Skin Cleansing 101: Why Using a Natural Face Cleanser Is So Important

When it comes to keeping your skin healthy and looking radiant, facial skin cleansing is the most important step in your skincare routine. Your skin is constantly being renewed, which leads the surface of the skin to become a dead skin tissue that accumulates sweat, dirt, oil, and other microorganisms. Proper cleansing help remove the dead skin cells and reduce the risk of clogged pores, helping improve skin tone and allowing your other skincare and beauty products to work more effectively.

Cleansing is the act of washing your face to remove unwanted substances from its surface. It's a main step in your skincare routine. Cleansers, face washes and facial scrubs are all designed to keep your face clean, but the way they accomplish this is quite different.

A face cleanser works by dissolving impurities such as oil, dirt and other debris that may settle on your face over the course of the day. This helps unclog pores and reduces the risk of skin problems, such as acne breakout. Cleansers are generally very gentle on the skin and can typically be used twice a day. This is especially true for natural face cleansers. A natural face cleanser is made with gentle, concentrated nutrients for the skin and each of these nutrients has a particular purpose and benefit for the skin. A conventional cleanser, on the other hand, is made with harsh chemical surfactants and sulfates, or cheap fillers that only dilute the formula's potency. A natural face cleanser will only contain ingredients that promote moisturization, hydration, and nourishment.

Also designed to remove contaminants from the skin, a face wash tends to be stronger than a cleanser and therefore harsher on the skin. A face scrub strip away impurities from your face in a different way than a wash and cleanser. It contains a textured grit that removes dead skin cells from the outermost layer of your skin to reveal a smoother, healthier skin that lies below. Overuse of this product can lead to irritation on the skin and may cause redness or dryness.

Every time you go out of the house, your skin is exposed to all kinds of dirt, pollution, dust, grime and sweat. If these contaminants are left to accumulate on your skin, they can irritate your skin and may lead to a breakout. A good, natural face cleanser is effective at removing this buildup and keeping your skin clean, clear and healthy.

Dirt, makeup, oil and other pollutants that accumulate on the surface of your skin acts as a barrier that prevents other skincare products from working effectively. As previously mentioned, facial cleansers help maintain your skin clean, which in result allows your toners, lotions and moisturizers to penetrate the skin more deeply. Once you start using a cleanser you may find improvement in both the tone and texture of your skin.

Facial cleansers are available in different forms. While they all basically serve the same purpose, each of them suits a slightly different skin type.

These cleansers have a thick, gel-like consistency and tend to produce a small amount of foam. They are formulated to keep your skin clean without stripping it of its natural oils. Gels cleansings are generally a good option for people with oily or acne-prone skin.

They have the strongest moisturizing properties of all the cleansers. Cream cleansers have a thick, creamy texture that gently cleanses and hydrates the skin, making them a great option for those with dry or sensitive skin.

As the name suggests, these cleansers are powdery when dry but when mixed with water they take on a creamy texture, which cleanses the skin while providing gentle exfoliation.

Formulated with clay these cleansers help draw out excess oil and other impurities from the skin. They are recommended for individuals with oily or combination skin.

The idea of washing your face with an oil-based product may sound counterintuitive, but oil cleansers are an effective way of removing contaminants from your skin without being overly drying. Oil cleansers can be used for those who have dry or oily skin types.

Different facial cleansers are formulated using different ingredients, which can have a big impact on how the cleanser interacts with our skin.

If you have oily skin, look for a cleanser that helps manage excess oil without being overly drying on the skin. Alcohol-based cleaners are effective at removing oil, but they can also cause the skin to dry out, causing the body to increase oil production. For this reason, look for a non-comedogenic gel-based cleanser that contains salicylic and glycolic acids. These ingredients will help break down impurities and prevent breakouts. You may also want to look for cleansers that contain humectants to help your skin retain moisture.

Most of the ingredients found in facial cleansers can be too harsh on dry skin, which can leave your skin feeling flaky and tight. If you have dry skin, you should avoid cleansers that contain alcohol and soap. Cream cleansers are generally the best option for those with dry skin. To help your skin retain moisture, look for products formulated using glycerin and emollients such as ceramides, petrolatum and lanolin.

If you have sensitive skin, look for a gentle cleanser that contains a light-weight formula. Avoid common skin irritants such as dyes, fragrances and soaps. You will also want to stay away from alcohols.

Finding the right cleanser for combination skin can be challenging. Try to find a product that walks the fine line of hydrating dry areas without over-moisturizing oily skin. A mild-balanced cleanser is often the best option for combination skin.