My skin is exposed to different daily situations, such as environmental pollution, the sun’s harmful rays, etc. It looks dull and rough if I do not use skincare products. My pores are filled with dust, which causes blackheads and acne. 

I add cleanser to my skincare routine. It removes dirt, oiliness, impurities, dust pollution particles (that the human eye never sees), and dead skin cells. It also helps remove makeup perfectly without stripping the skin's natural barrier. It cleans and prepares my skin for applying other skincare products, such as moisturizers, serums, makeup, etc., which are easily absorbed into the skin.

It cleans and brightens the skin tone, creating a refreshed look. 

In this blog, my goal is to help you how you can choose and use cleansers according to skin type, their benefits, and which ingredients are suitable for your skin or which you should avoid and more related to it. 

Types of Cleansers According To Skin Type: There is More Than One!

Yes, several are available in the market. Sometimes, it isn't easy to understand which one is for what purpose and suitable for which skin type. Some are used to remove makeup, and some are used only according to skin type. 

Foam 

It is lightweight and lathers into a foamy consistency when combined with water to help remove makeup, dirt, extra oil, and impurities. It contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, which maintain the skin's natural barrier.  

Best For: Normal, Oily, Acne-pore Skin

Recommended Product: Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser

Gel

It contains a thick gel consistency, which is suitable for deep cleansing. It helps to remove oiliness without stripping the skin’s natural moisturizer, removes dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover for a smoother, minimises pores, and reduces dark spots & blemishes. Leaving your skin clean, refreshed, and brighter.

Best For: Normal, Combination, Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

Recommended Product: ROC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Gel Cleanser

Cream

It is also known as “Cleansing Milk.” It removes makeup, oil, or dust impurities while maintaining the skin's natural oil. It has a rich, thicker consistency that deeply cleans the skin and minimizes pores. It is mostly formulated with glycerin or hyaluronic acid, keeping skin soft, and nourishing, and creating a refreshed look. 

Best For: Dry, Sensitive, Aging Skin

Recommended Product: CeraVe Hydrating Cream To Foam Cleanser

Micellar

It is lightweight and has a water consistency. It is specially designed to remove makeup quickly and easily. Micelles, or tiny balls of oil suspended in water, attract and trap dirt and makeup like magnets. 

Add a few drops to a cotton pad and sweep it across your face—no rinsing is required. Repeat until the cotton pad is clean.

Best For: All types of skin, including sensitive skin

Recommended Product: La Roche-Posay Micellar Water 

Oil-based

This type of cleanser is best for removing makeup and dirt while maintaining the skin's natural oil and softness; It doesn’t clog your pores because it doesn’t sink in; it only eliminates impurities. It is formulated with oils as its main ingredients and contains surfactants.

Rinsing it off with water removes all of the impurities, leaving your skin feeling renewed and clean. 

Best For: All types of skin, including oily skin

Clay 

This type of product simply contains clay and water. Clay has a property that it quickly absorbs into the skin and deep cleans dust particles, impurities, and extra oil on the face and makeup. The combination of water and clay only sits on the skin for a short time or dry like clay face masks.

Making refreshes and gently exfoliating the skin also helps minimise the pores' appearance. 

Best For: Oily Skin

Recommended For: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel For Oily Skin

Look at Face-Friendly Ingredients That are Good for Skin

• Micellar Water: It uses micelles to attract and lift away dirt, oil, and makeup without the need for rinsing,

• Benzoyl Peroxide: An effective acne treatment, it kills bacteria that cause acne, helps clear existing blemishes, and prevents new ones from forming.

• Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Exfoliants that help remove dead skin cells, improve skin texture, and promote a more even skin tone.

• Hyaluronic Acid: Known for its incredible hydrating properties, it helps retain moisture, keeping the skin plump and youthful.

• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Reduces inflammation, improves skin elasticity, and strengthens the skin barrier. It's also effective in minimizing pores and evening out skin tone.

• Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that brightens the skin, reduces hyperpigmentation and stimulates collagen production.

• Retinol (Vitamin A): Promotes cell turnover, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and improves skin texture and tone.

• Salicylic Acid: An exfoliant that helps clear out pores, reducing acne and blackheads. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.

• Glycerin: A humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated and smooth.

• Ceramides: Lipid molecules that help restore the skin barrier and retain moisture, making the skin more resilient and less prone to dryness.

• Peptides: Short chains of amino acids that help build proteins in the skin, such as collagen and elastin, leading to firmer, more youthful skin.

• Green Tea Extract: Rich in antioxidants, it helps reduce inflammation, protect against sun damage, and improve the overall health of the skin.

• Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing and moisturizing properties, it helps calm irritated skin and provides hydration.

• Chamomile: Has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to soothe and calm the skin, making it ideal for sensitive skin.

• Squalane: A lightweight, non-comedogenic oil that mimics the skin’s natural oils, providing hydration and balancing oil production

Ingredients to Avoid to Protect Your Skin

• Phthalates

• Mineral oil

• Sulfates (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate)

• Alcohol (Ethanol, Isopropyl Alcohol)

• Synthetic Fragrances

• Phthalates

• Synthetic Colors (FD&C and D&C Dyes)

These artificial colorants can cause skin irritation and have been associated with various health concerns.

Best Way to Use It to Enhance Glow

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Don’t wash your face with hot water

Always wash your face with lukewarm water (either too cold or too cold)

Don’t rub it  too hard into your skin

Whenever you apply any skincare product gently, massage slowly all over the face in a circular motion. If you use it too hard, it sucks the skin's natural barrier or softness and leaves red spots on the face. 

Don’t Over Cleanse

Use it only once a day (morning/evening). Over-cleansing removes the skin's natural oil, which causes dryness, irritation, and redness. 

Don’t Use Bath Soap on Your Facial Skin

Bath soaps have a pH of about 10, but the pH of human skin is between 4.7 and 5.75 (slightly acidic). Soap bars can disturb the ideal pH balance of the skin.

Benefits of Using It Regularly 

• Deep cleansing for clearer skin
• Maintenance pH level of the skin
• Enhanced absorption of other skincare products
• Prevention of acne and breakouts
• Slowing down the Aging process
• Control oiliness
• Relaxation and stress relief
• Enhance healthier and smoother skin 
• Keep your skin hydrated, soft, and youthful-looking 
• Remove dead skin cells, revealing a fresh layer of skin for a natural glow 
• Stimulate blood circulation, boosting blood flow to your face for glowing skin 
• Make your skin look younger and help fight any signs of aging 

Conclusion

In this blog, I explained different types of cleansers and how to use them according to your skin. Make is essential to your skincare routine; it helps remove dirt, impurities, and extra oil on the face. The best cleanser helps minimize dark spots and blemishes and brightens and refreshes our skin. For best results use it regularly one time in a day. 

FAQs

Can I use it to remove makeup?

Yes, you can use it to remove makeup. Water—and oil-based cleansers are specially designed to remove makeup perfectly. 

Is cleanser good for pimples?

If you have acne, use a skincare product according to your skin type or concern that cleans your face without disturbing your pimples. It also minimizes your dark spots and blemishes. 

Can I use both face wash and cleanser?

Yes, you can use both for good results. 

Where to find the best cleanser in Pakistan?

Bloomify provides a variety of cleansers from top-quality brands.