Facial cleansers: what are there and how to choose?
In the old days, the choice of cleansers was limited to soap. Nowadays, the range of cleansing cosmetics is so large that choosing the right product can be very difficult.
Let's dwell on the description of the most popular products for washing and give recommendations on choosing the optimal composition for different skin types.
Features and composition
Daily facial cleansing should be a must-have ritual for every modern woman, even if she does not use cosmetics or apply cream. Throughout the day, our skin secretes natural oils, detoxifies, they react with dirt and dust particles. And if we consider that the overwhelming majority of women cover their face with a tonal foundation, then you can well imagine what tests the skin goes through from morning to evening.
Our mothers and grandmothers washed their faces with soap, however, this method of skin protection is by no means the most gentle and gentle. It is no secret that soap significantly lowers the pH of the skin and leads to its overdrying.
Fortunately, today it can be successfully replaced with one of the modern cleansers, which are presented in a variety of forms: gels, mousses, foams, tonics, balms, and more. The choice is so great that sometimes the eyes start to "run up". It is important to understand that there is no universal remedy, and each skin type has its own individual formulations.
An incorrectly selected type of product will not only not give a positive effect, moreover, it can aggravate the condition and even harm the skin.
If the active ingredients of the product are incompatible with a particular type of skin, then they begin to destroy the lipid barrier... As a result, dryness, flaking, a feeling of tightness in the skin and many other problems can appear. Therefore, the selection of a means for cleaning the face must be taken seriously and instead of aggressive surfactants, you must make your choice in favor of softer ones that have positive properties. These include the following components:
- Caprylyl;
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine;
- Coco-Betaine;
- Coco-Glucoside.
For women with problematic and oily skin, it is better to purchase formulations based on lactic, glycolic, as well as salicylic or fruit acids. The effect of these components is aimed at pulling impurities from the pores, reducing the activity of the sebaceous glands and, as a result, fighting inflammation, acne, comedones and increased sebum.
Nourishing natural oils in the composition of cleansers are beneficial for the skin. But with regard to plant extracts, the opinions of cosmetologists are divided, because to achieve a pronounced effect, these components must be in contact with the epidermis for at least 15-20 minutes. When it comes to gels, tonics and micellar water, this is not always possible.
Hazardous components in the composition include:
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate;
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate;
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate.
Unfortunately, these days, such ingredients are often found even in expensive branded cosmetics. They attract with their low cost, and in order to minimize their aggressive effect on the skin, manufacturers generously add a large amount of emollient components to the composition. Whether to use such care products is up to you.
In many gels and mousses, it often occurs mineral oil. On the one hand, it moisturizes the skin, after using products based on it, there is no feeling of dryness and tightness. On the other hand, this ingredient is a product of oil refining. By nature a chemical it clogs pores, leading to acne, blackheads, inflammation and acne.
Such cosmetics are best avoided.
Species overview
Gels
For owners of oily and combination skin, gels will be a good choice. The active ingredients penetrate deep into the dermis, draw out sebum, neutralize all impurities and toxins.
With the systematic use of the gel, the activity of the sebaceous glands is normalized, irritation is eliminated, the relief is leveled and the skin color is improved.
Mousses
Such a tool is optimal for combating oily sheen and contamination of the epidermis. Foaming mousse gently cleanses but it does not dehydrate the skin.
Moreover, active surfactants of the composition contribute to the restoration and regeneration of cells.
Milk
This is a gentle treatment for dry skin. Cosmetic milk helps to soften, nourish and moisturize tissues, eliminates inflammation and neutralizes flaking.
Hydrophilic oils
The perfect solution for all skin types. When interacting with water, this oil takes the form of a pleasant emulsion, which effectively removes dirt and make-up residues.
At the same time, the lipid barrier remains intact, and the production of fat remains at its original level.
Micellar water
The effectiveness of such an agent is associated with the activity of micelles, which are molecules from the category of aggressive surfactants. Micellar water is effective for all skin types and is included in the lines of most well-known cosmetic brands.
Soap
Can be used to cleanse the skin, however, this should be more of a one-off, coercive measure when no other cleaning care products are available. The fact is that the alkalinity of ordinary soap is 9-11 units, while the natural balance of normal skin is 4.5-5.5, dry - 3-4.5, and oily - 5.8-7. Thus, frequent use of soap upsets the acid-base balance and causes dryness, irritation and tightness. Not so long ago, syndets appeared on the market - these are synthetic formulations with a pH of 5.5 that effectively remove impurities and relieve inflammation on the face well.
However, they should not be used too often, as they dry out with prolonged contact with the skin.
Creams and balms
This category is represented by a foaming emulsion made from herbal extracts and oils. Optimal for dry skin although if they contain tea tree oil, then the remedy will be useful for oily dermis.
Rating of the best funds
Let us dwell in more detail on the most effective, according to users, means for cleaning the face.
Avene Cleanance Gel optimal for oily dermis, quickly penetrates deep into the pores, draws out sebum and dirt, helps to normalize the activity of the sebaceous glands.
Another effective, but slightly more budgetary gel - "Pure Line" with aloe "Purification".
The active ingredients of the gel cleanse, matte and refresh the skin.
In high demand among girls and women is micellar water from Garnier, its soft ingredients are suitable even for dry and sensitive skin. No less effective and Nivea water - herbal ingredients are included in its composition, they do not cause irritation, do not contain silicones, artificial parabens, aromatic fragrances, therefore, the product is hypoallergenic and safe even with frequent use.
Of the most demanded funds, one can single out Secrets of Arctica mousse from Planeta Organica. Its structure includes organic oils and plant extracts, which help to gently cleanse and moisturize the epidermis.
For daily use, you can recommend Kora mousse, it is optimal for sensitive as well as dry skin.
The mousse does not contain abrasive particles and irritating components, it acts mildly, but very effectively.
Is in high demand milk "Black Pearl". With its frequent use, the skin becomes cleaner, hydrated, radiant and well-groomed, its turgor and elasticity increase, and the complexion is evened out.
Among hydrophilic oils, the best reviews were awarded to Kanebo Kracie Naive Deep Cleansing Oil based on natural olive oil with the addition of macadamia nut extract.
The ingredients of the preparation penetrate deeply into the tissues, draw out toxins and eliminate all irritations.
The TOP of the most effective cleansers includes Russian VkusVill gel, after treatment, the skin remains silky, soft and moisturized, acquires a healthy look. Does not contain mineral oils, lanolin and other synthetic additives.
Despite the fact that these days women rarely use soap, users still note the high effectiveness of the Korean remedy. Organic shop Organic Kitchen. It is a nourishing soap that cleanses, fights skin imperfections, heals it and gives it a natural glow.
Selection Tips
In order to choose the right product for washing, you should use the recommendations of cosmetologists.
For women with oily skin, gels and mousses are the best choice because they contain ingredients that regulate sebum production. These components include:
- lavender oil;
- olive oil;
- menthol;
- salicylic acid;
- rosemary;
- clay;
- zinc.
They help reduce inflammation, unclog pores, and effectively fight acne and acne breakouts.
For girls and women with dry skin, you can recommend a cream or milk - they are enriched with moisturizing and nourishing ingredients:
- aloe vera extract;
- raspberry juice;
- sorbitol;
- vitamin and mineral complex.
For sensitive dermis choosing an effective remedy can be quite problematic. Experienced cosmetologists advise purchasing a composition based on a rose or pharmacy chamomile.
But to the owners normal skin without fear, you can use compositions of any category, but products with oils are especially effective for them.
For aging skin gels and creams with retinol, as well as green tea and a complex of vitamins, will be a good choice.
Application rules
Many representatives of the fair sex neglect the morning cleansing of the skin, believing that since there was no makeup on their face at night, it is not necessary to wash their face. This is a common mistake, the subcutaneous glands work at night, and their activity is no lower than during the day. While the body is resting, the cells of the dermis produce toxins and fat, creating a favorable environment for bacteria, which causes acne and pimples on the face. This is why morning cleaning should be a must.
However, you should not rush to the other extreme and apply cleansing cosmetics several times a day. Two washes will be quite enough, excessive cleaning causes the destruction of the lipid protective layer, overdrying of the skin, and its peeling.
There are some basic rules to make your daily washing routine the most effective.
- Before you start cleansing your face, be sure to wash your hands - this will avoid skin infection.
- Before applying milk, gel, lotion or micellar water, you should remove all decorative cosmetics... First of all, this applies to mascara, since many formulations are powerless against waterproof eye cosmetics.
- It is advisable to wash warm or cool water, since hot causes increased activity of the sebaceous glands.
- During skin cleansing do not rub it vigorously. Do not use sponges and washcloths - it will be enough to gently touch the skin along the massage lines.
- After cleaning, it is advisable to leave the skin dry naturally or just blot with a soft towel - do not rub it.
You can find out how to choose a good face wash below.