Proper skin care starts from the basics, and the first and most important step is cleansing. It is the step where the skin -you've guessed it!- is cleaned and impurities as well as makeup residues are removed. However, with the plethora of options available in the market, I know very well that finding the right product can seem like a difficult task. That's why I'm here to help you make the best choice based on your skin type, its needs, and your age always taking into account the texture and ingredients of each product:

Choose the right texture:

✨ Gel 

Gel cleansers are ideal for those seeking a deep cleanse, especially if they have oily or combination skin. Thanks to their lightweight texture, they effectively remove excess oil, sebum, and impurities, while they can also help reduce blackheads and the appearance of acne if they contain the right ingredients. At the same time, they offer a refreshing sensation of freshness without weighing down or drying out the skin, making them suitable for daily use. 

✨ Foam

Cleansers in foam form are an excellent choice for those seeking a more effective cleanse. Their foamy texture is ideal for removing impurities, oil, and makeup, making them suitable for normal as well as oily skin. It is definitely the most fun cleanser texture, as it spreads easily and rinses off quickly, leaving the skin clean.

✨ Oil 

An oil-textured facial cleanser is an ideal choice for those who need a gentle yet effective cleanse, especially if they frequently wear makeup or have dry or sensitive skin. Cleansing oils easily dissolve makeup, even waterproof products, as well as impurities, without stripping the skin’s natural oils. Additionally, they offer moisturizing benefits, leaving the skin soft and supple after cleansing, without a feeling of dryness. 

However, be careful! If you use such a product, it is necessary to remove it afterwards by using a foam or gel cleanser, meaning you should do double cleansing.

✨ Makeup Remover Wipes

Although they are certainly the most practical choice, makeup remover wipes should not be used on a daily basis. Besides the fact that they are definitely (more) harmful to the environment than a cleanser, in reality they do not adequately cleanse the skin. Prefer to use them when you are camping or at a festival or, in any case, somewhere you don't have easy access to water. They are also perfect for those nights when you've stayed out late and removing your makeup with a wipe is the best you can do while drunk and lying in bed. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do!

Choose the right product based on your skin's needs: 

✨ Acne-prone skin

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, choose a facial cleanser with salicylic acid, which will unclog your pores and reduce blemishes and oiliness.

✨ Sensitive skin

For your case, I would recommend a cleanser with a minimalist formula that does not contain fragrance, which could potentially irritate your skin, but instead contains soothing ingredients such as aloe, provitamin B5, and centella asiatica.

✨ Dry skin

I would advise you to avoid products with a high alcohol content and opt for a facial cleanser with moisturizing and soothing agents, such as oatmeal and hyaluronic acid.

✨ Mature skin 

As mature skin tends to be dry, an ideal choice is a facial cleanser or even a cleansing milk with moisturizing and soothing agents.

❓How can you tell if you have really chosen the right facial cleanser?

Once you finish cleansing, your skin should feel the same as it did before you started. If it feels tight or dry, this means that the cleanser you used is too "harsh" and therefore unsuitable for you. By applying your cream afterwards, all you will achieve is to replenish the hydration that you so harshly removed yourself, instead of enhancing it. 

ExtraTip: If you wear makeup, follow the example of Korean girls and do double cleansing. Start by removing your makeup with an oil or even a micellar water, and then proceed to cleanse your skin with a foam or gel cleanser.