Finding the perfect cleanser

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of facial wash or love the creaminess of a cleanser, what we use to wash away the day’s grime has more of an effect on our skin than many people realise.

It’s estimated that the average woman spends well over £100 on impulse beauty purchases every year means finding the right product could give your bank balance a boost, too.

No matter how thoroughly we cleanse our skin; there are some elements we can’t control, whether it’s external aggressors such as pollution or simply the constant transferral of oil from our hands to the skin on our face. 

Using a muslin cloth or cleansing pads not only prevents the transferral of this oil, but it’s also a great way to make sure your skin is truly clean - if there’s still dirt on the cloth, there’s still going to be dirt on your skin.

Cleanser criteria

Choosing the right cleanser can be somewhat of a minefield. “Traditionally, dry and sensitive skin types should look for a cleanser that contains a higher concentration of natural essential fatty acids like borage seed oil and linseed oil - a favourite of Charlize Theron,” advises celebrity facialist Ole Henriksen.

“Oily skin does better with a lathering or gel-based cleanser that contains antiseptic ingredients like rosemary, eucalyptus, and aloe vera.” 

Mild facial washes are perfect for those with oily skin, whilst cleansing milks are also worth a try – they’re water soluble and light but still provide the moisture your skin needs. Lemon, lavender and sage are also additional ingredients worth looking out for, due to their ability to regulate sebum production.

Cream of the crop

Those with dry skin should opt for cream cleansers, which are also ideal for those with more mature skin.

“Most mature skins benefit from cream-based cleansers due to the fact that natural sebum levels tend to decline as we age,” points out Simon Ford, brand manager at organic brand Melvita.

“Some people avoid cream-based cleansers and choose foams as they want to wash their cleanser off in the shower, but there’s no need to do this. It’s fine to massage a cream cleanser into the skin before the shower, then step in and rinse off (perhaps with the help of a flannel or muslin cloth) under the warm water.”

Essential ingredients

No matter what your skin type, the wrong cleanser can drastically affect your skin’s balance.  If your skin feels dry or tight after cleansing, it’s a sign that you need to find another cleanser.

Avoid cleansers that contain sodium lauryl sulphate, which can strip the skin of the natural oils your skin needs to function. If you’re prone to spots, opt for a cleanser that contains antibacterial agents such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.

Benzoyl is found in many spot-fighting products and works by deeply penetrating pores and killing the bacteria that can cause spots.

However, a word of warning – benzoyl can also be quite drying. Look for a concentration of no more than 2.5% and slather on the moisturiser afterwards.

If you’re prone to blackheads, salicylic acid can be a life saver, especially for those with sensitive skin. Like benzoyl, salicylic acid provides deep down cleansing but is less likely to cause dryness.  Many spot treatments contain this salicylic acid - it’s included in most of the Johnson & Johnson’s Clean and Clear range, as well as cleansing pads. 

Glycolic acid is another ingredient worth looking out for. Derived from sugar cane, glycolic acid works by promoting cell renewal, which means it can work wonders when it comes to boosting radiance.

It’s often found in exfoliating spa treatments or facial peels but when it comes to facial washes, look for a concentration of no more than 5%.

So, there you go: dirt, oil and grime, do your worst!

Product recommendations:

Soap and Glory Face Soap & Clarity Foaming Facial Wash, £7, Boots

The Body Shop Aloe Gentle Facial Wash, £7, The Body Shop

Botanics Skin Brightening Cleanser, £4.07, Boots