After a long day, it’s important to wash your face thoroughly, removing makeup, sweat, sunscreen, and the pollutants that stick to it all. This is a vital step in keeping your skin healthy. Any serums or treatments you put on your skin won’t absorb as well if your skin isn’t well cleansed. Below, gentle, effective cleansers for your precious facial skin.
Rub the day away. Amazon
Cleansing balms and oils have become quite popular in the U.S. after years of acclaim in Asia and Europe. These cleansers begin as a solid and melt with the heat of your hands into an oil that breaks down makeup with minimal scrubbing. The best removal method is to use a hot washcloth. This Farmacy Cleansing Balm uses natural ingredients like sunflower and ginger root oil, as well as moringa tree and papaya extract, which all work together to remove foundation, pore secretions, and grit from the outside world.
For all skin types. Amazon
You may think using an oil to clean your face sounds counterintuitive, but it is one of the more gentle ways to cleanse. The oil attracts dirt, makeup, and sebum, and then gets wiped away. This DHC Cleansing Oil is a classic and has been on the market for years. The olive oil-based cleanser is suitable for all skin types—even oily skin—and helps hydrate your facial skin as well as remove dirt and makeup.
For breakouts and inflammation. Amazon
Though this may seem like a regular bar of soap, it is actually brilliant for acne-prone skin. The activated charcoal helps draw impurities, dirt, and oil from your pores, while the essential oils provide a natural scent. Since this is a bar, it can also be used as body soap if you suffer from acne on your back or other parts of your body. It’s also completely vegan.
For sensitive skin. Amazon
For extremely sensitive skin, try Simple Face Wash. It won’t cause irritation or redness. This bare-bones skin cleanser is meant to gently cleanse the sensitive skin of your face and is made without harsh perfumes or chemicals that often cause redness and irritation. The moisturizing components help to keep skin looking and feeling nourished and luminous as well.
A gentle exfoliant. Amazon
Sometimes your skin really does need a good scrub; however, most exfoliants can be extremely harsh and actually dangerous to the skin. With Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant you can get more luminous and even skin without worrying about damage. It uses incredibly fine rice bran and enzymes to exfoliate instead of plastic beads. Simply pour some into your hand, add water, and use circular motions to help remove dead skin and build up.