Your skin is your largest organ and a crucial part of several bodily functions. Not only is it the flexible, self-healing barrier that supports the immune system, but it’s also part of a complex network that helps slough off cellular waste material that builds up throughout the day and night. Glands in the skin also play an active role in the excretory system; secreting toxins and excess minerals from the body.
Key facts to consider:
- When we cleanse our faces in the morning, we are removing these waste materials that have built up while we have been blissfully sleeping.
- When we cleanse our faces at night, we are removing the cosmetics, pollutants and bacteria that our skin has collected throughout the day.
In addition to this, without properly cleansing our skin, we are restricting the usefulness of any product that we might use on it. Whether we swear by an anti-ageing serum or can’t do without our daily moisturiser, it’s worth considering that unless the skin has been effectively cleansed, it won’t fully absorb the magical ingredients found in our day-to-day products.
As with moisturisers and other skincare products, there are different cleansers to suit different skin types, so be sure to invest in one that’s perfect for your skin’s needs.
Our quick guide to cleanser types:
For Dry Skin:
Choose a cleanser with moisturiser in it. Avoid soapy cleansers, which will dry the skin. Look for a cleanser with a creamy consistency.
TIP: When applying cleanser, it also helps if you do so in a circular motion. This may encourage production in oil glands.
Cleansers that we recommend for Dry Skin and that we stock at our clinic:
- Avene Gentle Milk Cleanser
- NeoStrata Restore Facial Cleanser
- Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser
For Oily Skin:
Use a soapy cleanser, to clean pores thoroughly and remove excess oil. Gel-based cleansers are a good option for oily skin but avoid those with a high concentration of alcohol. Alcohol ‘over-dries’ the skin and the result can be that your body reacts by creating more!
Cleansers that we recommend for Oily Skin and that we stock at our clinic:
- Aknicare Cleanser
- NeoStrata Refine Clarifying Facial Cleanser
- Tebiskin Glyclean
- Obagi Foaming CLENZIderm Cleanser
- Obagi CLENZIderm Daily Care Cream Cleanser
- Avene Cleanance Soapless Gel Cleanser
For Sensitive or Acne-Prone Skin:
Avoid any extra dyes or perfumes. A gentle cleanser without alcohol would be perfect. Glycerine is a good choice for sensitive skin because it is strong enough to clean without drying out the skin.
TIP: When applying cleanser, be gentle! Irritated skin can worsen with over-zealous rubbing or pulling.
Cleansers that we recommend for Sensitive Skin and that we stock at our clinic:
- NeoStrata Restore Facial Cleanser
- Aknicare Gentle Cleansing Gel
- Obagi CLENZIderm Cream Cleanser 1
- Obagi CLENZIderm Foaming Cleanser 1
- Obagi Rosaclear Gentle Cleanser
- Tebiskin Soothclean
For Combination Skin:
Combination skin is more difficult to treat, but there are plenty of cleansers that can help. Low foaming cleansers will cleanse the oily parts, without drying the already dry areas. Water soluble cleansers which are light and don’t leave a residue can also help.
Cleansers that we recommend for Combination Skin and that we stock at our clinic:
- Avene Gentle Gel Cleanser
- SkinCeuticals Simply Clean
- NeoStrata Restore Facial Cleanser
- Obagi Cleansing Gel with Vitamin C
For Ageing Skin:
Cleansers that we recommend and that we stock at our clinic:
- NeoStrata Resurface Foaming Glycolic Wash
- Obagi Nu-Derm 1 Gentle Cleanser
- Terproline Remover
For Sufferers of Rosacea:
Cleansers that we recommend and that we stock at our clinic:
- Obagi Rosaclear Gentle Cleanser
- Rosacure Gentle Cleansing Gel
Our clinic staff are always on hand to take a look at your skin, hear about your specific needs and concerns and to recommend a suitable cleanser for you. Please feel free to drop into the clinic if you would like us to advise you on what could be the best tool in your skincare toolkit!
We are currently offering 20% off our whole range of recommended cleansers as an incentive for you to invest in a cleanser that will really benefit your skin
