- Facial cleansers and face washes are not the same thing!
- The cleanser you should use is determined by your skin type and skincare goals.
- Facial cleansers can help clear the way for better product absorption, moisturize skin, remove makeup, clear acne, and so much more.
Wash the day away — and set your skincare routine up for success — with a facial cleanser perfect for your skin type.
Not sure what cleanser to get? I'm here to help!
Keep reading to learn why cleanser is an important step in any skincare routine and which type is best for you. Plus, discover my brand NEW CBE Botanicals facial cleanser, available now.
What Is a Cleanser?
As I've said, a cleanser is the first step in any skincare routine. It washes the sweat, grime, and oils of the day away, as well as any makeup. Once you cleanse effectively, your face is a primed canvas for the rest of your skincare products, like moisturizers, toners, serums, and more.
Cleanser vs. Face Wash
You might think that cleansers and face washes are the same thing, but in reality, there are a few key differences. For example, a face wash is a water-based product that easily lathers and is intended for deep pore cleansing. Face washes often contain astringent ingredients, which help combat oil production — very helpful if you have oily skin. But if you have dry or sensitive skin, face washes might be too harsh.
Facial cleansers differ from face washes because they're designed to be more gentle. The texture of a cleanser is creamier and softer than a face wash, often containing ingredients that help nourish, soothe, and moisturize your skin. Facial cleansers aren't meant to strip away oil, so they're a great choice for sensitive, dry, or combination skin.
Why You Need a Cleanser
Effective cleansing is my number one skincare step for glowing skin. Since cleansing is the first step in your skincare routine, it is the foundation for any other steps. When you cleanse properly (or double cleanse), the serums, toners, and moisturizers you apply afterward can effectively penetrate your skin.
A great cleanser should be pH-balanced and help clear off your makeup, oils, grime, and dead skin cells. And cleansers can be used on all different types of skin. Here's a breakdown of the best cleansers for every skin type.
- For oily or sensitive skin, look for a gentle gel cleanser.
- If you're looking for a cleanser for acne, choose a foaming facial cleanser.
- For dry skin, look for a cream or lotion facial cleanser.
- If you're interested in double cleansing, start with an oil cleanser followed by a lightweight foaming, cream, or gel cleanser. Oil cleansers are also great if you regularly wash off makeup every night.
- Searching for an anti-aging cleanser? Look for products containing lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or vitamin C.
How to Find the Best Cleanser
I can help you find the best cleanser for your skin type. Here are a few things to consider when choosing the best facial cleanser for you:
- First, you'll need to determine your skin type if you don't know it already. Do you have dry skin, oily skin, or combination skin? Is your skin sensitive to new products?
- Then, think about what your skincare goals are. Do you want to clear up breakouts? Or are you more focused on targeting fine lines and wrinkles? Could your skin use a daily dose of moisture, or do you need something to cleanse oily skin?
Different cleansers yield different results, so take a look at each facial cleanser I offer and decide which one is best for you.
- CBE Botanicals Just Say Ahh Revitalizing Cleanser: With ingredients like ginseng, orchid extract, glycoproteins, and Japanese green tea extract, this cleanser can help stimulate and soothe your skin. Because it's so gentle, you can use it twice daily, even on sensitive and acne-prone skin types.
- CBE Botanicals Scrub Away the Day Cleanser: This is my most exfoliating cleanser, and it has a lotion-like texture that feels amazing on any skin type. It contains jojoba beads, a gentle exfoliant, and various acids to promote collagen production and improve skin texture. Plus, it has a subtle grapefruit oil scent that's so refreshing.
- CBE Botanicals Clean + Bright: This gentle exfoliating cleanser is perfect for normal, oily, or combination skin types. It's designed to clean skin while locking in moisture. Plus, it makes a great makeup remover. It's perfect if you have dry, normal, or sensitive skin — as well as menopausal skin. Natural ingredients, like rosemary extract and horse chestnut, help stimulate and tone your complexion. I love this cleanser because it smells incredible and lathers very easily — so you can also use it for shaving
FAQ's
- Do I Really Need a Separate Cleanser If I Already Use a Makeup Remover? Yes, it's recommended to use a dedicated facial cleanser even if you remove makeup first. Makeup removers are designed to break down cosmetics, but a proper cleanser is needed to fully wash away any remaining impurities, excess oil, and dead skin cells to allow optimal absorption of other skincare products.
- How Do I Determine My Skin Type to Choose the Right Cleanser? To determine your skin type, pay attention to how your skin feels and looks throughout the day. Dry skin will feel tight and look flaky. Oily skin gets shiny and may have enlarged pores. Combination skin is dry in some areas and oily in others, like the T-zone. You can also consult an esthetician to have your skin professionally evaluated.
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Can I Use the Same Facial Cleanser Year-Round? You may need to switch up your facial cleanser depending on the season and how your skin is behaving. For example, you might want to use a more moisturizing cream cleanser during the dry winter months when skin tends to get dehydrated. In the hot, humid summer, you could switch to a lighter gel or foaming cleanser to better manage excess oil and sweat. Pay attention to how your skin responds to products as the weather and your environment changes throughout the year and adjust your cleanser accordingly to keep your skin balanced.
Add a Cleanser to Your Skincare Routine
Discover the best cleanser for your skin at Christine Byer Esthetics and set yourself up for skincare success. After all, a results-driven skincare routine starts with a fresh face.
Join the Christine Byer Beauty Club for more support on your skincare journey.
Whether you're revamping your daily skincare routine or just starting your journey, join now and get a 14-day FREE preview with full access to everything in the club. Plus, get personalized support for your questions and score access to savings all along the way. If you don’t find value in your membership, cancel within 14 days at no charge.