What Image Skincare Cleanser is Right For You?

What Image Cleanser is right for you?

Cleansing your face should be a daily part of your normal skin care routine. It doesn't just help remove dirt, sweat, dead skin cells, makeup, and excess oil from the surface of your skin. It also helps to refresh your skin and can help improve your complexion.

Proper cleansing of the skin, also creates a strong foundation for applying your normal makeup or moisturiser, as well as allowing medicated creams for acne or other dermatological blemishes to soak directly into the skin without having to work through a layer of dirt as well.

Not all cleansers are created the same. Certain ones can be better suited for different skin types. Here, we will take a closer look at the various types of cleansers and which skin types they are best for, as well as touch on the benefits of using an Image Skincare cleanser regularly, and how dermatologists recommend cleansing your skin.

What is a cleanser?

A facial cleanser is a product that is specifically formulated to clear your skin of  pore-clogging particulates like dirt, oil, airborne pollution, dead skin cells, day-old makeup, and sunscreen. A cleanser is made to provide gentle exfoliation of the top layer of your skin, while also unclogging pores and making your skin look and feel refreshed.

A good cleanser (like our Image Skincare Cleansers), should target unwanted dirt and other buildup on the surface of your skin without stripping your skin of all of its natural oils. When searching, you may be confronted with a variety of options including creams, foam, gels, and more. It can be overwhelming to know exactly which cleanser would be best suited for your specific skin type and cleansing needs.

Types of Cleansers

Three of the most common types of facial cleansers are foam, cream, and gel. However, oil, clay, micellar water, powder, and other forms of skin cleansers can be found. Each will act kind of in the same way, by gently but thoroughly ridding your skin of build up dirt, skin cells, and other surface contaminants.

Gel Cleansers

Gel cleansers generally  have a thick gel-like consistency which makes it easier to get the cleanser exactly where you need it. Once lathered up, most gel cleansers will turn into a silky and smooth light foam such as our ORMEDIC Balancing Facial Cleanser. Not only is this Image Skincare cleanser mild and refreshing, but it also leaves your skin feeling thoroughly hydrated.

Gel cleansers are great for deep cleaning and light exfoliation. They are the number one choice for acne-prone and oily skin, as well as for anyone with normal skin that simply loves the feel of a gel cleanser.

Our CLEAR CELL Salicylic Gel Cleanser falls into this category too. It not only provides gentle exfoliation to clear out your pores, but it also includes a blend of mint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oils to leave your skin feeling fresh and invigorated.

A gel cleanser will normally make use of both alpha and beta hydroxy acids in order to provide lightweight, yet deep cleaning of your pores and surface layer of your skin. If you have dealt with excess oil, heavily clogged pores, or have regular acne breakouts, a gel should definitely be considered.

Foam Cleansers

Foam cleansers are a lightweight option that usually creates a thick foam lather. Most foam cleansers are dispensed from a pump bottle which froths the cleanser directly into your hand or whatever you use to cleanse.

These cleansers are ideal for anyone with combination skin. But, they works equally well for more normal skin too. Foam cleansers can target excess oil buildup just as well as gel cleansers, but are normally a little bit better at removing heavier makeup or sunscreen after a busy day.

As with other foaming skin care products, these cleansers normally include an ingredient called sodium lauryl sulfate which gives the foaming action. When used in excess, foaming cleansers can cause irritation and too much of a drying effect on your skin. If you have more sensitive skin or are prone to excess drying, it is important to look for a cleanser that is more suited for you.

Cream Cleansers

Cream cleansers are probably the most popular cleanser options. They are great for providing excellent cleansing while being more moisturising too. These cleansers are the ideal option for more sensitive or excessively dry skin and are created to not strip away the skin’s natural oils. They are typically make use of an ingredient called glycerin which helps to leave your skin feeling more moisturised and soft. 

If you are eager to enjoy a good cleansing with a boost of hydration, consider our VITAL C Hydrating Facial Cleanser. This Image Skincare cleanser not only provides thorough skin cleansing, but it also helps boost your skin with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as providing essential antioxidants.

 These cleansers are a brilliant choice for extremely sensitive or dry skin. The biggest issue you may find with a cream cleanser is that some might leave a light residue behind, especially when not rinsed with water or when not rinsed properly. This is something to be mindful of.

Cream cleansers can also offer exfoliating properties. For great cleansing with gentle exfoliation, we love our ILUMA Intense Brightening Exfoliating Cleanser. It helps brighten and refine your skin with bamboo spheres, mushroom-derived enzymes and exfoliation beads.

Oil Cleansers

Oil cleansers are a great option for all skin types, but really shine when used on dry skin. Oil cleansers are great for attracting excess oils and dirt buildup.

They are very great at hydrating your skin without causing irritation, but lack the exfoliation properties you will find in some other cleanser types. Oil cleansers are normally viewed as an advanced option for skin care, so if you are just starting out with a cleansing routine it might be best to start with another type.

Clay Cleansers

Closer to a clay mask than a traditional cleanser, clay cleansers will help pull surface impurities off of your skin and out of your pores while absorbing excess oil in the process. They are great for more acne prone, very oily skin, especially if you have not had good results with cleansers using hydroxy acids.

When using a clay cleanser, use French Green Clay and Bentonite Clay cleansers sparingly as these can both be really drying. They have such good oil-absorbing properties, that it can quickly lead to more problems than you started with if overused.

How Do Cleansers Work?

Unlike traditional soap, a cleanser shouldn't drastically alter your skin’s natural pH level or break down the natural surface barrier that protects your skin. With traditional soap, irritation and dryness is not uncommon on all skin types.

What are the Benefits of Cleansers?

As you go about your day at home, at school, or at work, various impurities can build up on your skin. These can be dirt blown on the breeze, cigarette smoke, environmental contaminants such as fragrance sprays, paints, or other aerosols.

Also, throughout the day dead skin cells, excess oil, and sebum will collect on the surface of your skin and in your pores. This can lead to unsightly blackheads, whiteheads, or acne breakouts.

How to Wash Your Face

While it might sound like such a simple process, there are a few things you should be aware of when it comes to washing your face. Dermatologists will normally recommend using a proper makeup remover before using a cleanser, especially if you have thick or heavy makeup. If this isn't possible, going straight into the cleanser can still be effective. You can use it twice to make sure the skin is really clean.

Some cleansers have gentle exfoliation properties and should only be used once per day, or even once per week if it’s a harsher exfoliation. This helps prevent excess drying of the skin, damage to the natural oil production, and irritation.

Washing your face with a cleanser is normally your first step in your skincare and makeup routine, so always try to keep it added into your schedule.

• Morning

For your morning routine,  start by selecting your favorite cleanser. For morning use, it’s normally recommended to choose a cleanser that does not include harsh exfoliation and instead has hydrating properties.

Dampen your face with lukewarm water before applying cleanser with the tips of your fingers.

After the cleanser has been lathered nicely with your fingertips, rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a soft towel to avoid stressing your skin with over rubbing it dry, or drying it out excessively by letting it air dry.

• Evening

Your evening routine will be similar to your morning routine, however instead of avoiding a cleanser with exfoliation, you can use it here. Exfoliating before bed can have a positive effect on your skin as your face will have several hours to rebuild its natural oils as you sleep.

Start by choosing your favorite Image Skincare cleanser. This can either be a cleanser with or without exfoliation whatever your personal preference is.

Wet your face with lukewarm water either by splashing your face with water in your cupped hands, or placing a wet cloth on your face for a few seconds in order to dampen the skin.

As with the morning routine, use your fingertips to gently lather the cleanser into your skin. Make sure you get all the way up to your hairline, around your ears, and under your chin.

Rinse the cleanser from your face thoroughly with lukewarm water, making sure there is no leftover suds or residue on your skin. Again, as with the morning routine, always pat dry your skin with a soft cloth and never rub it dry.

How Often You Should Wash Your Face

As long as you are conscious of possible drying effects, and don’t overdo the exfoliation, you can wash your face twice a day. Once in the morning and once in the evening.

However, if you simply cannot keep a twice-a-day schedule, most dermatologists agree that washing your face in the evening before bed is much more important and effective than washing in the morning.

You want to remove all of the dirt, skin cell, and oil buildup that has happened throughout the day. If you hit the gym or have a long day at school or work that causes sweating, it’s important to cleanse your face as soon as this activity is over with.

Shop all Image Skincare Cleansers here.

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