Not All Cleansers Are the Same? The Best Facial Cleanser

As a teen, much like the highs and lows of life that we experience, the skin is also prone to having its good and bad days because these are the years that it’s at its most volatile, sensitive state. From acne, sensitivity, dryness, oiliness and more, teens face a number of various skincare concerns. This is why cleansing is especially important during our teen years. Proper cleansing makes a clean slate for clearer skin, and can help to control the hormonal changes we see in our complexion. But with the recent wave of innovative cleansers, it’s difficult to decide what the best facial cleanser is for our skin. The world of cleansers is surprisingly vast, which is why we’ve broken down the difference between each type.Watch the full video about " 5 Cleansing Secrets! How to Cleanse Properly for Acne Skin & Remove Heavy Makeup | Teen Beauty Bible”

Q. Why is cleansing important?

It’s simple: just like we wash our hands before eating, cleansing our face gets rid of the bacteria, germs, and other impurities that we’ve racked up on our skin throughout the day. Cleansing should always be the first step of any skincare routine because it’s also the first step to having a clear, healthy, glowing complexion. It lays the groundwork for a good skincare routine by providing a clean base that can better absorb the goodness of the products you apply afterwards, like toner, serum and moisturizer. Especially as a teen, when the skin is at its most irritable, volatile state, it’s important to keep the skin clear of impurities so that there is no room for infection, inflammation, or acne to pop up. Improper, or lack of, cleansing can leave room for makeup and other impurities to lay dormant on our skin and cause future problems, while on the flip side, too much cleansing can be harsh on the skin and strip it of its natural protective oils. This is why we have to keep in mind that the best facial cleanser is going to be different for everyone based on their needs.

Q. What are the factors to consider when choosing a cleanser?

1. Function

While its the job of a cleanser to remove impurities, no cleanser should ever leave your skin feeling tight by stripping it of its natural oils. A cleanser must function to not only cleanse, but also keep the skin hydrated and healthy. Checking the functionality of a cleanser is important to make sure that it caters to your skin type, and other skincare needs. Some cleansers double as a makeup remover, scrub, exfoliator and more.

2. pH

The skin’s acid mantle pH level falls between 4.5 and 5.5, and is important to maintain because it functions to protect the skin’s own natural moisture. On that note, some cleansers are too alkaline (pH > 7) , or too acidic (pH < 7) for the skin, and disrupt the skin’s pH level, and therefore harm the acid mantle. Making sure that a cleanser’s pH level falls within the same pH level of the skin ensures that you can avoid upsetting the skin with symptoms such as redness, breakouts, and dry skin.

3. Formula

The texture and formula of a cleanser can make or break it. Depending on whether your skin falls on the more dry or oily side, or if it is more durable or sensitive, you might want to opt for a thicker or more lightweight formula. For example, those with dry skin can handle richer formulations that are oil-based, while those with sensitive skin might want to stick to a mild foam cleanser.

4. Ingredients

A skincare product is only as good as its ingredients. Look out for potentially irritating ingredients like animal-based ingredients, parabens, mineral oils, preservatives and artificial fragrances, and stick to a more natural, plant-based ingredient list. Ingredients like charcoal are effective in controlling oil and sebum production, while ingredients like centella asiatica extract are good for soothing irritated skin.

Q. What are the different benefits of different types of cleansers?

Type 1. Foam Cleansers

Foam cleansers make for the best facial cleanser for those looking to combat oily or acne-prone skin. Their lightweight formula is not only effective in breaking down dirt and other impurities, but also great in removing the excess oil that leads to constantly having to blot your face. The texture itself is also great for those with sensitive skin, as the soft bubbles reduce the amount of physical irritation to the skin. In addition to this, foam cleansers are usually well equipped to calm and tackle inflammation.

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- Products to try: [KLAIRS] Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser

Type 2. Oil Cleansers

Oil cleansers are the best facial cleanser when you’re looking for an all-in-one type of product. They’re great at getting every last bit of even that pesky waterproof mascara off, and penetrate deep into the skin to remove any oil-based impurities and debris, even working to control and balance oil levels in the skin for a clear, refreshed complexion. This leads to a decrease in blackheads, sebum production, and even acne. What’s even greater is that the fatty oils contain in oil cleansers can even reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with continued use over time for more plump, hydrated, elastic skin.

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- Products to try: [KLAIRS] Gentle Deep Black Cleansing Oil

Type 3. Soaps

Soaps are great cleansers just because of how many different types there are out on the market. Depending on their formula, ingredients and creation process, soaps can also function to not only cleanse, but also care for pores, acne, and other skincare concerns. There are also many soaps that boast a hypo-allergenic ingredient list, formulated primarily with plant-based oils and other natural ingredients, making them free from potential irritants like animal-based ingredients, parabens, mineral oils, preservatives and artificial fragrances. Similar to foam cleansers, soaps are also gentle on the skin because they are typically used after lathering in the hands, eliminating any potential physical abrasion to the skin.

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- Products to try: [KLAIRS] Gentle Black Sugar Charcoal Soap

Type 4. Enzyme Powder Washes

Of the various type of cleansers there are, power washes can still feel a bit strange because of how new they are to the skincare world. Delve deeper into this strange new phenomenon, and find out that they’re actually an interesting way to cleanse, and cleanse well. Power washes are usually multi-functional, helping to gently exfoliate, promote cell turnover, brighten and fade pigmentation, all while thoroughly cleansing the skin. Depending on how much water you add to the mix, it can also double as a gentle scrub. They’re the best facial cleanser for traveling as well because you don’t have to worry about any spills!

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- Products to try: [BY WISHTREND] Green Tea & Enzyme Powder Wash

Type 5. Gel Cleansers

Gels make great cleansers because they leave the face feeling clean and fresh without stripping the skin of any of its natural, protective oils. More mild than the traditional soap, gels cleansers often also contain acne-combating ingredients, and offer hydrating relief to dry skin while staying gentle. Regardless of what skin type you have, gel cleansers work well to wash away impurities while leaving the skin feeling hydrated, balanced, and soothed.

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- Products to try: [COSRX] Low pH Good Morning Gel CleanserFind out more articles on 'Glam Black'! Want to see more articles on 'cleansing'?- 7 Cleansers For Different Skin Types! How to Choose The Best Face Wash For Your Skin!- In-Depth: Benefits of Green Tea? [BY WISHTREND] Green Tea & Enzyme Powder Wash- 4 Steps Blackheads Removal Routine You Can Do Daily!- Myths and Truths About Cleansing Oil & Oil Cleansing

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