Guide to Face Cleansers
There are many different cleansers for your skin and depending on your skin type will establish which is the best for you to use. Cleansers are the first step in your daily skincare routine and are used to get rid of make up, dirt and excess oil from your skin leaving it fresh and clean and prepare for your serum/day or night cream. It is important to use the right cleanser for your skin type, some can be too stripping if your skin is dry or can clog your pores if too rich for your skin. You also have to consider different seasons. In colder months you may need more hydrating and nourishing and warmer months you would need a light gentle formula. Cleansers should be used morning and night. Please note face exfoliator are not every day cleansers and should be used once or twice a week as a treatment for skin.
Cleansing Balm:
This is popular because it can be used on most skin types. Especially ideal cleanser for dry skin, dehydrated and mature skin types. Cleansing balms restore moisture and do not leave your skin feeling tight and dry after use. To choose a right cleansing balm the texture should be soft and nourishing and rich in hydrating oils. The balm should be applied straight onto dry skin with no water and using your finger tips massage into the skin. Cleansing balms work by melting the make up and dirt and should be removed using a wet cloth or sponge to leave no residue. We recommend the Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing balm or for facial cleanser for sensitive skin try the Elemis Pro Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm which has extracts of English Rose Oleo which calms and nourishes the skin.
Foaming Facial Cleanser:
Most foaming cleansers are more suited for oily problem skins but some have extra nourishing ingredients which are suitable for all skin types. The Decleor cleansing mousse has been formulated with Neroli Essential oil and Papaya Extract and enriched Hyaluronic Acid which prevents drying of the skin. Foaming cleansers have to be applied onto wet skin and lather into a foam. Massage with finger tips and wash off thoroughly using a cloth or sponge.
Cleansing Milk:
These are made with emollients and water to break down everyday dirt, sweat and make up on skin. Suitable for all skin types and leave skin clean and hydrated. Can be wiped off with cloth but we recommend to wash off using wet cloth or sponge to ensure their is no residue to leave skin clean. Apply to dry skin and massage with fingertips into the skin working all over face. Can be used around eyes as a make up remover. The Decleor Cleansing Milk is a light textured milk with Sweet Almond Oil which leaves skin clean and calm and the Elemis Rehydrating Rosepetal Cleanser leaves skin purified and deeply cleansed.
Gel Cleanser:
Ideal cleanser for oily skin especially if you suffer with spots, blemishes and acne. Oily skin if cared for properly is easily maintained with balancing the excess oil secretion from your oil glands. It ages well due to your skin always being moisturised and not dry. Gel cleansers are a deep facial pore cleanser and used combined with a weekly gentle face exfoliator can balance oily skin. Gel based are good cleanser for acne. Apply on wet skin and massage gently with finger tips and wash off with water and cloth or sponge. If you have pustular spots then pat dry the skin and do not rub because it will spread infection. The Elemis Superfood Face Wash helps to deep cleanse leaving skin fresh and clean.
Cleansing Oil:
An oil based cleanser which does not dry out the skin. Facial cleansing oil use water- soluble oils which dissolve your make up, dirt, sweat and dead skin cells. Cleansing oil can be used for all skin types and is especially suitable for dry, dehydrated and mature skin. The Decleor Micellar Oil and the Elemis Omega-Rich cleansing oil dissolves impurities and removes make up. Can be used to remove heavy eye make up too. Apply onto face and massage into skin. Mix with a few drops of water to emulsify and it will turn milky white. Wash off thoroughly with water and face cloth or sponge.
Cleansing Cream:
Cream cleanser are good for very dry skin which tends to flake and feels tight. Also good for sensitive skin and Roseaca. They are nourishing and should be applied straight onto the skin and gently massaged with fingertips all over the face and neck. They should be washed off with water and sponge or cloth so no residue is left. The Elemis Pro-Radiance Cream Cleanser can be left on for a few minutes as a mask whilst in the bath and it helps to dissolve all the make up and leave skin soft and nourished.
Cleansing Water:
Cleansing water is a light delicate tonic which you would wipe over your skin to get rid of light make up and dirt. It is usually called Micellar Water meaning made of Micelles which are tiny balls of cleansing oil molecules which attract dirt and oil and draw out impurities without drying the skin. Not suitable to remove heavy make up or for oily congested skin types. Looks like water but has a different texture and feel to water. Ideal for delicate dry sensitive skin types. To use is easy you simply wipe over skin with a cotton pad. The Decleor Micellar Water has Rose Essential oil to soothe and the Elemis Cleansing Micellar Water has Rosehip Seed Oil to lift impurities.