About Facial Cleanser

Facial cleansers are an essential must-have item for anyone wanting to take care of her skin. This beauty product can help keep skin cleansed and refreshed by clearing the skin of oil, dirt and grime from daily living. However, it is not always easy to find the most effective cleanser because we all have different skin types. Some of us have oily, acne prone or blotchy skin. Our skin also changes with each season, so it is more beneficial to use a different type of cleanser for summer than you would use in the winter.

Types

Dry or sensitive skin--Cleansers made for dry or sensitive skin are loaded with moisture beads. Aloe vera and cucumber are common ingredients found in cleansers formulated for sensitive skin because both of these plants contain soothing anti-inflammatory properties.
Combination--Combination cleansers are meant to be mildly creamy, typically in a gel form. Acne fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid might be found in this type of product. These products are usually pH balanced because combination skin tends to be very temperamental.
Oily Skin--Cleansers formulated for oily skin tend to be in gel rather than cream form. The gel is made to cleanse the skin of as much oil and dirt as possible. Some of these cleansers have exfoliation beads built into the gel to help clean off dead skin cells.
Anti-aging--This type of cleanser is typically very creamy and moisturizing. It helps nourish and hydrate the skin, which helps slow down the aging process. These cleaners are usually infused with vitamins such as beta-carotene and vitamin E. You might also find that these cleansers contain retinol, green tea and argireline because of the collagen boosting effects.

Effects

Every type of facial cleanser serves a purpose. The effects from using a cleanser can be clearly seen when it is the right cleanser for a person's skin type. The cleanser should result in a softer, smoother complexion. If your cleanser causes you to break out or dry out, then you are not using the right cleanser for your skin type.

Warning

Many name brand cleansers contain parabens, which are preservatives such as butyl, ethyl, propyl and methyl. These chemicals have been linked to breast and other cancers because of their estrogen mimicking effects. You will find parabens in many lotions, cleansers and other personal care products. Choose organic natural-based cleansers without parabens and other harsh chemicals.

Considerations

Your cleanser will work better if you wash your face in pure, clean water. Even tap water is not clean because it contains levels of chlorine, which dry and age our skin. Invest in a chlorine shower filter to get rid of the chlorine. Your hair and skin will be softer and smoother, and your personal care products will work better.
Also, try different brands until you find the cleanser best suited for your skin type. Use your cleanser for at least one week to notice results.

Expert Insight

Kat James, author of "The Truth about Beauty," says that we should purify our potions and paints. She claims that our skin absorbs everything we put on it, and we should shed products that contain irritants and other harsh ingredients. In her books, she says that "choosing products is easy for me because I set my pure, potent, and proven criterion long ago."

Resources

• The Truth About Parbens