.

Choosing the Right Cleanser for Your Skin Type

It is important to choose a face cleanser that effectively addresses your skin’s unique needs and helps maintain a healthy complexion.

Below are some tips to consider.

• Identify Your Skin Type
• Oily Skin: This is characterized by excess oil and shine, especially in the T-zone. Look for gel or foam cleansers that can effectively remove excess oil and cleanse deeply without stripping the skin.
• Dry Skin: This feels tight, rough, or flaky and lacks moisture. Look for cream or oil-based cleansers that provide hydration and do not strip the skin of its natural oils.
• Combination Skin: This is normally oily in the T-zone but dry or normal in other areas. Look for balancing cleansers that can address both oily and dry patches of skin without causing irritation.
• Sensitive Skin: This is prone to redness, irritation, or reactions to certain products. Look for hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic cleansers that are gentle and soothing.
• Normal Skin: This is balanced such that it is not too oily or dry. Look for mild cleansers that maintain the skin’s natural balance without causing dryness or oiliness.
• Consider Your Skin Concerns: For instance, if you have acne-prone skin, look for cleansers with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Meanwhile, if you want to manage aging skin, opt for cleansers with anti-aging ingredients like peptides or antioxidants.
• Check the Formulation: Ensure the cleanser's pH is close to the skin’s natural pH (around 5.5) to avoid disrupting the skin barrier. Avoid sulfates, alcohol, and artificial fragrances, which can irritate the skin.
• Patch Test: Before using a new cleanser on your face, do a patch test on a small area of your skin to check for any adverse reactions.
• Seek Professional Advice: If you are unsure, consult with a dermatologist for personalized recommendations based on your skin type and concerns.

Ingredients to Look for in Cleansers

When choosing a face cleanser, it is important to look for ingredients that are effective and suitable for your skin type. Below are some key ingredients to look for in face cleansers and their benefits.

• Salicylic Acid: This exfoliates the skin, unclogs pores, and reduces acne. It is great for oily and acne-prone skin.
• Glycolic Acid: This ingredient is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates dead skin cells, improves skin texture, and brightens the complexion. It is best for combating dull and uneven skin tones.
• Hyaluronic Acid: This is a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture, keeping the skin hydrated and plump. It is best for dry and dehydrated skin.
• Tea Tree Oil: This oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, helps control oil, and reduces acne. It is good for oily and acne-prone skin.
• Chamomile: This soothes and calms irritated skin and reduces redness and inflammation, making it great for sensitive and reactive skin.
• Aloe Vera: This hydrates, soothes, and heals the skin, providing a cooling effect. It is good for all skin types but especially great for sensitive and sunburned skin.
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): This reduces inflammation, improves skin elasticity, and strengthens the skin barrier. It is also great for all skin types but is especially helpful for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
• Vitamin C: This antioxidant brightens the skin, reduces pigmentation, and protects against free radicals, making it good for dull and uneven skin tone.
• Charcoal: This detoxifies the skin by drawing out impurities and toxins, reducing excess oil. It is excellent for oily and acne-prone skin.
• Green Tea Extract: This contains antioxidants that protect the skin from environmental damage and reduce inflammation. It is great for all skin types, especially sensitive and acne-prone skin.

How to Properly Use a Cleanser

When doing your skincare routine, it is important to learn how to properly use a cleanser to maximize its benefits.

First, the amount of cleanser to use. For most cleanser types and people, a dime-sized amount is typically enough.

However, if you are using a foaming cleanser, a smaller amount may be enough since it lathers up more.

Cleanser should ideally be used twice a day. Cleansing in the morning helps remove excess oil and sweat produced overnight, preparing your skin for the day and any skincare products or makeup you plan to apply.

Meanwhile, evening cleansing removes makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and pollutants that accumulate on your skin throughout the day. This helps prevent clogged pores and allows your skin to repair overnight.

On top of that, you should also consider following the tips to effectively use cleanser.

• Remove Makeup: If you are wearing heavy makeup, consider using a makeup remover or micellar water before your regular cleanser to ensure all traces are removed.
• Wet Your Face: Use lukewarm water to wet your face. Avoid hot water since it can strip your skin of natural oils and cause irritation.

• Massaging Technique: Avoid scrubbing too hard, as this can irritate your skin. Gentle massaging helps stimulate blood circulation and ensures the cleanser penetrates deeply. Spend about 30 seconds to 1 minute massaging the cleanser into your skin to effectively break down dirt and oils.
• Pat Dry: Gently pat your face dry with a clean, soft towel. Avoid rubbing, as this can irritate the skin.

• Be Consistent: Stick to a regular cleansing routine, typically twice a day — morning and night. However, if you have very dry or sensitive skin, you might opt for cleansing only once a day at night.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

You should also be aware of the common mistakes people make when using cleansers. Avoiding these can help you make the most of your product.

• Using the Wrong Cleanser for Your Skin Type: A cleanser that does not suit your skin type will be ineffective. For instance, using a harsh cleanser on dry skin might damage it more. As such, select a cleanser based on your skin type and concerns. For instance, use a hydrating cleanser for dry skin.

• Not Removing Makeup First: Trying to cleanse with makeup still on can lead to inadequate removal of impurities. Use a makeup remover or micellar water to remove makeup before cleansing to ensure a thorough cleanse.

• Rushing the Cleansing Process: Not spending enough time massaging the cleanser into your skin may render it ineffective. Cleansers need to be gently massaged into the skin to effectively break down impurities and oil.

• Not Rinsing Thoroughly: Leaving cleanser residue on the skin can cause irritation and dryness. Rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove all traces of the cleanser.

• Using Dirty Towels: Using a dirty or shared towel can introduce bacteria to your freshly cleansed skin. Always use a clean, soft towel and pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it.

• Skipping Moisturizer After Cleansing: Not moisturizing after cleansing can leave your skin dry and unprotected. Apply a suitable moisturizer immediately after cleansing while your skin is still slightly damp to lock in moisture.

• Ignoring the Jaw and Neckline: Neglecting to cleanse the neck and jawline can lead to breakouts and uneven skin texture in those areas. Extend your cleansing routine to include the neck and jawline for a comprehensive cleanse.

• Switching Cleansers Too Frequently: Constantly changing cleansers can disrupt your skin’s balance. Stick to a cleanser that works for you and give it time to show results unless you experience adverse reactions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Cleansing is an important part of the skincare routine. Below are a few quick questions and answers regarding cleansers.

Is Cleanser the Same as Face Wash?

No, a cleanser is not the same as a face wash. Face wash cleans your pores more deeply, making it good for removing stubborn impurities. Meanwhile, a cleanser also moisturizes and nourishes the skin.

Is My Cleanser Making My Skin Oily?

A cleanser can make your skin oily if it is too harsh for your skin since it can trigger an increase in oil production.

Key Takeaways on What Does Cleanser Do

Cleansers remove impurities from the skin, preventing breakouts and preparing your skin for the next skincare products.

It is important to choose the right cleanser for your skin type and concerns. You should also learn to use the cleanser properly to maximize its benefits. 

Cleansing is an important first step of the skincare routine. As such, find the right cleanser and follow our tips to create a base for healthy, glowing skin.