Cleansing for two minutes, twice a day, can make your skin clearer, smoother and more hydrated. It also boosts the effectiveness of other products in your skincare regime.
Looking for a new cleansing product to add to your routine? Here are some of our top picks.
Trilogy Make-Up Be Gone Cleansing Balm, $39.99
Simple Hydrating Cleansing Oil, $11.99
Oils & balms
It seems odd to add more oil to your face as a way of cleaning it, but cleansing oils are effective at breaking down grime and emulsifying, plus they rinse off easily with warm water. They also leave skin feeling plump and hydrated, rather than tight and dry. The solid balm version is popular as a deep-cleaning option, or to remove heavy or waterproof make-up. To apply, massage onto dry skin, and use warm water and a facecloth to gently wipe away.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, $24.99
Natio Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser, $17.50
Face washes
A classic cleansing option, these provide a satisfying squeaky-clean feel, ideal for using first thing to freshen oily complexions and provide a smooth canvas for make-up. Just beware an excess of foam – lather comes from a strong soap ingredient that can eliminate the skin’s natural oils, leading to sensitivity and blemishes.
Neutrogena Deep Clean Cream Cleanser, $13.99
Goodness Everyday Cream Cleanser, $19.99
Cream cleansers
For sensitive, dry skin, soothing cream cleansers are gentle and effective and they generally get the job done with minimal friction to the skin – but the ingredients do vary! Traditional cold cream is generally a mineral oil and water emulsion, which is good for very stubborn (or stage) make-up, while more modern cleansers use plant extracts and oils to hydrate as they work to remove make-up, dirt and pollution from the skin. To apply, smooth over damp skin and massage lightly before rinsing.
Essano Rosehip Gentle Cleansing Wipes, $8.99
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water, $12.99
Wipes & waters
Many wipes contain a lot of alcohol, which can dry the skin and stimulate oil production, but they are a godsend on a late night or when a bathroom’s unavailable – so use a gentle, alcohol-free version like rosehip cleansing wipes. Another quick solution is a micellar water, which contains molecules that absorb oil and dirt without stripping skin. With no need to rinse off, you can hit the hay in no time!
