What is a Cleanser?
If you want to experience the impact of a cleanser, watch what happens when you start your skincare journey or accelerate its impact with the right cleanser being your step one. Cleansers in skincare are used to remove dead skin cells, oil, dirt, makeup and other types of pollutants from the skin, boosting skin barrier health.
The skin typically accumulates dirt and oil from the environment, and natural oils produced by the skin particularly in teenagers, eventually blocking the pores resulting in acne in many cases. You can use your cleanser in the AM and PM and follow up with a non-comedogenic moisturiser – one that does not clog pores. Check out our Neulii natural squalane desertica moisture cream that replenishes the skin by locking in moisture here.
A 3-step routine forms the basis of any skincare routine hence our fundamental routine here at Uncover which has always been to cleanse, moisturise and protect. That’s why we created our essentials skincare kit which is ideal if you have normal skin, and perfect for beginners. You can check out our beginner’s guide for more information or take our skin quiz for a personalised skincare routine in just a few steps.
PS – Cleansers come in different consistencies with most of them being gel-like or in cream form. They can also either be foaming or non-foaming. What’s your preference? Let us know in the comments.
The importance of using a cleanser
You might wonder why cleansers are a necessity when you can just use regular soap – duh! The fact is conventional soaps strip the skin of its natural oils because they tend to have a pH value that is higher than the skin’s. Others contain fragrance and even parabens which could irritate and cause more damage to skin in the long run. For more on ingredients to avoid in skincare products click here.
6 steps to consider when using a cleanser
- Wash your hands to avoid transferring dirt and germs onto the face.
- Wet your face with lukewarm water.
- Apply the cleanser.
- Gently massage the face using small circular motions.
- Rinse well.
- Pat your face dry with a soft towel.
PS – What you do afterwards depends on your skin goals and the time of the day. If you have oily skin your best bet is to follow up with a toner or toner pads. If you’re cleansing in the AM you should use sunscreen as your last step. Serums, on the other hand, come through when addressing specific concerns such as hyperpigmentation. For expert advice on building a skincare routine click here. Trust us, it’s not as complicated as it sounds!
3 key combinations to look for when choosing the right cleanser
- Salicylic acid in very low concentrations, green tea, and African rice extract to deeply cleanse the skin, remove impurities and excess oil without stripping the skin’s moisture. Shop here.
- Cica to calm and soothe the skin with its antibacterial and inflammatory properties. Shop here.
- Salicylic acid if you have acne, feel dryness after cleansing or want mild cleansing. Shop here.
Which option will you be checking out? Let us know below 🙂
