Different Types Of Cleansers For Your Skin’s Needs

There are so many different types of cleansers out there - oil, cream, gel...etc. What are the differences? What cleanser would work the best on your skin? It can get overwhelming. The Mindful Beauty philosophy is to always simplify your skincare routine while remaining effective, so keep reading to learn the different types of cleansers and find out which one is the perfect fit for you!

facesbykatey holding a skincare product.

WHY WASH OUR FACE?

Cleansing is one of the most important steps of any skincare routine. Think of your cleansing ritual as a fresh start to the beginning and end of your day. The intentional touch behind every cleanse is an act of self care inviting us to be more present and comfortable in our skin. A cleanser’s purpose is to mix with and dissolve excess sebum, refine skin texture, and lift away makeup, dirt, debris, and pollution from our tiny dermal pores and prepare the skin to receive moisture and hydration.

Did you know that dampened skin is more absorbent than dry skin? This means preparing your skin by cleansing is getting it ready to marinate in the rest of your finishing products to follow. 

HOW TO CHOOSE A FACIAL CLEANSER

Choose a gentle cleanser that feels good on your skin, not a harsh one that makes your skin feel too “squeaky clean” and stripped.

HOW TO WASH YOUR FACE

Do not scrub too aggressively or too quickly, be the moment without rushing the cleansing process. Try to apply your cleanser thoughtfully with slow, rhythmic and circular movement. Cleansing should be done twice a day – first thing in the morning and again before going to bed. Each cleanse should last a full 60 seconds.


1. OIL CLEANSER

facesbykatey: apoterra oil cleanser vetiver

Oil cleansing is a gentle, yet detoxifying way to cleanse the skin. This method of cleansing is often viewed as a “pre-cleanse” step in a double-cleanse routine. Oil cleansing is beneficial because it will not disrupt your natural moisture barrier, but effectively remove makeup and even gently exfoliate the skin. I often recommend oil cleansing to clients, especially as a way to bring the skin back to balance after over stimulating the skin with too many stripping products for long periods of time. When the skin is sensitized, dehydrated, or inflamed oil cleansing provides a gentle cleanse without stripping the harmony of your skin’s natural moisture barrier.

VETIVER ILLUMINATING OIL CLEANSER

An absolute necessity for those experiencing blackheads, breakouts or dry skin, cleansing with this oil daily will leave your skin feeling bright, clean and hydrated. Formulated with black cumin seed and tamanu oils for their antibacterial and brightening properties, and a blend of vetiver, lime, grapefruit and cedar essential oils for a grounding yet uplifting aroma to bookend your day.

RITUAL OIL 

Ritual Oil is a multi-tasking facial oil with blend of harmonizing face oils offering the perfect silky glide for your gua sha or oil cleansing rituals. Organic sandalwood nut oil, grapeseed, pomegranate seed, jojoba, and rosehip oils work together to repair and restore the skin’s natural balance. while leaving behind a soft radiant glow.


2. CLEANSING BALM / CREAM CLEANSER

Cleansing balms have similar properties to cleansing oils but they are more solid, and have a rich and creamy texture that melts into the skin. They are an effective way to cleanse the skin without a harsh lather. We have to remember our skin is not a greasy stuck-on lasagna pan! Cream cleansers can benefit all skin types and concerns and you’ll be surprised how much brighter and clearer the skin can get when it is not being over stripped and over exfoliated. This texture of cleanser might be suited for someone looking for an oil cleansing alternative. They are great for makeup removals, delicate for sensitive skins, and a nourishing way to massage and clean the skin.

LIFT AWAY - OSMOSIS MD

Lift Away is soothing and lightweight, cleaning the skin without drying it. Lift Away cleansing balm melts into the skin dissolving makeup and impurities while detoxifying pores for a refined complexion. Infused with mangosteen, elderberry juices, and avocado oil, it will leave your skin nourished and hydrated.


3. GEL CLEANSER

Gel cleansers have a clear, jelly-like consistency. They offer thorough cleansing with just one wash and also decongest pores, remove excess oil and clean out acne-causing bacteria. Gel cleansers are often chosen for congested, acne prone and oily skins, but can provide a gentle clean for all and even contain brightening and softening ingredients depending on the formula.

PURIFY ENZYME CLEANSER - OSMOSIS

Purify is specially designed for aging, acne-prone, or pigmented skin. It works into a soft, rich lather to deep clean impurities while papaya, pineapple and kiwi provide barrier preserving enzyme exfoliation. This gel cleanser is an Osmosis fan favorite and refreshes the skin without stripping the moisture barrier while helping to refresh, decongest, soften and brighten the skin.

Pro Tip:
After application, let sit on the skin for an extra 2-3 minutes for a little added enzymatic exfoliation.

4. BAR SOAP CLEANSER

Using body soaps on your face is never a good idea as they can contain many harsh or film forming ingredients that can affect the skin. But bar soaps gently formulated for the skin on our faces contain more moisturizing ingredients that nourish the skin and balance the pH levels. They’re also a wonderful way to go plastic free and mindfully reduce your beauty carbon footprint on the planet.

PUMPKIN + WILD CARROT COMPLEXION SOAP - APOTERRA

Pumpkin + Wild Carrot Complexion Soap is packed with nutrients thanks to the organic whole pumpkin pulp, pumpkin seed oil and wild carrot seed oil. It Suds up to create a gentle lather that works as a brightening facial cleanser that will thoroughly cleanse without over-drying. The perfect start to a nourishing skin care routine for bright and balanced skin.

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