Cleansers are the first step of your skincare routine. It is very important to get this step right as it is the foundation of your routine.

Here are some tips to get it right (all skin types).

-A Thread

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Before we start, I like to share basics. There are two types of cleansers. Foaming and non-foaming.

There are many ways to classify them but I think this is the easiest way (in my opinion).

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Foaming cleansers start off as a cream or gel and then foam/lather once they come into contact with water.

Non-foaming cleansers do not later at all even if they come into contact with water. Eg. micellar water, oil cleansers and bamboo cleansing clothes and mitts.
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Side note: Bar soaps are also considered cleansers HOWEVER unless a brand explicitly tells you that they have intentionally reduced the pH of their products I would encourage you to refrain from them and rather use gentle cleansers. Read link

https://twitter.com/mynaturawl/status/1245674234057314304
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It is important to note that there is a difference between cleansing your skin and washing it.

Cleansing is usually done using a non-foaming cleanser and it typically advised for people with dry skin. I personally feel all skin types would benefit from cleansing.

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Cleansing works by breaking down and dissolving away excess oil, make up and grime off your face. This process is very moisturising.

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Face washing is usually done using a foaming face wash to remove dirt and other foreign materials on your skin.

VERY IMPORTANT: Face wash (with foaming cleanser) does not properly clean off your make up and deep seated dirt. Cleansing does.

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Some people consider face washing and cleansing one and the same thing however if you are doing the double cleansing method. Then they are different.

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Double cleansing is the process of first cleansing your face with a non foaming cleanser to remove all the deep seated dirt and make up (it breaks it down) and is then followed up by a foaming face wash that cleans away the broken down dirt.

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Double cleansing is known to be one of the most effective yet gentle methods of cleaning your face. Your skin is left feeling clean and moisturised.

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Even if you have oily skin, non foaming cleansers will work wonders on your skin. Contrary to popular belief studies have shown that oil cleansing works very well on oily skin.

Double cleansing is extremely beneficial to all skin types.

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Examples of cleansing routines could be:
1. Huxley cleansing oil (non foaming oil cleanser) followed by Dermalogica Special cleansing gel (a foaming cleanser).
2. Garnier Micellar water (non foaming) followed by La Roche Posey Effaclar foaming gel.

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Double cleansing is basically lifting the dirt/makeup and then washing it away.

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So how do you choose a good cleanser?
Your cleanser, especially the foaming one, should not leave you feeling dry or squeaky clean.
Chose a cleanser that works well with your overall skincare goals.
Depending on your goals you can begin to introduce actives.

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If you do not want to use the double cleansing method and you have to choose between a foaming and non-foaming cleanser, go for the non-foaming cleansers. They are gentle and moisturising and can still do the job.

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For oily skin girls: Refrain from washes (products in general) that claim to be 'oil free'. They end up dehydrating your skin, making it think that you don't have enough oils and then overproduces oils. Oils are not a bad thing for your skin. Your skin needs it.

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What cleansers are you currently using? Are you double cleansing?

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