Cleansing isn’t just about removing your makeup and SPF at the end of the day; the right formula can help keep excess oil in check, support your skin barrier, boost hydration and even help the products you apply next work harder. The catch? What works for one skin type might not work for others – which is why understanding your skin type and what it needs makes all the difference.
Ahead, we’ll help you identify your skin type, explain what to look for in a formula and match you with the right type of cleanser.
What does a facial cleanser actually do?
A facial cleanser removes all the things your skin doesn’t need, of course! In the evening, this means makeup, excess oil, sweat, pollution, SPF and anything else your skin picks up throughout the day. The best facial cleansers, however, should do much more than simply clean your skin. Depending on the formula, they might help support hydration, exfoliate, or include active ingredients to brighten or firm your skin.
Ensuring you use the proper technique to cleanse your skin is also crucial; it means you’ll get the most out of your chosen formula.
July 6 | 5 minute read
Words by Christie Sinclair
The better you understand your skin, the easier it is to find a formula that works with it, not against it. But what if you have no idea what skin type you have? Well, you can start by looking for clues! Take a look at your complexion – does it look shiny as the day goes on? Does it feel 'tight' or sensitive? Do you get breakouts? Does your skin seem to ‘drink up’ your foundation – or does it seem to split or slide off quickly? All of these can indicate your skin type.
To decode the signs, start with our guide to identifying your skin type here. And if you're still not sure, book yourself some time with our in-store MECCA Skin Specialists. Either way, once you know what your skin is trying to tell you, finding the right cleanser becomes much simpler.
Cleansers to use: Foams and gels
Cleansers to avoid: Oil-based formulas
Cleansers for oily skin:
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta AHA/BHA Daily Cleansing Gel
Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser
Oily skin produces excess sebum (the skin’s natural oils) which can leave it looking shiny and more prone to congestion and breakouts – but that doesn’t mean it needs a harsh cleanse! Gel and foam formulas with niacinamide and exfoliants like AHAs (think lactic acid and glycolic acid) and BHAs (such as salicylic acid) will help regulate oil production while removing SPF, pollution and makeup without over-stripping.
Firstly, double cleansing isn’t cleansing twice a day (though you absolutely can, if that’s what your skin needs!). It’s using two different cleansers in the same routine: typically, an oil or balm cleanser first to break down makeup, SPF and excess oil, followed by a milk, gel or foaming cleanser to wash away anything that’s left over.
“If you’re wearing makeup and SPF every day, a nourishing oil cleanser is great for removing those thick SPF particles, primer, and all of the oil and water-based ingredients that come from your products. If you’re applying six or seven makeup products a day, you’ve got to get that off!” explains Zoë Foster Blake, founder of Go-To Skincare, adding, “So that cleanser, followed by our water-based cleanser Properly Clean, gives you a stunning clean that allows your skincare products to absorb better and work better, and all that money you’re spending is actually going to give you results.” And the very best way to make sure nothing’s left behind, is by making it a double (cleanse)!
