Cleansing is a fundamental part of any skincare routine and can do real good for one’s skin. But it's rare where we find ourselves paying attention when it comes to choosing the right cleanser... just use your bath soap on your face? Not a chance! 

Cleansing is generally taken to be just a rapid chore before we get down to using skincare. But, just like everything else, there’s a right way to do it. Choosing the right cleanser for your skin type and cleansing properly is crucial. No, 20 seconds is not enough. Spending 10 times the amount on your moisturizer or serum then your cleanser – that may not be a good idea – it is equally important.
We have to remember to listen or feel what our skin needs.

Why It's Important to Use the Right Cleanser:
Do you know that using the wrong cleanser can actually negate all the good skincare products that you use after it and actually do more harm for your skin than good?

It’s not that a good cleanser alone will do something miraculous to your skin. The most important part to take note of, is that a wrong one can create a skin condition that you normally wouldn’t have. It will be one that you’ll constantly try to ‘fix with the product you chose. But the correct cleanser on the other hand can create perfect conditions for your skin to breathe, nourish and correct itself.
We all know that the skin we have/feel and look at on a daily basis is mostly dead skin that needs to be removed so fresher skin can elevate to the surface. This is known as the skin cycle. This is a natural process and is boosted with the right kind of cleaning supplies. That’s where your savior the cleanser enters.
 

The Difference Between Cleaning And Cleansing Your Skin:
Cleaning is technically a one dimensional activity. For example, think of it like mopping, surface wiping, etc. If we apply this very same approach when it comes to skincare it means we’re just removing the dead skin with whatever ingredients we deem fit. What we call "squeaky clean" skin would mainly be harsh chemicals and surfactants like sulphates, fragrances, and chemical preservatives.    
Meanwhile, cleansing is taking cleaning and personalizing it to your skin type. Ensuring the cleanser you’re using is preparing your skin to receive and work with the skincare you use to boost results. This is done by adding skin-friendly ingredients, milder surfactants and specific cleansing agents according to your skin condition. For example, salicylic acid for oily skin, ceramides for dry skin, etc.
Thankfully there are skincare companies who take cleansers very seriously and have created path breaking cleansers that are excellent for your skin type.
 

What can different types of cleansers do for your skin:
While there are many different ingredients and formulations possible for a cleanser, most cleansers can be categorized based on the 4 basic foundations.

How to choose the best cleanser for your skin type:
Since there's a lot that can go wrong, choosing the right cleanser is not easy, but hopefully, these tips will help.

Types of Cleansers:
 

Gel Cleansers
Best For:  Normal/ Combination/ Oily/ Acne-Prone Skin

Gel cleansers do a great job of dissolving all kinds of impurities and clean the skin.Their formulas are clear with a thick gel consistency and are amazing for deep cleansing. Since they are water-based, they lather very well when mixed with water and decongest clogged pores and remove excess oils without stripping the skin.Gel cleansers can be light in texture or denser depending on the foaming agents used.
It is a general misconception that gel cleansers can be solely for oily skin.There are some great gel cleansers that mix into water to form hydrating foams.

Foam Cleansers
Best For: Oily/ Acne-Prone Skin

Foaming cleansers are great for cleaning deep into pores. They were created to offer the refreshing action of a gel cleanser with a lesser emulsifying action.
A foam cleanser is popularly known as the lighter version of a gel cleanser, depending on the formulation used foam cleansers come in a ready to pump foamy texture and are extremely popular very with travelers as well as men due to its ready to use frothy texture. Just make sure you thoroughly hydrate your skin post-cleansing. Also consider using this just as a part of your nighttime routine instead of twice a day.

Cream Cleansers
Best For: Dry/ Sensitive/ Aging Skin

Cream cleansers are not as popular in India due to our humid climate and the need to remove all impurities with almost a laundry like precision which gel and foam cleanser are great for, however cream cleansers are great for dry and sensitive skin types.
Cream cleansers are oil based, which means they melt into the skin and mop up the impurities and can be wiped off rather than washed. Cream cleansers can actually be a great friend in an anti-aging skincare regime.

Micellar Cleansers
Best For: Makeup Removal/ Dry/ Sensitive Skin

Micelle is a word to describe any oil or fat molecule that is suspended in water to put it simply. These suspensions are so tiny that Micellar cleansers are becoming popular as the latest kind of cleansers available.
Like cream cleansers, Micellar or any bi phasic (a mix of oil and water based ingredients) are the go to for makeup users, and for delicate areas like eyes and lips.

Our Recommendations:

Shangpree S-Energy Cleansing Gel

This is a great choice for all skin types. This one from Seoul's top spa is, in fact, a gentle gel. It effectively breaks down even stubborn waterproof makeup and helps keep the pores clear. The gel is soothing to massage into the skin, thanks to its subtle herbal scent. Enriched with Antioxidant-rich Rosewood Oil to provide deep hydration and form a defensive veil over skin to protect against free radical damage.
Price: Rs.2,450  buy it on AgeLessXpress

Shangpree S-Energy Facial Mousse Cleanser

This soft, bubbling mousse cleanser gently removes impurities from the skin without disturbing the moisture levels so that it helps maintain hydration. Contains Citrus Paradisi (grapefruit) peel extract that is stimulating as well as refreshing. Due to its effective skin cleansing without disturbing the NMF (natural moisturizing barrier), it's a great choice for deep cleansing with soft hydration effects.
Price: Rs.1,950  buy it on AgeLessXpress

Avene Micellar Lotion

This cleanser acts as a natural skin soother and is a gentle cleanser suitable for your face, lips, and eyes. It also cleanses and removes make-up from your face in just one step. Combining Thermal spring waters and Capric Glycerides, this combination cleanses and removes color pigments present in cosmetics effectively but gently.
Price: Rs.1,390  buy it on  AgeLessXpress

Picking the right cleanser is the 1st step to amazing skin - click here book a free no obligation Online Video Consultation with our Doctor's to know which is the right cleanser for you.