Your skin type is your GPS for choosing the right cleanser for your skin
Have you ever fallen asleep without washing your face? As a beauty consultant for three decades, I have preached about this as being the ultimate skincare sin, but I confess, I am guilty as charged. Over the years, I have learned from many dermatologists, scientist, and skincare experts that: proper cleansing is the cornerstone of a good skincare routine. Why? Imagine a day’s worth of dirt, oil, and environmental pollutants clinging to your skin – ugh! That’s where cleansing steps in and saves the day - or your face. It's #skincareshero.
But it goes beyond keeping bothersome breakouts at bay or removing makeup. Cleansing is the unsung Shero that preps your skin to absorb all the goodness from all of your precious, and sometimes pricey, serums and moisturizers, making them work better. And let’s not forget, it’s a critical step in the overall health of your skin, helping to fend off early signs of aging and keeping your complexion bright and refreshed. Whether it’s the end of a long day or the start of a new one, cleansing is your first and most essential step towards getting and maintaining that radiant glow that we all after. Trust me, your future skin will thank you!
Ahead, is your go-to guide to cleansers. I’m dishing the deets on the different types of cleansers, what’s fab about each, which one you should be using, plus some beauty editor tips and my product picks - IALA LOVES. After this read, they'll be No excuse not to wash your face!
Your skin type is your GPS for choosing the right cleanser
So Many Cleansers, So Little Time. Let's Get into it!
1. Gel Cleansers: An Oily Skin’s BFF
What’s the Tea? So fresh and so clean! Think light, Gel cleansers are all about getting rid of that pesky oil and unclogging your pores.
Why You’ll Love It: If you’re fighting acne, this is your knight in shining armor.
Who Should Add-to-Cart: Oily and combination skin types, you’ve met your match.
IALA Loves: Clear Proof® Clarifying Cleansing Gel a cult fave!
2. Cream Cleansers: The Gentle Hug Your Dry Skin Craves
What’s the Tea? Creamy, dreamy, and oh-so-gentle. It’s a hydrating smoothie for your face.
Why You’ll Love this one: Has none of the bad actors, but all of the good stuff.
Who Should Add-to-Cart: Dry or sensitive skin peeps who prefer au-natural.
IALA Loves: Mary Kay Naturally® Purifying Cleanser – a natural necessity!
3. Foam Cleansers: The Fluffy Cloud of Clean
What’s the Tea? Moisture-rich, cashmere-soft foam, perfect for a deep, refreshing cleanse.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s like a mini ant-aging facial every day!
Who Should Add-to-Cart: "Well Agers" with Normal to Dry skin, this is your jam.
IALA Loves: TimeWise Repair® Volu-Firm® Foaming Cleanser – your skin will thank you.
4. Oil Cleansers: The Lux Way to Melt Away Makeup
What’s the Tea? Oil fights oil – it’s a skincare law! These cleansers dissolve makeup like a dream.
Why You’ll Love It: It leaves your skin feeling nourished, not stripped.
Who Should Add-to-Cart: Everyone, really, but sensitive Girlies, you’re gonna love it!
IALA Loves: PreCleanse Cleansing Oil – game-changer!
5. Micellar Waters: The Quick Fix
What’s the Tea? Quick, easy, no-sink-required. It’s the ultimate low-effort, high-impact option.
Why You’ll Love It: Perfect for those busy mornings, post workout, or Netflix nights when you just can’t.
Who Should Add-to-Cart: All skin types.
IALA Loves: Mary Kay® Micellar Water – the cleansing clutch!
6. Powder Cleansers: The Trendy Customizable Pick
What’s the Tea? Mix with water, add as much as you like..and Voila!
Why You’ll Love It: Perfect for customization lovers.
Who Should Swipe Right: Combo to oily skin, get ready for a treat.
IALA Loves: Mary Kay Naturally® Exfoliating Powder
7. Bar Cleansers: The Convenient Choice
What’s the Tea? Simple, effective, all over cleanser
Why You’ll Love It: The Anti aging 3-in-1 bar cleanses, exfoliates and freshen and makes for a good travel companion
Who Should Add-to-Cart: All skin types that prefer the bar.
Beautify Loves: TimeWise® 3-In-1 Cleansing Bar – not just your average bar of soap!
8. Exfoliating Cleansers: The Glow-Getters
What’s the Tea? Buffs away dead skin cells to reveal that radiant glow.
Why You’ll Love It: They gently exfoliate during the 1st step - Cleansing,
Who Should Add-to-Cart: If your]re a multi-tasker minimalist with maximum expectations!
IALA Loves: TimeWise® 4-in-1 Cleanser – hello, glow!
9. Milky Cleansers: The Soothing Sensation Your Skin Craves
What’s the Tea? Think of milky cleansers as the gentle, comforting hug your skin needs. They’re creamy but lighter than traditional cream cleansers.
Why You’ll Love It: They’re superb at removing dirt and makeup while leaving your skin feeling soft, supple, and never stripped.
Who Should Add-to-Cart: Ideal for those with dry or sensitive skin, but honestly, anyone looking for a gentle cleanse will fall in love.
IALA Loves: Botanical Effects® Cleanse Formula 1 This one's good on the environment!
4 Top Beauty Editor Tips
Know Thy Skin: Your skin type is your GPS to choosing the right cleanser.
Ingredients are Key: Look for the good stuff that suits your skin’s needs.
Say No to Harshness: Alcohol, sulfates, parabens? No, thank you!
Patch Test Always: Better safe than sorry.
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