Cleanser & Face Wash FAQs:
Which type of facial cleanser is best?
Dr Dev believes that the best facial cleansers will be intelligently formulated to be suitable for all skin types, as these are likely to combine an effective cleanse with kind-to-skin ingredients. But if you want a cleanser tailored to your specific skin type, keep scrolling…
What to look for when buying a cleanser:
Dr. David Jack recommends looking for ingredients that support your skin’s microbiome and barrier, not disrupt it.
“Those who are acne prone or have oily skin should use cleansers with exfoliating acids, like PHAs and AHAs, which gently resurface and exfoliate at an acidic pH – optimal for the ‘good’ bacteria of the skin,” he says.
“If hydration is a main concern, a formula with ceramides, lipids and squalane,” as well as extra hyaluronic acid would be good to look out for. “These ingredients will help maintain moisture, strengthen the skin and reduce any inflammation.”
Elsewhere, “those with sensitive skin and prone to irritation are also best avoiding synthetic fragrances and a high concentration of essential oils, like lavender oil. Some alcohols are hydrating, but others can disrupt the skin barrier, such as ethanol and SD alcohol 40,” he says.
“Always avoid harsh sulfates and soap-based cleansers, as these can strip the skin and lead to irritation or dehydration.”
Actually, Helen Marie, lymphatic facialist and founder of The Sculptress London, even advises to consider consulting a skincare professional before switching to a new product if you have really sensitive skin.
To conclude: if your skin is on the drier side, you’d probably benefit from some extra hyaluronic acid or ceramides. If you’re susceptible to breakouts and have acne-prone skin, keep an eye out for PHAs and AHAs, or a BHA like salicylic acid. For a deep clean, a charcoal or clay cleanser can help to draw out and mop up excess sebum, and for brightening, vitamin C will help keep skin feeling good as new.
Do I need to double cleanse?
If you’re wondering whether you need to double cleanse, the short answer is a yes.
“Double cleansing guarantees a truly effective clean,” says aesthetic doctor and founder of CellDerma, Dr Dev Patel. “It allows your skincare products to work more efficiently and enhance their overall effects. By using two different types of cleansers, you can remove surface-level impurities while deeply cleansing your pores, leaving your skin fresh, balanced, and prepped for the next step in your routine.”
Medical and cosmetic doctor, Dr Leah Totton of Dr Leah Skincare, recommends double cleansing once a day in the evening, for those who have worn makeup or SPF throughout the day.
“Double cleansing is also effective for those with oily skin types and acne prone skin, as it can help to remove bacteria and excess oil from the skin, whilst unclogging the pores,” she advises. “But those with rosacea, eczema or sensitive skin should avoid double cleansing, as it may remove the skin’s natural moisture, leaving the skin dry, tight and irritated.”
How do dermatologists recommend washing your face?
Dr. David Jack advises cleansing twice daily, in the morning and evening.
“In the morning, washing with a gentle cleanser removes overnight sweat, oil and bacteria while prepping your skin for the day from a pH point of view. At night, cleansing is even more crucial to remove pollutants, heavy metals, SPF and irritants or debris accumulated throughout the day,” he says.
As for your technique, “be very gentle with your pressure, as you want to clean the face but not strip the skin’s natural oils and upset the microbiome,” Helen Marie told us. “I swear by a good cream cleanser, which will ideally have no fragrance, no sodium chloride (basically salt), and to be a pharmaceutical grade. Even with a good skincare routine, I would still recommend seeing a specialist for a deep cleanse every four-six weeks.”
And if you like cleansing in a hot shower, think again: Dr Leah advises that the temperature you wash your face with should be lukewarm.
“As a general rule of thumb, always use lukewarm water, as water that is too hot can dry out or irritate the skin, and cold water will not properly remove makeup,” she comments. “Use your fingers to gently rub the product into the skin, but not scrub. Ensure you pat the skin dry afterwards with a soft bath towel, as towels which are abrasive can disrupt the skin barrier.”
Looking for something else? Shop the best moisturisers, best face toners, best face SPF and best facial serums for every skin type.
For more beauty content from GLAMOUR UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
