Monsoons are here and so are the skin care woes. Our skin looks dull and lifeless, and it needs extra TLC during the rains. The increased humidity levels in the air lead to excessive sweating which can clog pores and potentially lead to breakouts and skin irritation. The damp conditions during the monsoon can also create a favourable environment for fungal infections. Paradoxically, even though the humidity is higher, some people may experience dryness in their skin. Hence, to establish an ideal skin care routine, you need to first start with choosing the right face cleanser. Face wash or cleanser is an essential step to protect your skin during the monsoons. In this article, we will talk about the power of the perfect face cleanser and what is the difference between cleanser and face wash.
Cleanser and Conquer: Discovering the Power of the Perfect Face Cleanser
Using a face wash not only removes dirt and impurities from your face, but also creates a clean canvas for other skin care products to absorb and penetrate better. A clean skin prevents clogged pores and acne breakouts. Some face cleansers are also formulated to maintain the skin’s natural pH balance. This is crucial to keep the skin’s protective barrier intact, preventing excessive dryness or oiliness during the monsoons.
Choosing an appropriate cleanser or face wash for your skin type is important for maintaining healthy and vibrant skin. A face cleanser that works well of oily skin may not be suitable for dry or sensitive skin. The right face cleanser should effectively remove dirt, oil, makeup and other impurities without overly stripping the skin of its natural oils. Choosing gentle and non-irritating cleansers is particularly important for those with sensitive skin.
Understanding Your Skin’s Unique Needs
Before picking up a face wash, it is crucial to understand your skin’s needs and its type. For example, dry skin requires cream or lotion-based cleansers as they are more hydrating and gentler on the skin and help retain moisture and prevent further dryness. For sensitive skin type, use mild cream formulations that are less likely to cause irritation.
For acne-prone or oily skin type, you need to choose lightweight foam-based or gel-based cleansers that do not clog the pores while effectively remove dirt and impurities. Look for ingredients that control shine while being gentle on the skin. We recommend using Simple Daily Skin Detox Purifying Gel Wash for clogged pores and oily skin. This unique formula is made with a detoxifying blend of thyme, zinc and witch hazel to deeply clean, dirt, oil and makeup while being gentle on skin.
The Science of Cleansing: How Face Cleansers Work
The science of cleansing aims to achieve effective removal of impurities while maintaining the skin’s natural balance and protecting its barrier function. Face cleansers contain surfactants and other active ingredients to remove impurities from the skin’s surface. Surfactants like sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulphate (SLES) are the primary cleansing agents in face cleansers.
Some face cleansers also contain emollients which are moisturising ingredients that help to soften and smooth the skin while cleansing. They prevent excessive dryness and maintain the skin’s natural moisture balance. Examples of emollients are shea butter and coconut oil. Face cleansers also contain humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin that attract and retain moisture from the environment. Other ingredients present in cleansers are exfoliating agents, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory ingredients and pH balancing ingredients.
For those who want a deeper and more effective cleanse, they should follow double cleansing. This technique involves using two different types of cleansers, oil-based cleanser or micellar water and water-based cleanser, to thoroughly remove heavy makeup, sunscreen and other impurities from the skin. First, remove makeup using Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Makeup Cleansing Water. It is enriched with cleansing bubbles called Micelles which attract dirt and makeup like magnet, without disrupting the skin’s natural barriers. Follow it up with a gentle face wash like Love Beauty and Planet Murumuru Butter & Rose Face Cleanser. Infused with murumuru butter, this cleanser leaves the skin nourished and moisturised. It fights dullness and leaves the skin refreshed and glowing.
Cleansing for Clear Skin: Bidding Farewell to Impurities
Apart from cleansing and hydrating properties, face cleansers also contain exfoliating agents. Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and promote skin renewal. The exfoliating action of face cleansers helps to improve the skin’s texture, tone and brightness. There are two main types of exfoliating agents commonly found in cleansers, physical exfoliants and chemical exfoliants.
Physical exfoliants contain small, abrasive particles that physically scrub away dead skin cells. While chemical exfoliants use active ingredients that dissolve the bonds between the dead skin cells, allowing them to be shed more easily. Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) are common chemical exfoliants found in face cleansers.
Choosing the Perfect Face Cleanser for You
1) Sensitive Skin
It is best to use face cleansers that are free from harsh ingredients and fragrances. Choose 100% soap-free Simple Kind to Skin Refreshing Facial Wash for sensitive skin type. This gentle face wash contains triple purified water and vital vitamins such as vitamin E and allantoin to help replenish, nourish and soften your skin without irritation.
2) Dry Skin
Dry skin type needs a hydrating and moisturising face wash that washes away dirt without leaving the skin dry. Use Simple Water Boost Micellar Facial Wash with moisture magnet pentavitin that helps to give you a dewy hydrated skin. It also contains vital vitamins such as vitamin E and pro-vitamin B5 to provide instant hydration to your skin.
3) Combination Skin
Combination skin has an oily T-zone and is dry on the cheeks. For combination skin type, it is best to use cleansing balms or gel-based cleansers. We recommend using Lakme Blush & Glow Kiwi Freshness Gel Face Wash. The face wash has fruit antioxidants and beads that cleanse your skin washing away dirt and other impurities.
4) Normal Skin
A variety of cleansers can work on normal skin type including gel-based, cream or foaming cleansers. Use Simple Moisturising Facial Wash enriched with pro-vitamin B5, vitamin E and bisabolol.
5) Oily Skin
For oily skin type, use lightweight cleansers that contain ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil to help control excess oil and prevent breakouts.
FAQs about Cleanse and Conquer: Discovering the Power of the Perfect Face Cleanser
Q1. Are face cleansers and face washes same?
A. While all face washes are cleansers, but not all cleansers are face washes. Cleansers are more of a general category of products used to clean the skin like micellar water, while face washes are a subcategory of cleansers designed specifically for the face and used with water.
Q2. How often should you use a face cleanser?
A. It is recommended to cleanse you face twice a day, once in the morning and once before bedtime. Do not forget to moisturise your face after cleansing.
Q3. Can you use face wash to directly remove makeup?
A. It is recommended to remove makeup with an oil-based cleanser or a makeup remover first. Follow it up with a face wash suitable for your skin type to effectively clean and remove any residual makeup or build up.
Using facial cleansers is an important step in any skin care routine. The right kind of facial cleanser for your skin type will not leave your skin dehydrated, dull and dry. Remember to wash your face effectively to keep your skin clean, healthy and free from the challenges posed by monsoon weather.
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Written by Sania Dhirwani on 2nd Aug 2023