More potent than a cleanser but gentle enough for daily use, a cleansing exfoliator blends AHAs or gentle exfoliating particles with nourishing and cleansing ingredients to help wash away dirt and impurities , while also s upporting skin cell renewal . Using a hydrating facial cleanser helps to remove impurities, dead skin cells, oil, dirt, and traces of makeup that may clog pores, leaving skin feeling refreshed and revitalized. Caitlyn Martyn is a commerce writer on staff at Byrdie. She covers all things beauty and fashion related, but her favorite topic is skincare. She leans on foam cleansers daily to remove the day's dirt, grime, and oil from her acne-prone skin. She's tried tons of foam cleansers over the years and included a few of her favorites on this list. Micellar water is infused with micelles (oil–based surfactants) to capture makeup, impurities and pollutants, and help draw them away from the skin’s surface, leaving the complexion feeling clean and refreshed. While foaming formulas are good face washes for oily skin in general, this one is an especially efficient option, since it contains salicylic acid to help keep pores clear of clogging oil. The salicylic acid, along with soybean protein, also helps exfoliate dead skin cells that contribute to overall dullness, says Allawh of another one of her favorites. "It’s a great option for anyone who wants an overall brighter complexion," she adds. While salicylic acid is a great ingredient for anyone looking to combat oil, it doesn't always play well with other skincare ingredients.

We’ll walk you through the different types of cleansers available on the market and what each one does for your skin – plus how to determine which will leave your skin feeling cleansed, soothed, hydrated and refreshed. Gel Cleansers Throughout the day, dirt, oils and pollutants accumulate on the skin. Unless washed away with a thorough facial cleansing routine, these impurities can contribute to breakouts, dehydration and premature aging. Read on to discover what a cleanser is, what it does and how to use it. What is a cleanser? Pavan R, Jain S, Shraddha, Kumar A. Properties and therapeutic application of bromelain: a review. Biotechnol Res Int. 2012;2012:976203.This cleanser is designed to help treat acne and improve skin tone without causing irritation. While this cleanser does contain drying salicylic acid, soothing oat extract offers a calming effect that counteracts the exfoliant. Generally, salicylic acid and retinol don't mix, so be sure to skip this cleanser (and opt for one without salicylic acid) on nights you'll be applying a retinoid.

Take a small amount of cleanser (around the size of a 50p coin) and apply to the skin, steering clear of the eyes if needed. Massage gently into the skin for 60 seconds. Step 5: Rinse it off No matter what we do during the day, dirt, impurities and pollutants pile up on the surface of our skin. If we don’t remove this debris, it can lead to congested pores or breakouts over time. That’s why it’s important to remove every trace of make-up and properly cleanse the skin before your head hits the pillow.A favorite of Allawh's, this foaming facial cleanser contains fine bubbles that can penetrate skin pores, making it a helpful option for acne-prone skin types that need a little more help clearing gunk out of their pores. “It features bromelain (an enzyme from pineapple), which has helpful anti-inflammatory properties, making this ideal for those with red, irritated, or acne-prone skin,” she says. Effective at removing makeup and excess oil without disturbing the skin barrier, this cleanser also makes our list of best face washes. Another plus: It contains a blend of enzymes and amino acids that help exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells, revealing a brand new layer of skin. But, it does contain fragrance, which can be a deal breaker if you have sensitivity to fragrances in cosmetics. Developed to deeply cleanse and purify the skin, a foaming cleanser creates a foamy lather to help remove oil, makeup and impurities. An essential first step in every skincare routine, cleansing benefits the skin in many ways. Removing makeup and impurities Gel, lotion, cream or foam – which cleanser is right for you? While it can be overwhelming to browse through so many different options, taking your skin type into account can help to narrow down the formulas to the ones that suit you best. Foam cleansers have gotten somewhat of a bad reputation; shunned as over-drying and stripping, we often think of foam cleansers as a product that can do more harm than good for your skin. We're here to let you know that that's not necessarily the case. According to board-certified dermatologist Rina Allawh, MD, many foaming cleansers aren't as harsh as we think they are. “Not all foaming cleansers are drying, and many over-the-counter options help remove impurities while also containing hydrating ingredients,” she adds.