Facial cleansing - page 14

Face cleansing is the first and one of the most important steps in daily skin care. A properly selected cleanser helps remove impurities, excess sebum, makeup residue, SPF and pollution, without unnecessary drying or disrupting the skin barrier.

Within the Face cosmetics category, you can find different face cleansing products: gels, foams, micellar waters, toners, soaps, oils, cleansing milks, cotton pads, ampoules and makeup remover gloves. The choice depends on skin type, whether you wear makeup or SPF, and whether the skin is oily, dry, sensitive, dehydrated or prone to irritation.

Overly aggressive cleansing can lead to tightness, stinging, redness and skin peeling, especially during winter and heating season. That is why it is important to choose products that cleanse effectively but do not leave an uncomfortable dry feeling. Read more advice in the guide How to prevent skin peeling in winter.

Face cleansing and related subcategories

Who are face cleansing products for?

• People who want daily, proper and gentle facial cleansing
• Skin exposed to makeup, SPF, pollution and excess sebum
• Oily and combination skin that often prefers gels and cleansing foams
• Dry, sensitive and mature skin that usually prefers cleansing milks, oils and mild formulas
• People who want to prepare the skin for serum, cream or other care

How to choose a face cleanser?

For oily and combination skin, face cleansing gels or cleansing foams are often chosen, because they help remove excess sebum and heaviness on the skin.

For dry and sensitive skin, face cleansing milks or face cleansing oils can be a better choice, especially if tightness, redness or discomfort appears after washing.

For makeup and SPF removal, micellar waters, cleansing oils or makeup remover gloves can be used. After cleansing, face toner can help refresh the skin and prepare it for the next care step.

Face cleansing, dryness and skin barrier

Facial skin can become dry and prone to peeling if overly aggressive products, hot water, frequent exfoliation or routines that remove the skin’s natural oils are used. During winter, cold air and heating can additionally worsen tightness and flaking.

If stinging, redness, tightness or peeling appears after cleansing, the routine should be made gentler and products that preserve skin comfort should be chosen. Read more advice in the blog article How to prevent skin peeling in winter.

Pharmacist’s advice

Face cleansing should be effective, but not aggressive. If after washing your skin feels tight, stings or flakes, the product may not be the best choice for your skin type. In the evening, it is important to remove SPF and makeup, then apply suitable moisturizing care. In case of persistent redness, itching, stinging, peeling, acne, rosacea or irritation that worsens, advice from a dermatologist or pharmacist is recommended.

Ljubica Barbulović, Master of Pharmacy

Tips and useful guides

• Face cosmetics
• How to prevent skin peeling in winter