What are Cleansers?

A facial cleanser is a skincare product that is used to gently remove oil, dirt, and old skin cells that have built up on your skin either overnight or from the day. 

The built-up impurities not only leave your skin looking less than its best, but they can kick-start acne blemishes or result in irritation and redness that is hard to get rid of. 

By incorporating a cleanser as the first step in your skincare routine, you remove these impurities and start with a clean slate for all other products that come after.

What Makes a Cleanser "Gentle"?

The goal of a gentle cleanser is to effectively break apart oil, makeup, and dirt that is stuck to the skin so that it is loose enough that rinsing with water will wash it away.

Have you ever tried to rinse grease off a kitchen item without using soap? It doesn’t work. However, when you put dish soap on the pan, it breaks apart the oil enough that simple rinsing will wash it away. 

The same concept applies to your face at the end of the day! Gentle cleansers use a base that is known to both break up oil yet not be harsh enough to disrupt the healthy skin barrier. If a cleanser is able to purify while also maintaining the integrity and hydration of your skin barrier, this would be considered a "gentle" cleanser.

Why are Cleansers So Important?

As you go through your day, your skin is constantly building up a very natural layer of oil. As part of our natural skin anatomy, this oil is constantly secreted. However, a buildup will throw off the healthy pH and clog pores. Not only that, but our skin is bombarded with microscopic particles in the air (AKA Pollution) that brush up and stick onto the oil and makeup on your skin. These particles are everything from exhaust from vehicles, pollen, ozone, dirt, dust, and much more.

How about those wildfires in Canada? What you essentially see are millions of particles floating in the air. This is actually the case all the time, just to a lesser extent. So at the end of the day, you have a combination of oil, pollution, and makeup that your skin is just begging you to take off!

What Ingredients Should I Look for in a Cleanser?

Glycerin: Glycerin is a very simple soap molecule that is particularly favorable for the skin as it has a slightly more acidic content than regular bar soap, as opposed to bar soap, which is heavily basic (high pH). This might be a little technical, but basically:

Higher pH = Bad

Lower pH = Good

Glycerin is composed of fatty molecules that leave a light layer behind, almost like a super-thin moisturizer. This helps to lock in moisture and not leave you high and dry. For this reason, we recommend two cleansers that have Glycerin as their base:

SkinBetter’s Oxygen Infusion Wash

and ZO Skin Health’s Gentle Cleanser

Propylene Glycol: Propylene glycol is our second go-to ingredient for gentle cleansers. Like glycerin, propylene glycol also leaves a very slight layer left over after you wash, which pulls in moisture from the air and keeps your skin from being too dry afterwards.

8 Key Tips to Proper Face Cleansing:

1. Choose the Right Cleanser:

   Select a cleanser that is suitable for your skin type. Consider the ingredients and formulation to address your specific needs. Look for keywords like "for oily skin," "hydrating for dry skin," or "gentle for sensitive skin." Opt for foaming cleansers for oily skin and cream/lotion cleansers for dry or sensitive skin. Seek beneficial ingredients like salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. Personalize your skincare routine for optimal results.

2. Cleanse Twice a Day:

   Cleanse your face twice daily to remove impurities. Morning and evening cleansing ensures your skin stays fresh and free from accumulated dirt, oil, and pollutants that cause impurities. Use a suitable cleanser, massage gently, and rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Embrace this active practice for a clear and radiant complexion.

3. Use Lukewarm Water:

   Avoid using hot water, as it can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause dryness. Instead, opt for lukewarm water, which helps to open up pores and facilitate effective cleansing.

4. Gentle Massage:

   While cleansing, use gentle circular motions to massage the cleanser into your skin. This helps to dislodge dirt, oil, and makeup from deep within the pores. Avoid harsh scrubbing, as it can irritate the skin.

5. Pay Attention to T-Zone:

   The T-zone, consisting of the forehead, nose, and chin, tends to be oilier and prone to breakouts. Give extra attention to this area by gently massaging the cleanser and ensuring thorough cleansing.

6. Don't Forget the Neck:

   Extend your cleansing routine to your neck as well, as it is often neglected but equally susceptible to dirt and oil buildup. Include your neck in your cleansing routine for a comprehensive skincare approach.

7. Rinse Thoroughly:

   After massaging the cleanser onto your skin, rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water. Make sure no residue remains on your skin, as this can cause clogged pores and dullness.

8. Pat Dry & Follow with Moisturizer:

   After cleansing, gently pat your face dry with a clean towel. Immediately follow up with a suitable moisturizer to lock in hydration and maintain the skin's moisture balance.

   Are You Cleansing the Right Way?

   By incorporating these 8 key tips into your facial cleansing routine, you can ensure that your skin remains clean, refreshed, and ready to receive the benefits of subsequent skincare products. Proper face cleansing sets the foundation for healthy and radiant skin.

   Remember, each person's skin is unique, so it's essential to listen to your skin's needs and adjust your cleansing routine accordingly. With consistent and proper cleansing, you'll be on your way to achieving a clear, glowing complexion.

   So, take the first step towards beautiful skin by embracing the power of proper face cleansing. Your skin will thank you!

   The skincare experts at Maui MedSpa are sharing all their secrets, tips and tricks to glowing, smooth skin. Our estheticians and nurse injectors educate themselves with the science behind skincare and mastering treatments to help you achieve your best skin possible. With two locations in Austin, Texas, we offer a variety of facials, wrinkle relaxers and non-surgical treatments. Contact us for a free consultation or book your appointment today.