Your skin absorbs an array of toxins throughout the day, from sweat and oil to makeup residue and environmental pollutants. Cleansing will remove these buildups to stop them clogging pores and allow skincare products to better penetrate the skin.
This popular cleanser offers a light, watery formula to safely eliminate daily grime without upsetting the skin barrier, while toning and moisturizing to provide the perfect base for moisturizer.
1. Cleansing
Cleansing is the cornerstone of skincare routines as it removes excess oil, dirt and residue makeup allowing other products to work more effectively. When selecting a cleanser suitable for your skin type, it is key to choose one containing ingredients such as salicylic acid & retinol for exfoliation; while those with dry or sensitive skin should consider products containing hydrating elements like glycerin.
Foam cleansers are an excellent way to deep cleanse oily or combination skin by dissolving impurities & excess oil, while dissolving impurities & dissolving excess sebum. Unfortunately, their formulation often contains drying agents like sodium lauryl sulfate which could aggravate overly dry or sensitive skin types. If your eyes have delicate skin consider opting for soothing gel or cream cleanser with nourishing ingredients instead.
2. Exfoliation
Exfoliating can remove dead skin cells that dull your complexion, make you appear blotchy, and clog up pores – an essential step in any skincare regimen that allows newer cells to surface while improving absorption of moisturizers, serums and treatments.
Physical exfoliants involve any method involving physical scrubbing such as scrubs, body polishes, loofahs or washcloths with textured surfaces that buff away dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliants work by dissolving glue that holds dead cells together so they loosen and shed off more easily; typically alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid or lactic acid may be used; beta hydroxy acids like salicylic acid may be more suitable. Both physical and chemical exfoliators tend to be gentler for all skin types.
3. Hydration
Maintaining skin hydration is integral to skin health. Regular cleansing helps ensure pores remain unclogged, allowing sebum oil to reach the surface without being blocked by dirt, sweat and dead cells – thus avoiding blockage, clogging and acne outbreaks.
Gel cleansers feature a thicker jelly-like consistency to provide deep skin cleansing without stripping. Gentle enough for daily use and suitable for all skin types.
Lotion cleansers offer creamy textures with moisturizing benefits for dry skin types. Ideal for sensitive complexions, lotion cleansers are formulated without common irritants like fragrance, dyes and alcohol while featuring soothing ingredients such as soothing ceramides, niacinamide and prebiotic thermal water to strengthen and protect your barrier function – try No7 Makeup Removing Lotion Cleanser for Dry Skin which contains No7 Tri-Vit Complex + Grapeseed Oil to help soothe and care for the face!
4. Protection
Many cleansers can rid skin of impurities, excess oil, and makeup while simultaneously helping it maintain a healthy barrier, soothe inflammation, and calm redness. Humectants like glycerin often provide moisture to skin layers while antioxidants such as Vitamin C may brighten dull complexions by helping prevent dark spots or uneven tone formation.
Gel cleansers, lightweight formulas that produce a rich lather, are effective cleansers suitable for all skin types, including sensitive ones. Usually featuring low pH levels & non-comedogenic formulations, gel cleansers often include anti-ageing ingredients like niacinamide & hyaluronic acid that improve skin texture & boost collagen production while soothing ingredients like shea butter may soothe irritated skin.
5. Absorption
Absorption is the process by which atoms, molecules or ions pass into another material – such as when water spills onto a dry paper towel – without adhering to its surface in any way – unlike adsorption where molecules of absorbate are glued onto it instead.
Skin cleansers rely on surfactants as their main constituent, dissolving in water to reduce interfacial tension between polar and non-polar molecules. Surfactants used can either be anionic (-ively charged), cationic (+ively charged) or amphoteric, with both positive and negative charges present.
Chemical absorption occurs via dermal absorption or through inhalation or digestion, depending on their source. Scrubbing with bar soap can alter the natural pH balance of skin cells, increasing oiliness and potentially leading to breakouts.
