All about facials: Cleansers

Today I am starting a new series, this series of blog posts will hopefully help you understand the products you use, and how to choose the right products for your skin type.

For anyone who doesn't know what cleanser is used for, it is to remove any dirt, excess oil or makeup from the skins surface. Cleansers can be used on the face or body, and are best used morning and night to help keep your pores from becoming blocked.

Cream Cleansers

First up is the most popular cleanser, the cream cleanser. Cream cleansers may also be called milk cleansers or liquid cleansers. Cream cleanser can be used on all skin types, thats why it is so popular. I prefer using cream cleansers because they don't lather or foam, and they leave my skin feeling clean and not tight.

Some of my favourite cream cleansers include Cetaphil's Gentle Skin Cleanser and Neutrogena's Extra Gentle Cleanser.

Oil Cleansers

The oil cleanser is one of the newest trends, it works great for people who wear heavy or full coverage oil based makeup because the oil cleanser counteracts the oil base and removes it with ease. Oil cleansers are best suited for people who have oily skin or combination skin, as it removes the excess oil produced by the skin a lot easier compared to other cleansers.

A few popular oil cleansers are Shu Uemura Ultime 8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil and Clarins Total Cleansing Oil

Foaming Cleansers

Foaming Cleansers, also known as gel cleansers and cleansers that begin to foam when mixed with water. Foaming cleansers are best suited for combination or oily skin but stay clear of a foaming cleanser if you have dehydrated skin. You should never use a foaming cleanser on dry skin as it tends to dry it out more.

I have been loving the Vitis Vinifera Rejuvenating Gel Cleanser by Enbacci.

Bar Cleansers

Bar cleansers are more popular for body use, but can be used on body and face. The are basically a cleanser in a bar, with no soap added - because it drys out your skin badly! You can use bar cleansers on all skin types, including skin conditions such as eczema and acne as most bar cleansers have added antibacterial properties included.

Dermaveen and Neutrogena both make Bar Cleansers.

Balm Cleansers

I first heard of these when I attended a Lush event, and I was reluctant to try a balm cleanser as they look very greasy. They are a greasy product but thats what helps it get everything off the top of your skin. The greasiness feeling isn't left on your skin after you have washed it off. Balm cleansers are best suited for dryer skins, but can be used by all skin types.

My favourite balm cleansers are Trilogy Everything Balm which can be used as a cleanser and moisturiser, and Lush Ultrabland.

Micellar Cleansers

Micellar Cleansers, also know as cleansing water are a great option for people who don't want to add water to a product. They work great at removing both waterproof and non-waterproof makeup and can be used on any skin type, although Micellar Cleansers work best on oily skin types.

Bioderma's Crealine H20 cleansing water is defiantly a favourite of mine!

What is your favourite type of cleanser?