Splish! Splash!
No matter how crazy your schedule is, starting and ending your day with clean skin is essential. At Seattle Facialist, Master Esthetician Patty Huang says “The most basic foundation for skin health is washing your face.” Washing away dirt, excess oil, and makeup gives the skin a fresh look and prepares it for products to penetrate the skin properly. There are various types of cleansers and selecting the ideal facial cleanser depends on your skin type, environmental factors, season, and fluctuation of hormones.
Before picking up any cleanser, Patty suggests you need to identify your skin type.
Understanding the basic skin types:
- Normal skin: Generally, less visible pores, acne and sensitivity and does not experience excessive or oiliness
- Dry skin: Lacks hydration and natural oil; may have rough skin texture, dullness and loss of elasticity; may experience sensitivity
- Oily skin: Over production of oil known as sebum; enlarged pores, blackheads, pimples and unwanted shine
- Combination skin: This skin type combines dryness and oiliness in some areas. May battle with rough texture, dullness as well as acne, and pimples
- Sensitive skin: Signs of redness, stinging and burning; external/internal factors and skincare can contribute to sensitivities
Once you have identified your skin type. Here is where you can select the right cleanser for you. Patty has decoded the various facial cleanser options:
Creamy Cleanser:
Creamy cleansers are either lotion or rich cream based. Cream cleansers are gentler and provide hydration and non-stripping of natural oils which are ideal for dry or sensitive skin types. They can take the place of a second cleanse.
Gel Cleanser:
Gel cleansers are clear and they normally produce lather. Designed for deep cleansing, they remove excess oil and congested pores.
Micellar Water:
Micellar attracts oil, dirt and makeup. Does not require additional water or the need to rinse off, it is free from alcohol and safe for all skin types and perfect for sensitive skin.
Oil Cleanser:
Cleanser is oil based and melts away dirt and make-up including waterproof makeup without drying your skin.
Foam:
Foam cleansers are a combination of gel and cream cleansers; when applied onto the skin it becomes foamy lather. This cleanser removes excess oil, makeup and leaves skin feeling soft.
Seattle Facialist Patty Huang’s personal favorite is the Future Cosmetic Makeup Remover;
a gentle emulsifier based on pure oils that lifts and removes all debris even waterproof eye makeup without stinging the eyes. It contains rich antioxidant ingredients to slow down the signs of aging. Furthermore, Future Cosmetic Makeup Remover contains healing and anti-inflammatory ingredients that work well for sensitive and congested skin. Huang says this cleanser is not like any other cleanser she has used, it has beneficial ingredients, is non stripping and the scent is relaxing at the end of the day. It is her goto for herself and all her clients, including men (gentlemen, do not let the name discourage you from picking this cleanser up).