Contents
It would seem that there is not much difference with which means to wash. The main thing is that it cleanses the skin, and ideally, it also helps to remove makeup. In fact, there is a difference, and a considerable one.
Tasks of the cleanser
What tasks should a cleanser solve?
Eliminate surface contaminants, including sebum. As well as the remains of decorative cosmetics and make-up remover products.
Help cleanse pores.
Moisturize the skin.
Strengthen its barrier properties.
Check if you cleanse your skin properly.
Types of cleansers
Soap
Soap is not the best choice for cleansing your face.
It is a salt of higher fatty acids, has a high alkalinity, which can have a negative effect on the skin barrier. After applying soap, it takes at least 2 hours to restore the protective hydrolipid mantle of the skin.
With frequent use of soap, the skin is more difficult to recover. If you notice discomfort, replace it with a gel or foam cleanser.
Shower gel
Refers to products on an oil-free basis, does not contain components of a fatty nature. Before application, the gel must be lathered in the palms of the hands, and this foam will dissolve excess oil and impurities on the surface of the skin.
As a rule, gel – Soft enough, suitable even for people with dry skin. But keep in mind that propylene glycol, which is part of it, can lead to a feeling of tightness: sodium lauryl sulfate, which is responsible for the formation of foam, is a surfactant with an increased irritant effect.
It is worth paying attention to products in which sodium lauryl sulfate is replaced by a more comfortable surfactant for the skin – laureth sulfate or non-ionic surfactants.
Cleansing gel care for washing Toleriane, La Roche-Posay
The niacinamide and panthenol in the formula help repair the skin and maintain the natural protective barrier to retain moisture. Suitable for sensitive skin.
» data-type=»product» data-id=»24604″>
Cleansing gel with cucumber extract Cucumber Herbal Conditioning Cleanser, Kiehl’s
Contains rosemary oil, vegetable glycerin and cucumber extract, gently cleanses dry and sensitive skin without leaving a feeling of tightness.
Sindet (from “synthetic detergent”)
One of the varieties of soap, but synthetic, as it contains synthetic surfactants. Unlike natural soap, a solution of syndet in water has the same pH as that of the skin – 5,5. Forms a lather upon application to remove excess sebum and dirt. Basically, these are delicate products, some of them are adapted for dry skin.
Lipikar Syndet AP+, La Roche-Posay Lipikar Syndet AP+ Lipikar Syndet AP+, La Roche-Posay
Based on shea butter, niacinamide and Aqua Posay Filiformis, it is suitable for dry skin prone to itching, irritation, atopy. Restores the protective barrier.
» data-type=»product» data-id=»24605″>
Hydrophilic oil
Hydrophilic oil cleanses the skin very gently.
An oil-based cleanser is well suited for oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin. Works in two stages:
applied to dry skin, when distributed with massage movements, it dissolves impurities;
on contact with water, it turns into an emulsion and washes away impurities completely.
Foaming make-up remover Biosource Total Renew Oil, Biotherm
It combines the properties of oil and cleansing foam to easily remove stubborn makeup and is suitable even for sensitive skin.
Foam for washing
After the gel, the most popular cleanser. Does not contain a large amount of surfactants. Thanks to a special dispenser device, it foams at the moment of application. Suitable for almost everyone:
for oily and combination skin – as it mattifies and helps to narrow pores;
for dry and sensitive skin – if the composition contains moisturizing and softening components, such as glycerin, squalane, hyaluronic acid.
Unlike gel, the foam has a more airy texture, so the skin does not feel tightness and discomfort.
Brightening Cleansing Foam, Pureté Thermale, Vichy
Removes impurities and promotes radiance of the skin thanks to the included thermal water. Provides natural regeneration of the skin, does not tighten the face.