Cosmeceutical Cleansing
Skincare cleansers have evolved significantly from just serving as a cleaning agent to remove makeup, dirt and oil. This evolution came about with the access of product companies to a broad range of available active skincare ingredients in the marketplace along with heightened consumer expectations.
Today’s skincare cleansers are formulated to offer a wide range of benefits beyond simple cleansing. One of the most notable product trends is the shift towards cleansers that are specifically designed to support various skin conditions.
Traditional skincare cleansers were often harsh and drying, which could strip the skin of its natural oils and lead to irritation or oily and comedogenic. These next generation cleansers are formulated with cosmeceutical ingredients that can help to soothe, repair, and protect the skin. Active cosmeceutical ingredients can help to target skin conditions but also contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides to help keep the skin nourished and hydrated.
Multi-tasking Cleansers
Multi-tasking cleansers, designed to do more than just cleanse the skin, are a convenient way to streamline your skincare routine and achieve multiple benefits in one step. These cleansers may contain ingredients to exfoliate, brighten, dissolve oil or soothe your skin. When choosing a cleanser for your skin, it is important to consider your skin type and concerns. If you have oily skin, you may want to choose a gel cleanser or a foaming cleanser that is non-comedogenic and formulated with active AHA’s and BHA’s. For aging, dry skin, choose a creamy cleanser or a corrective cleanser formulated with Hyaluronic Acid. With sensitive skin, it’s important to look for a cleanser that is fragrance-free and formulated with soothing ingredients such as Licorice Root Extract and Green Tea Leaf Extract. If you struggle with dark spots or an uneven skin tone then choose a corrective cleanser with brightening ingredients such as Lactic Acid and Kojic Acid.
The Cleanser Evolution:
Soaps, lotions, creams and washes
From the first known use of soap around 2000 BC for basic hygiene, cleansing our skin has been a human priority.
Here are just some of the ways in which modern cleansers have evolved from saponaria extract and glycerin bars:
Micellar cleansers: Micellar cleansers are a type of cleanser that uses tiny micelles to trap and remove dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin.
Micellar cleansers are gentle and can be used on all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Gel cleansers: Gel cleansers are a good option for people with oily or combination skin.
Gel cleansers are lightweight and help to remove excess oil without stripping your skin of its natural oils.
Cream cleansers: Cream cleansers are a good option for a surface cleanse to remove makeup. They’re also a good prep step for a 2nd cleansing with a corrective cleanser.
Exfoliating cleansers: Exfoliating cleansers contain ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids to help remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Exfoliating cleansers can help to improve the appearance of the skin by making it brighter, smoother, and more even-toned.
Using a cleanser that is designed to support your skin type and condition can help to improve the appearance and health of your skin. It is also important to use your cleanser correctly. For best results be sure to massage the cleanser into your skin for at least 30 seconds before rinsing off.
If you are struggling with any skin condition schedule a consultation for a skin analysis with a clinical esthetician to find out what skincare products best suit your needs.
