The Role of a Facial Cleanser

Facial cleansing is more effective than simply washing your face with soap or plain water. This practice removes oil, dirt, pollutants, and makeup from the surface of your skin.

But a facial cleanser doesn't just remove the surface grime, its function goes much farther than what you think. In this blog, we will discuss what a facial cleanser does, how it benefits our skin, and how often you should use it. 

What is a Facial Cleanser

A facial cleanser is a specialised skincare product designed to gently remove dirt, sebum, pollutants, and makeup from the face. It is gentle on your skin compared to harsh soaps that can make it dry and rough.

Used as the first step in your skincare routine, a facial cleanser sets a clean slate to absorb all the upcoming products, such as serum and moisturiser.

There are varieties available, including a range of ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and AHAs. You can choose a cleanser for your skin type and concerns for the desired results.

What a Facial Cleanser Does for Your Skin

A facial cleanser deeply cleanses your skin and takes out all the residues in a way that goes beyond just rinsing with water. Here’s what it does:

• Removes all kinds of impurities – Different types of impurities, including pollutants, sweat, and dirt, can settle on your skin. A well-suited cleanser washes them away by keeping your skin soft and supple.
• Washes away oil buildup – People with oily skin have to deal with a thin film of oil on the skin's surface after every few hours. A good facial cleanser for oily skin can regulate sebum production and prevent pores from getting clogged.

Also Read: Skincare for Oily Skin: Routine & Maintenance Tips

• Keeps breakouts at bay – Most acne-control cleansers are made with actives that lift away the unwanted substances without disturbing the skin's protective barrier. They can prevent pore congestion and bacterial growth, lowering the risk of developing inflammatory acne.
• Maintains skin pH balance – A pH-balancing cleanser can clean without stripping the natural oils of your skin. Your skin will not feel flaky or stretched out after a wash. 
• Clears traces of makeup – It is extremely important to dissolve all the makeup on your skin before going to bed, or it can harm the skin by clogging your pores and causing breakouts. Cleanser can melt down all the makeup and also prevent leftover residue from irritating the skin or dulling your complexion.

What Type of Cleanser Should You Use?

Different skin types have different needs when it comes to cleansing. Facial cleansers vary in texture, formulation, and their benefits. Understand your skin type and observe its problems to spot the best facial cleanser.

People with acne-prone and oily skin can rely on salicylic acid in gel or foam-based textures. Dry skin types can use cleansers infused with glycerin or hyaluronic acid, basically hydrating formulations. Cream-based cleansers work best for them.

Normal skin type can go with any type, depending on the current concern. Most textures can be suitable to maintain their skin's natural barrier and retain moisture. Sensitive skin can also go with cream-based formulations with hydrating agents.

Also Read: Cleanser Vs. Face Wash

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Cleansing

Cleansing the right way is key to clean, healthy skin. Even the best cleansers can’t help if used incorrectly. Let’s see some of the common mistakes to watch out for;

• Overwashing your face – Don't overdo it, as it can trigger the oil production even more, specifically for acne-prone and oily skin types. Washing too much can strip the natural oils from your skin and make it dry and patchy, giving rise to a range of problems.
• Rubbing aggressively – Don't rub vigorously, but use your fingers in small, circular motions to spread the product evenly on your face. Harsh scrubbing or rubbing doesn't clean better but can irritate the skin and lead to breakouts.
• Failing to rinse thoroughly – Rinse properly with a generous amount of water, as any residue can interfere with the next steps in your routine.
• Buying into hype – Don't go with the viral or trending products. Choose what your skin actually needs.

How Often Should You Use a Facial Cleanser

It is ideal to cleanse your skin twice a day. Once in the morning, while you're preparing for the day. A healthy, clean skin radiates better and contributes to your fresh energy. Then, you can use it in your nighttime routine before going to bed to get rid of all the impurities.

However, you can ask your doctor for the best advice or a tailored routine according to your skin. They can also guide you on the ingredients for your concerns.

Cleanse Your Skin Using DRSQ Cream Cleanser

Start the morning right with DRSQ vitamins-enriched Cream Cleanser for dry and dehydrated, nutrient-deficient and ageing skin. 

It has the power to entirely remove all the dirt and impurities while restoring the skin's barrier. Cream Cleanser has a pH-balanced formulation with refined hydrators like shea butter, jojoba and almond oil to provide long-lasting moisture and promote skin healing, antioxidants, including vitamins A, B, C, and K to reduce oxidative stress and introduce vitality. 

Wrap Up

Facial cleanser can set the foundation of younger-looking, radiant skin. By deep cleaning, a facial cleanser removes debris, foreign particles, and excess oil from the skin. This can prevent pore-clogging and reduce the chances of breakouts. Ensure to use the appropriate cleanser made for your skin to glow every day.

Resources:

• Dalibor Mijaljica, Fabrizio Spada, Ian P Harrison, "Skin Cleansing without or with Compromise: Soaps and Syndets", 2022 Mar
• K P Ananthapadmanabhan, James J. Leyden, Stacy S. Hawkins, "Recent Advances in Mild and Moisturizing Cleansers", 2019 Jan
• D H Nix, "Factors to consider when selecting skin cleansing products", 2000 Sep