Facial skin needs regular cleansing. But to preserve youth and beauty, it is important to pay attention to the components that are in the composition of washing and cleansing products. Often you can find aggressive substances in them that mercilessly remove dirt and deprive the skin of the necessary lipid layer. And this leads to irritation, dryness, and sometimes rashes. For some, aggressive washes can even cause dermatitis.
Let's look at which substances are dangerous for the skin, and which washbasins can be safely placed on the shelf in the bathroom.
Harmful components of facial cleansers
Anionic surfactants
In the first place for everyone who uses face washes is surfactants - surfactants, these aggressive components can significantly damage your skin. But are all surfactants so dangerous?
After all, on almost every package of cleanser - foam, mousse or tonic - we see these three scary letters. In fact, only surfactants labeled “anionic” can cause harm to the skin; on the packaging they are usually indicated as “sulfates”. They are loved to be used in inexpensive cleansers.
Anionic surfactants are a product based on lipophilic and hydrophilic layers. When exposed, it sticks well to particles of fat, but draws out water equally well. Therefore, when cleansing, they also deprive the skin of necessary moisture. And not only moisture, but also a natural protective layer in the form of essential fats. Therefore, after such products, the skin becomes dehydrated, and the epidermis is not protected. Today there are enough products on the market that clean well without this harmful substance. The aggressiveness of its impact produces noticeable results, but they are more negative than positive.
Mineral oil
Contrary to the well-known statement that oil saturates the skin with moisture , when it comes to mineral oil, this is not always the case. How is mineral oil different from natural oil? It is obtained artificially. Everyone is familiar with such a substance as Vaseline - this is mineral oil. Of course, it has an exclusively chemical composition, but it is quite safe.
Without taking into account the disclaimer - in washbasins, such products can clog pores and contribute to the appearance of comedones. It seems that this is bad luck, because cleansers, on the contrary, should help rid the skin of harmful substances. But mineral oil can “lock” these substances and hide them away.
Therefore, the use of this “white oil” is not recommended for people with problematic and oily skin. Many also complain about carcinogens in the composition, which can cause cancer. In fact, the harm from mineral oil in this case has not been proven and is considered an effective marketing ploy from manufacturers of so-called “natural cosmetics.”
Useful components
IMPORTANT! Mild surfactants, unlike anionic surfactants, do not harm the skin, but also actively cleanse it. They are usually called “amphoteric”; these substances have a much lower charge of particles that stick to the layers of the skin. They wash and clean, but not to the point of squeaking. Typically they are listed on the packaging as follows: cocoaminopropyl betaine and imidazoline (sodium cocoamphoacetate). You can distinguish them in their composition by foaming; it is not as active as that of aggressive components.
Therefore, they are often used together with anionic surfactants, as they make aggressive substances less dangerous. The substance is obtained from natural raw materials, for example, from coconut oil. Many hydrophilic oils also contain such surfactants.
Selection rules
Of course, when choosing washes, you need to know your skin type . If the skin is dehydrated and dry, it is better to use gels with moisturizing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, rather than foams.
Foams, as a rule, contain more substances that eliminate oily shine, so they are perfect for those with a problem T-zone. Also, be sure to read the ingredients before purchasing.
IMPORTANT! The content of harmful surfactants and mineral oil will not make your skin healthier, and will add problems in the form of rashes and peeling.
Another guideline when choosing is the desired effect. If you need a makeup remover, then choose hydrophilic oil, foam and toner. If you just want to wash your face twice a day, then a simple gel cleanser will do.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5_ZnYiEmDk
Let's look at the most famous paraben-free washing gels:
- Face wash and face lotion for problem skin from Manhattan (Yolko)
- Cleansing gel “FRESH SKIN” NEOBIO
- Skineye ac pure wash peeling gel
- Christina Moisturizing Facial Wash
- Librederm Vitamin E Gentle cream-gel wash
This is just a small list of effective and safe washing gels.
Let's look at the most famous sulfate-free cleansing foams:
- Spivak Cleansing foam for washing
- Natura Siberica Foam-mousse for washing
- La Roche Posay Effaclar Cleansing Foaming Facial Gel
- Bioderma Hydrating Facial Cleansing Foam
- Shiseido Foam for deep skin cleansing
- Himalaya Herbals Neem Cleansing Foam
Why do you need a cleansing gel?
Since the condition of the skin is an indicator of health, it is very important to choose the right cleanser. All cleansing gels contain surfactants (surfactants) that very efficiently remove harmful impurities and contaminants from the surface of the epidermis. They penetrate deep into the pores and deliver beneficial ingredients there.
However, depending on the composition of the cleanser, the lipid barrier of the epidermis is destroyed, which can lead to irritation, peeling and redness. To prevent this from happening, you need to choose the right washbasin.
Modern cleansing compositions include natural oils, vitamins, active biological substances, antibacterial ingredients, and medicinal plant extracts. This product not only cleanses the epidermis, but also cares for it: moisturizes, nourishes and protects. With the right choice of wash, the skin becomes well-groomed and elastic, elastic and velvety, does not dry out or flake.
Many women do not properly care for their face because they are not familiar with the principles of proper care. They choose low-quality preparations, with a poor composition and high alcohol content, and wash themselves with hot water and toilet soap, which contains a lot of alkali.
This drug causes great harm to the epidermis and it turns out that we are worsening our appearance with our own hands. It is important to choose not an expensive product from a popular brand, but one that is suitable specifically for your skin type. Nowadays, all cleansers are made keeping in mind different types of tone.
Let's name the main qualities of a modern cleanser:
- Cleansing gel is a soft and delicate product that does not contain aggressive substances that disrupt the lipid barrier of the epidermis. This product, while cleansing, cares for the skin and does not cause irritation, dryness or dehydration.
- You can also choose a cleanser based on your skin type and depending on existing problems. For example, a product for oily skin will control sebum production, constantly clearing it from the pores.
- There are cleansing gels that effectively dissolve comedones and fight acne. There are also washes that moisturize the skin and maintain its water supply. These drugs specifically eliminate existing problems.
Natural face washes
These products include organic gels and hypoallergenic foams , as well as natural soap and bio-cleaning. Biocleaning is a powder that must be moistened with water before use. Then you need to wash yourself thoroughly with this wet sand, rubbing it into the skin, rubbing very gently, but thoroughly. Then the paste is washed off with warm water.
Natural soap is suitable for cleaning oily facial skin. When lathering, it hardly foams, since it does not contain any chemical foaming agents, while it effectively fights dirt and grease. Anyone with sensitive skin should take a closer look at organic gels and hypoallergenic foams. Let's take a closer look at the best means.
Best gel
Wash gel Workshop Olesya Mustaeva Rose moisturizing with silk. This product gently and gently cleanses all skin types. It contains only natural ingredients, extracts, oils. Just read the ingredients: wheat protein, jojoba oil, hydrolyzed silk, camelina oil, phytosterol esters of Abyssinian mustard seed oil, fragrant honeysuckle extract, Japanese honeysuckle extract, green tea extract, linden flower extract, raspberry fruit extract, citric acid, rose essential oil, ylang-ylang essential oil. Of course, this product does not foam or lather like its chemical counterparts, but it cleans adequately and gives the skin the necessary supply of hydration .
Here is a list of other hypoallergenic face washes:
- Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant
- Energizing Cleansing Foam
- Kenzoki Gentle Cleansing Lotus Mousse
- Shiseido Benefit Extra Creamy Cleansing Foam
- Avene Cleansing Foam
Soft gel for children
Babies always have sensitive skin, so to avoid dryness and flaking of the facial skin, use gentle cleansers. These include NeoBio Fresh Skin Waschgel. It is soft, foams well, and smells neutral. It does not sting the eyes, does not cause dryness, but, on the contrary, moisturizes delicate baby skin without clogging pores .
Conclusion: when choosing a cleanser, be sure to look at the ingredients label. What seems like a good “cleaning” ability can harm your skin, because along with excess fat, aggressive products also destroy the natural protective layer. If you have sensitive skin, then choose soft gels, and if you have an oily T-zone, then use foams with mild surfactants.
BeautyGentle cleansing: 10 soft foam cleansers
Masha Vorslav
In the summer, you want to wash your face several times a day, but despite the fact that sunscreens are greasy and your face sweats more, you don’t need to cleanse your skin too often - there is a risk of drying it out. For cleansing, it is appropriate to choose easily foaming products, do not skimp on them and whip them into a thick foam, which will thoroughly wash away impurities from the surface of the skin. Let us remind you that they are not suitable for removing makeup (you must first use an oil-based product that will dissolve the cosmetics), but they will be useful for the subsequent wash.
Natura Siberica Cleansing foaming mousse for washing
One of the few Russian brands popular abroad, it produces many simple and understandable organic products. Among them is this cleansing mousse for oily and combination skin. It is suitable for daily use, promises not only to cleanse, but to soothe the skin, not dehydrate it (loss of moisture can threaten any skin type) and even strengthen it. The foam does not contain silicones or mineral oils and is packaged in a bottle with a pump, so there is no need to bother with whipping.
Cattier Organic Cleansing Foam for Face Nuage Céleste
A French organic brand that can be found in large Russian hypermarkets. This foam, unlike the previous one, is suitable for any skin type: wheat proteins, cornflower and rose water are designed to moisturize and nourish it - as deep as possible during the cleansing process. If you are used to organic cosmetics being expensive, Cattier will be a pleasant surprise: 150 ml of foam will cost 600 rubles.
L'Occitane Angelica Lemon Ultra Foaming Cleanser
The brand developed the Angelica line for young skin, inspired by the ability of the plant of the same name to find water. There were a surprising number of products: not only basic ones like cream and tonic, but even light sunscreen and BB cream. There are three options for cleansing: gel in different volumes, solid soap and foam suitable for this selection. In addition to the main cleansing function, it promises to muffle inflammation and make the skin more matte.
Tony Moly Clean Dew Foam Cleanser
A very simple, cheap foaming paste; for just such things it definitely makes sense to turn to Asian brands, even for those who never dare to try them. Besides the fact that Clean Dew Foam Cleanser cleans really well, it lasts for a very long time: literally a pea of product is needed for washing, and the volume of the tube is 180 ml. Since you need to foam the cream yourself, we recommend purchasing a special mesh for washing - it will form a strong foam in a few seconds.
Bioré Cleansing Mousse
Japanese brand Bioré believes that the most important thing in skin care is cleansing. In practice, this means that you can safely turn to her for cleansing foams, shower gels and makeup-removing wipes. The brand has two of the first: pink mousse - with a moisturizing effect, green - for skin prone to inflammation. Both work based on SPT technology, developed by parent company Kao, which allows you to effectively wash away impurities from the skin without drying it out.
Avène Cleansing Foam
Foam for sensitive skin, suitable for combination and normal skin. It removes non-waterproof makeup well, so those who do not see the need for cleansing oils may well find Avène Cleansing Foam a universal cleanser. Despite the fact that the brand positions itself as hypoallergenic, there is a slight fragrance in the foam, so people with overly sensitive skin should be careful and test the product on the inner crook of the elbow before washing.
Shiseido Benefit Extra Creamy Cleansing Foam
The popular Shiseido foam is a very thick (the epithet “creamy” is suitable) cream that can be easily whipped even in the palms of your hands. In addition to cleansing components, granules with biohyaluronic acid (a Shiseido feature) were added to the paste, so after washing Benefiance Extra Creamy Cleansing Foam there is no feeling of tightness and dryness. In general, the Benefiance line is positioned as anti-aging, but this cleanser has no contraindications for young skin - except for individual ones.
Clinique Acne Solutions Cleansing Foam
Clinique foam is a classic cleanser with a two-step system, when makeup and impurities are removed from the skin using different formulas. Acne Solutions Cleansing Foam, as the name suggests, is designed to calm inflammation, so we wouldn't choose it for dry skin (even though ). It’s also better not to apply it around the eyes, so to cleanse this area you need to purchase another “can.”
Kenzoki Gentle Cleansing Lotus Mousse
Kenzoki mousse is packaged in a matte tube, from which shaving foam is usually extracted. Gentle Cleansing Lotus Mousse smells unusually subtle for a cleanser (the brand always pays great attention to fragrance and the ritual part of care in general), foams quickly and thickly, and really cleans well. Comfort after washing is provided by camelina oil and white lotus extract, the main ingredient in this Kenzoki line.
Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Cleansing Foam
The younger sister of the famous oxygen mask, this foam also works using oxygen technology developed by Bliss. The product washes away both impurities and non-waterproof makeup, due to chamomile and aloe extract it soothes and moisturizes the skin, and vitamin C adds radiance to it. True, it is precisely because of the latter that we would not recommend the foam to those with dry skin, since products with vitamin C tend to tighten the skin.
