The Best Types Of Facial Cleansers For Acne

October 18, 2021

The Best Types Of Facial Cleansers For Acne

 

Facial cleansing is the first and most important step in a skincare routine.

It is even more important for acne battlers struggling with blemishes as keeping the skin clean and fresh is a key preventive measure in reducing clogged pores and minimising the odds of a breakout. A good cleanser effectively removes dirt, excess oil, pollutants and other impurities from the skin, and primes it to receive acne treatment in the skincare steps that follow. Over time, a cleanser suited to acne skin can help improve its appearance and bring you one step closer to blemish-free skin.

With an overwhelming number of cleansers available, it can be hard to find ‘The One’. Discover the main types of cleansers and the skin types they are suited for in this article so that you can make an informed decision in your next purchase!

 

What Should I Look For In A Cleanser?

There are some non-negotiables when it comes to choosing a cleanser for acne-prone skin:

Gentle Formula: An inflamed skin should be soothed by a gentle cleanser that does not aggravate the acne skin condition. Some acne cleansers were formulated with strong cleansing ingredients to remove excess oil, these ingredients can be too harsh and end up stripping the skin of its natural moisture and oil. These types of cleanser should be avoided at all costs. As ingredient names can be very technical, look out for recognizable hydrating or soothing ingredients which will help with your decision. Glycerine, Hyaluronic Acid and even Aloe Vera are good ingredients that can help maintain the skin’s moisture level.

Free Of Irritants: Steer clear of cleansers with potential irritants such as artificial fragrances and drying alcohols. An irritated skin will not be able to heal efficiently.

Close To Skin’s Natural pH: The skin barrier is naturally slightly acidic. Choosing a cleanser that is close to the skin’s pH will not disrupt the pH balance and help blemishes heal quicker. 

 

Different Types of Facial Cleansers

1. Gel Cleanser

A gel cleanser has a clear, jelly-like consistency which makes it lightweight and gives the skin a refreshing feeling when used in a hot and humid environment as it does not leave a heavy residue behind. It does not lather and generally does not strip the skin of its natural moisture and oil. Its ability to deep cleanse means that it can decongest clogged pores while removing excess oil and other impurities on the skin which can help keep breakouts under control.

The LumiPure Anti-Blemish Cleanser is a gel cleanser that purifies, regulates oil production and primes the skin to receive optimal acne treatment following it usage. In addition, to removing impurities and acne causing bacteria on the skin, it minimises skin redness and pore appearances, giving your journey to clear skin an added boost! 

Recommended For: All Skin Types.

 

2. Cream Cleanser

As its name suggests, a cream cleanser is rich and lush in texture. It does not foam up when mixed with water so it generally does not dry out the skin. In fact, a cream cleanser is known to be ultra-nourishing and moisturising which makes it suitable for people with dry skin.

“Cream cleansers tend to be gentler and more hydrating than other cleansers, making them ideal for dry or sensitive skin types,” explains Dr Howard Sobel, M.D., Founder of Sobel Skin + Sobel Skin RX and Clinical Attending Dermatologic Surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

On the flipside, this type of cleanser may leave a creamy residue behind if not rinsed off properly after cleansing which can cause pore clogging and breakouts. Be sure to rinse off thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Recommended For: Normal, Dry and Sensitive Skin.

 

3. Foam Cleanser

A foam cleanser has a texture that is in between that of gel and cream cleansers which makes it suitable for combination skin. Starting off as a gel or a cream, a foam cleanser lathers up to a foam consistency when in contact with water. The foam created penetrates into the pores to clear out excess oil and impurities that may lead to congestion.

However, the main ingredient that gives foam cleaners their foaming effect is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), an infamous ingredient known to dry out the skin. Using a foam cleanser may deliver an immediate tightening sensation which can be reassuring to people with oily skin but over time, it can increase skin sensitivity and cause irritation which stops acne from healing properly.

Recommended For: Combination Skin

 

4. Cleansing Oil

A cleansing oil is an oil-based face wash that is effective at removing even stubborn waterproof makeup. It does so without disrupting the skin barrier or stripping the skin of its natural oils. Typically formulated with rich, moisturising ingredients, a cleansing oil cleans the skin while nourishing it at the same time.

Applying oil on oily skin may seem counterintuitive for some, but a cleansing oil ensures that your skin does not become dehydrated and produce more oil to compensate as a result. Due to its heavy texture, take extra care to rinse off the product thoroughly to prevent residue left behind from clogging pores.

As everyone’s skin responds differently to skincare products, be sure to do a patch test before incorporating an oil cleanser in your skincare regimen as it may trigger an allergic reaction. If you have cystic acne, consult your dermatologist before trying out an oil cleanse to prevent exacerbating your acne condition.

Recommended For: Dry and Normal skin

 

5. Cleansing Balm

A cleansing balm starts off as a solid texture before melting into a rich and creamy product when mixed with water, similar to that of a cleansing oil. It is effective at removing makeup while cleansing the skin and removing dirt and impurities. Moreover, their rich formulations make them suitable for dry or sensitive skin. “Cleansing balms are extremely moisturising and can even provide hydrating benefits thanks to its ingredients like Coconut Oil,” says Dr Sobel.

However, depending on your skin condition, it may be too heavy and emollient for blemished skin.

Recommended For: Normal, Very Dry and Sensitive Skin

 

With numerous types of cleansers to choose from, it can be difficult to find the best fit for your acne-prone skin. Keeping in mind the non-negotiables when choosing a cleanser and shortlisting the types of cleansers based on your skin type can help to narrow down your search!

 

Have a question on Lumipeau skincare or anything related to acne? Reach out to The Lumipeau Concierge via email at concierge@lumipeau.com or Whatsapp at 6338 8183 and the team will be glad to assist!

 

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