All the men who have washed their faces with the first soap they have found in the bathroom this morning raise their hands! Thank you for your honesty.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad you washed your face, but I’m not surprised that you used the first bar of soap you found, or the gel you use to wash your hands.
It’s true, using that bar of soap or that gel is better than using nothing at all, but the skin on your face is different. These soaps dry out facial skin and can remove the natural oils it needs to be healthy .
That is why I have made this post, to talk about facial cleansers, an absolutely crucial element for anyone’s grooming and skin care routine. Yes, yours too!
If you don’t have the right facial cleanser for your skin type and needs, the rest of your skincare routine will count for little. For this reason, it is worth looking for a product that takes care of your daily cleaning needs.
Simply put, a good cleanser is the backbone of good skincare – the starting point from which to build a routine.
When choosing the right product for you, you should always take your skin type into account, as the different cleansers are specially designed to suit men with oily, sensitive, dry or combination skin.
What follows is a list of what I think are the best facial cleansers on the market , based as always on their ingredients.
I’ll also talk about what you should know before buying a cleanser, how to apply it correctly, and the differences between different facial cleansers .
Let me show you how I have structured the article. The first three options are the best, and that is why I put the analysis of the ingredients in full. Of the rest there is only a summary, but you have the corresponding link to access the full analysis.
The ingredients are explained individually, with their function in the formula and their possible side effects. But if an ingredient is already explained in another product, I simply put the link so you can read it there, and not repeat it a hundred times.
I think it has become quite clear, so let’s start now.
Index
The Best – All-in-1 Micellar Water from Nezeni Cosmetics
Buy cheaper on Amazon or on the Nezeni.com website
Even though it is a micellar water, it is by far the best cleanser I have tried . Hence my recommendation. It is a very convenient product, as it not only cleans dirt, contamination and impurities, but also tones the skin and prevents it from drying out after cleaning.
After use, the skin is softer, smoother, and feels fresh and comfortable . It does not carry alcohol, and that is noticeable in the light, but not drying sensation. That is why all skin types can use it, without fear of irritation or stinging.
The best, its ingredients. A combination of aloe vera gel that hydrates and repairs damaged skin; glycerin to condition and soften; apple, ginger and oat extracts, whose function is to protect, exfoliate, firm, soothe and hydrate the complexion; and salicylic acid, a good exfoliator that deeply cleanses pores and removes dead cells.
This is the INCI:
I have made a mini summary of its ingredients because I am not going to analyze the entire list of ingredients, as it is already fully explained in this link , which I recommend that you take a look so you can see that all the ingredients present are totally natural, it does not have fillers , and its surfactant (the cleaning agent) is really mild, yet it cleans deeply.
And the proportion of active ingredients is notoriously good , managing to balance the extra fat, hydrate, reduce inflammation, calm, and avoid the effects of free radicals. A one hundred percent recommended option for all skin types.
It does not have any irritants, and its preservatives are minimal, in fact, it is the best formulation we have found. It does not include any toxic or harmful ingredients, thus avoiding the combined effect that I have already told you about on other occasions.
If you are looking for a cleaner that solves all your problems , you will love this product. Not only will it leave your skin feeling clean fresh, but it will also prevent you from having to use toner.
Use it as many times as you want, moistening a cotton ball with a little product and passing it several times over the face, without dragging.
Clarifying Gel Face Wash for Men by Brickell
Check price
If you haven’t heard of Brickell, it’s worth taking a look at their products, including their clarifying cleanser. Brickell is one of the fastest growing men’s grooming and grooming companies in the world. They sell their products in more than 20 countries and thousands of men use them daily.
Brickell has made a name for itself with men’s skincare and grooming products that take full advantage of natural and organic ingredients.
So if you are a fan of products that leave out synthetic ingredients in favor of those loaded with natural ingredients , you will like Brickell products. Its Clarifying Gel cleanser provides a deep clean, without being too harsh on the skin.
It will help you achieve clean, clear and healthy skin, as well as a deep cleaning that will not remove moisture from your skin. In addition, it has a great aroma that is influenced by essential oils such as peppermint, geranium, or eucalyptus.
And best of all, you won’t find any paraben or sulfate in this Brickell cleaner. But we are going to analyze your INCI to see what if we are going to find.
- Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) : Tested in Fiori di Cipria’s anti-wrinkle cream for men as Aloe Barbadensis leaf juice.
- Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola Extract) : Analyzed in Mercadona’s Sisbela eye contour .
- Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail Plant Extract) : Analyzed in TruSkin Naturals vitamin C serum as Wildcrafted Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail).
- Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium Extract) : Analyzed in Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Eye contour .
- Taraxacum Officinale (Dandelion Extract) : Tested in TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum as Wildcrafted Dandelion.
- Sodium Methyl 2-Sulfolaurate & Disodium 2-Sulfolaurate : It is a mixture of mild anionic surfactants that generates a great foam and has viscosity-building characteristics.
- Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate : Tested in Monroe London Night Recovery Serum .
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine : Tested in Zelens Z Detox Cleaner .
- Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine : Tested in Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Water Cleaner .
- Coco-Glucoside : Tested in A-Derma PhysAC Purifying Cleansing Gel .
- Sodium Chloride : Analyzed in the Nuxellence de Nuxe eye contour .
- Glyceryl Oleate : Tested on Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Eye Contour .
- Sodium Benzoate : Analyzed in the Nuxellence de Nuxe eye contour .
- Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride : Tested in Lancaster Skin Therapy eye contour .
- Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate : Tested in Fiori di Cipria’s anti-wrinkle cream for men .
- Decyl Glucoside : Analyzed in REN’s Bio Retinoid Anti-Aging Cream .
- Sodium Levulinate : Analyzed in Mad Hippie’s Vitamin C Serum .
- Caprylhydroxamic Acid : Analyzed in Cumlaude’s Summum RX Antiaging Repair Treatment .
- Sodium PCA : Tested in the Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 eye contour .
- Caprylyl Glycol : Analyzed in Nezeni Cosmetics anti-wrinkle cream .
- Citric Acid : Analyzed in Fiori di Cipria’s anti-wrinkle cream for men .
- Kosher Vegetable Glycerin : Tested in Clarins Men’s Anti-Wrinkle Cream for Men as Glycerin.
- Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Oil : Tested in NewPeptin’s Wrinkle Repair anti-wrinkle cream for men .
- Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Oil : Tested in NewPeptin’s Wrinkle Repair wrinkle cream for men .
- Cymbopogon Flexuosus (Lemongrass) Oil : Lemongrass (or lemongrass) oil provides a spicy, smoky scent, and offers purifying, astringent, and skin toning benefits.
The formula begins with the active ingredients, which are the botanical ingredients led by aloe vera (moisturizing and healing) and gotu kola (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, healing and soothing).
There are a total of 5 botanical extracts that will help astringe, calm, reduce inflammation, and balance fat, among other things. Not bad to start with.
Then the surfactants start, the vast majority are derived from coconut, and are much gentler on your skin than the popular sulfates. So far, cleaning and skin care are covered.
After some preservatives and conditioners, there are a couple of moisturizers, not in the proportion they should be, but at least they will hydrate slightly.
The cleanser ends with fragrances in oil form, such as peppermint, eucalyptus or lemongrass, which give the formula a pleasant herbal scent.
The downside is that peppermint and eucalyptus oil can be sensitizing, especially on sensitive skin. Luckily, they are in a minimal concentration, so their effect is minimal.
Other than this, and an irritating preservative that it includes, the formula is very good.
Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser by Jack Black
Jack Black, like Brickell, is a brand newcomer to the world of men’s grooming and skincare, but it has also carved out a niche in the market.
Their Pure Clean daily facial cleanser is the best representative of their product line, and is one of the best cleansers on the market.
It is a 2-in-1 product that cleanses and tones the skin. Helps remove excess dirt and oil (ideal for men whose occupations attract a lot of dirt and oil) while leaving skin hydrated and fresh.
As it does? Well, oatmeal and coconut-derived natural surfactants cleanse the skin, while it also includes witch hazel, which acts as an astringent and antioxidant.
The Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser ingredient list also includes organic sage leaf and rosemary for antibacterial benefits, while chamomile and aloe vera leaf soothe and reduce redness.
There are many other reasons why this facial cleanser is among the best options, including that it has been tested by dermatologists, and has no parabens, gluten, and sulfates as part of its formula.
It is also an ideal product for men whose pores are frequently clogged, or who suffer from blackheads and acne. You will like how your complexion looks after using this cleanser.
All this is something that we will verify by analyzing its ingredients:
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate : Tested in Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Water Cleaner .
- Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate: Derived from the fatty acids found in coconut oil. An amphoteric organic compound derived from imidazoline. A surfactant that acts as a mild foaming agent, cleanser and conditioner for skin and hair. Increases the foaming ability of a solution by increasing the viscosity of the surface of the liquid that surrounds the individual bubbles in a foam. Cleanses skin and hair by allowing water to mix with oil and dirt particles, and rinses them off the surface. It is prized for cleansing the skin and hair without stripping it of its natural oils, which is why it is incorporated into many “moisturizing” cleaning cosmetic products. In addition, it is particularly effective as a hair conditioning agent, as it helps improve the look and feel of dry and damaged hair by restoring it with body, flexibility and shine. A mild, non-irritating ingredient, it is appropriate for even the most sensitive skin types and gentle enough for baby products.
- Glycol Distearate : Analyzed in NeoStrata’s Bionic anti-wrinkle cream .
- Glycerin : Tested in Clarins Men’s Anti-Wrinkle Cream for Men .
- Sodium Chloride : Analyzed in the Nuxellence de Nuxe eye contour .
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine : Tested in Zelens Z Detox Cleaner .
- Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids : Salt created by condensing the chlorinated form of lauric acid (a fatty acid) with amino acids derived from oat protein. It works as a skin soothing and softening ingredient and has cleansing properties. The oat amino acids in sodium lauroyl can be natural or synthetic. It is considered very mild and is unlikely to cause skin dryness or irritation.
- Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder : Analyzed in Fiori di Cipria’s anti-wrinkle cream for men .
- Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Powder : Analyzed in Fiori di Cipria’s anti-wrinkle cream for men .
- Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender / Lavande) Flower Extract : Analyzed in the Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Eye eye contour .
- Salvia Officinalis (Sage / Sauge) Leaf Extract : Analyzed in Clinique For Men Anti-Age eye contour .
- Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary / Romarin) Leaf Oil : Tested in Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Eye contour .
- Salvia Officinalis (Sage / Sauge) Oil : Tested in Clinique For Men Anti-Age eye contour .
- Backhousia Citriodora Leaf Oil : Lemon myrtle oil has antiseptic, anti-infective and antioxidant properties. Similar to lemon when diffused into the air, it clarifies and increases concentration. Due to its high citrus content, this oil can irritate the skin.
- Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel / Hamamélis) Leaf Extract : Analyzed in the Nezeni Cosmetics Intensive Antiage eye contour .
- Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract : Tested in NewPeptin’s Wrinkle Repair wrinkle cream for men .
- Benzyl Alcohol : Tested in Nuxellence de Nuxe eye contour .
- Cetyl Alcohol : Tested in L’Oréal Men Expert’s Vita Lift 5 anti-wrinkle cream .
- PEG-150 Distearate : Tested in Eucerin Dermopure Oil Control Hydrating Facial Fluid .
- Sodium PCA : Tested in the Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 eye contour .
- Citric Acid : Analyzed in Fiori di Cipria’s anti-wrinkle cream for men .
- PEG-8 Dimethicone : Tested in Clinique Smart eye contour .
- Dehydroacetic Acid : Analyzed in the Nuxellence de Nuxe eye contour .
- Tocopherol : Tested in Clarins Men’s Anti-Wrinkle Cream for Men as Tocopherol Acetate.
- Phenoxyethanol : Tested in Clarins Men’s Anti-Wrinkle Cream for Men .
The formula uses mild surfactants derived from coconut, and botanicals such as amino acids from oats, aloe vera, lavender extract, rosemary oil, sage oil, witch hazel extract, and chamomile.
Vitamin E is at the bottom, as is sodium pca, which is a good moisturizer.
I only put one catch, which is the preservative Phenoxyethanol, a known toxic and irritant.
Jack Black Cleanser provides the deep clean that many men are looking for, especially men who accumulate a lot of dirt during the day, and who have easily irritated skin. Although it is also suitable for men of all skin types.
Invigorating Face Wash by Neutrogena Men
Neutrogena’s option is probably the worst on the list. It barely has two active ingredients that hydrate the skin, the rest are highly recommended ingredients.
The first is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, also known as SLS, famous for its harmful side effects. It has more irritating surfactants, an irritating preservative and a sensitizing fragrance (which is what produces the sensation of freshness).
Also, the formula has parabens in it, so it is better to avoid it than to apply it as it can do more harm than good. Always try to avoid parabens.
You can enter the full technical analysis in the following article: Neutrogena Men’s Invigorating Face Wash, Analysis and Alternative .
Oil Control Face Wash Clinique For Men
Clinique’s cleanser abuses surfactants, creating a product that completely removes dirt, but also leaves oily skin stripped of its natural oils.
It barely has a couple of active ingredients capable of hydrating and preventing water loss, and they are not in the ideal proportion to ensure that the skin does not dry out completely.
And to top it off, it features a sensitizing fragrance, a toxic preservative, colorants, and some troublesome surfactants.
You can enter the full technical analysis in the following article: Clinique For Men Oil Control Face Wash, Analysis and Alternative .
Biotherm Homme Facial Cleansing Gel
Although the first ingredients herald a good hydrating cleanser, it’s just an illusion that it doesn’t last longer than the fifth ingredient.
From there we find irritating ingredients, toxic and irritating preservatives, parabens, perfume and other ingredients that are harmful to health.
Only a couple of ingredients are saved from the formula, and the second is last, so its effect is minimal. For all this, I think it is clear that this cleanser is not a good option for any type of skin.
You can enter the complete technical analysis in the following article: Biotherm Homme Facial Cleansing Gel, Analysis and Alternative .
Nivea For Men Sensitive Cleansing Gel
Nivea’s cleanser focuses on deep cleaning with a surfactant in the first positions, and then hydrates, astringes, reduces inflammation and soothes the skin.
However, there is little else it can do, since it does not have more active ingredients. Half of the list does not include any beneficial ingredients, in fact, there are a couple of irritating ingredients, and a toxic preservative.
Although it is a formula specially designed for sensitive skin, it has irritating ingredients, so it is not a good option.
You can enter the full technical analysis in the following article: Nivea For Men Sensitive Cleansing Gel, Analysis and Alternative .
Hydra Energetic Daily Cleanser Magnetic Charcoal by Loreal Men Expert
The L’Oreal option is not as bad as we are used to. Some of the surfactants may not be the best, and they contain a toxic preservative, but they are not saturated with parabens or other skin-damaging ingredients.
It is a good option to clean the skin in depth, and it also has some active ingredients that hydrate the skin, prevent free radicals and even increase collagen synthesis.
It could be better, but it’s not the worst option either. Leftover some preservative and perfume, but not bad at all.
You can enter the complete technical analysis in the following article: Hydra Energetic Daily Magnetic Carbon Cleaner from Loreal Men Expert, Analysis and Alternative .
Clarins Men Exfoliating Cleanser
The option that Clarins Men presents us is quite poor, as it does not contain enough ingredients to cleanse and exfoliate as it should.
It has some interesting ingredients, such as antioxidants, purifiers, and anti-inflammatories, but other than these and some emollients, it has nothing worthwhile.
And some ingredients can be sensitizing, so it is not a very advisable option, especially for sensitive skin.
You can enter the full technical analysis in the following article: ClarinsMen Exfoliating Cleanser, Analysis and Alternative .
Multi-Action Face Wash by Lab Series
The surfactants chosen by the Lab Series brand are not the most suitable, as the danger of fatty acids is that some of them can be irritating.
On the other hand, it does not have too many beneficial assets, just a moisturizer, an exfoliator, and an antioxidant.
The choice of peppermint oil and menthol is not very successful, since their compounds act as sensitizers. And for my taste it has too many preservatives, including a toxic and irritant.
It would not be a valid option for me. Although knowing what you have, each one to use what they want.
You can enter the full technical analysis in the following article: Lab Series Multi-Action Face Wash, Analysis and Alternative .
Face Wash Dove Men + Care
Although its brand is synonymous with quality cosmetics, the truth is that in the case of this cleanser, the chosen formula leaves a lot to be desired.
It is full of irritating chemicals and ingredients that will remove the dirt from your skin, but also the good things it has, like its natural oils.
It has many irritating preservatives, perfume, and surfactants; while it does not have any beneficial active that calms or hydrates our skin. Therefore, it is not a cleaner that I would recommend.
You can enter the full technical analysis in the following article: Face Wash by Dove Men + Care, Analysis and Alternative .
Why should you wash your face?
It is not only a matter of hygiene or that your partner wants you to do it, but it is an essential step in your grooming routine.
If you’re going to use other cosmetics (be it exfoliators, moisturizers, or masks), you need to have a fresh, clean foundation, and that’s exactly what facial cleansers do.
Washing your face with a facial cleanser removes all germs, dirt and dead skin cells , leaving the face like a blank canvas ready for the application of other skin care products.
Who should use facial cleansers? Everyone!
We all need to get rid of dirt, extra oil, germs, and dead skin cells for healthy skin.
We are constantly surrounded by pollutants and airborne grease that gets trapped in our pores. Even if you have the cleanest skin in the world, there may be an underground accumulation of dirt under the visible pore area.
Types of facial cleansers
Gel, foam, exfoliating cleanser, bar soap What’s the difference between all these cleansers? And why should you use one option over another?
Gels
It is usually the most common cleaner, with a gel texture that, in contact with water, begins to foam. They work best for oily, combination or normal skin; And they usually have ingredients that clean, and others that provide an additional benefit.
These cleaners must always be rinsed so that no traces remain on the skin.
Foams
The foaming facial cleanser produces a rich lather that does an excellent job of removing extra oil and dirt. There are gentle versions that can be just as cleansing, and they don’t leave the skin too dry or cracked. A good product should prevent breakouts and leave skin smooth, but not tight.
No-rinse cleanser
A non-foaming liquid that is used to cleanse the face, but unlike the previous ones, it does not need to be rinsed off after application. Like a facial cleanser, these products are used to remove dead skin cells, excess oil, and dirt from the face.
They tend to be gentler on the skin than other cleansers, and they do a great job of leaving skin well hydrated and comfortable.
They are usually used in combination with the other cleaners, achieving a complete cleaning.
Exfoliating cleanser
While regular facial cleansers do the basic job of washing the face, exfoliating cleansers go further and can exfoliate skin and remove the top layer of dead skin cells.
Exfoliating facial cleansers include “pearls” or plant matter to help provide a deeper clean. Another difference is that you shouldn’t use them every day. Instead, use it once or twice a week, especially if your skin is getting used to scrubs.
Bar of soap
Most of us are guilty of using a traditional bar of soap to clean our face, and we are probably still using it. If this is your case, make sure the soap has a low pH level.
Bar soap is alkaline-based and, in most cases, removes natural oils from the skin. Even if your skin is excessively oily, it is best not to use this bar soap.
Not only will it dry out your skin, but it also contains harsh chemicals that work well to cleanse the skin, but not so well to protect it.
Not that all bar or bar soaps are bad for your skin. Those that include natural and organic ingredients are much gentler, while there are others specifically formulated for facial skin. Just be sure to choose one that doesn’t dry out your skin.
What to consider when buying a facial cleanser?
Type of skin
Not all cleaners are created equal, as they are not all designed for the same purpose. But choosing the right cleanser for you basically comes down to one thing: your skin type.
Every man’s face has unique characteristics, one of which is skin type. Most skin types are classified into five categories: oily skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, normal skin, and combination skin.
Knowing what your skin type is will save you a lot of time, because you will know the problems that you have to tackle.
OILY SKIN
The skin has a certain amount of oil that it needs to maintain the proper balance of pH and homeostasis (internal stability). But some men’s faces are oilier than others.
Signs that reveal oily skin are: large, visible pores, an oily glow that develops shortly after cleansing, and times of acne.
If your skin is oily, look for a cleanser that regulates the production of oil, without eliminating it completely, since it would be counterproductive.
MIXED SKIN
Unlike oily skin, combination skin only has a few oily areas, which are usually the forehead, nose and chin; while the cheeks are usually dry.
For this unique skin, look for a cleanser that removes dirt and balances oil production without completely removing its natural oils.
A good product for combination skin is one that protects the skin’s lipid barrier to retain natural moisture. You are looking for a product that cleanses thoroughly but also provides hydration to the areas of your face that need it.
DRY SKIN
If your skin is flaky, itchy, feels tight, and rarely (if ever) shows signs of excess oil, then your skin is dry.
Your mission, then, is to find a cleanser that cleanses dirt and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Opt for ingredients that hydrate, and completely avoid alcohol, which is drying.
SENSITIVE SKIN
Having sensitive skin does not mean that you are a sensitive man. Only that your skin is prone to irritation or redness after cleaning or shaving.
Focus your search on cleansers that have a creamy foam texture, soothing ingredients (aloe vera, chamomile, etc.), and are hypoallergenic. It is also important to find a cleanser that balances the pH level of the skin.
And even if you love that tickling sensation on your skin (especially since it’s a tell-tale sign that a product is really working), avoid sensitizing products like peppermint or eucalyptus. Most of the time, that tingling feeling that you get from a cleanser is not a good thing.
Rather, it is a sign that a product is so tough (loaded with drying agents) that it is emptying your pores, leaving your skin red and empty of any natural oils.
Stay away from acids and alcohols that are too drying, and opt for ingredients with a gentle touch: botanical oils, calming extracts and natural surfactants that remove excess oil, and only excess.
NORMAL SKIN
You are lucky if you are a man with normal skin. For one thing, you can use most cleaning products without a problem.
Your skin is evenly toned, not flaky, red, or irritated, and it does not have a greasy glow. Feel free to use any cleanser that doesn’t dry out your skin or make it too greasy.
And what about mature skin?
Aging skin will begin to show wrinkles, fine lines, sagging, and other signs of aging. In this case you need a cleanser that is rejuvenating and hydrating, and that includes antioxidants and collagen-producing ingredients, such as vitamin C and amino acids, all to prevent the skin from aging too quickly.
Beneficial Ingredients
You should ALWAYS read the ingredient list of your cosmetics, and this also applies to the cleanser.
It is very important that you understand what chemicals and natural ingredients are included in cleaners.
Here are some of the most recommended ingredients to look for:
- The aloe vera is a natural ingredient healing and moisturizing to relieve your skin. It is ideal for those with sensitive skin.
- The jojoba oil is a powerful antibacterial agent and acne. It also helps improve the absorption of nutrients in the skin, and removes dead cells from the pores. However, it can be very powerful, so men with sensitive skin will need a jojoba oil cleanser at a very low concentration.
- The Vitamin E is one of the most important nutrients in the human diet. When applied directly to the skin, it can lock in moisture and form a barrier to keep dirt, germs, radiation, and environmental toxins away.
- The shea butter is thick and highly moisturizing. It is rich in unsaturated fatty acids that also protect against oxidative stress and cellular damage that the skin suffers daily. It can soothe and hydrate your skin very effectively.
- The glycerin , often mixed with panthenol , is one of the most effective ingredients to moisturize the skin.
- The salicylic acid is an anti – acne ingredient that can help reduce pimples and acne outbreaks. Attention: it may be too strong for sensitive skin.
- The alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid and lactic acid are exfoliating and moisturizing excellent. They are also much less likely to cause irritation than exfoliants like salts and sugars.
- The allantoin is a potent anti – inflammatory ingredient that can do wonders to moisturize your skin.
- The ceramides are waxy molecules lipid (fat) are highly effective to absorb and retain water, improving skin hydration.
- The rosehip oil is a potent source of vitamin C, which is necessary for collagen production. It is one of the best natural anti aging ingredients, and it can reduce inflammation.
- The hyaluronic acid is a moisturizer that promotes better hydration and water retention even on sensitive skin.
- The oil tea tree is an antiseptic agent, antibacterial and antiinflammatory potent. It is a very strong ingredient, so men with sensitive skin should use it with caution.
- The glucoside decyl is a cleaning agent, but is so soft that is often used in baby products. It is one of the best ingredients for men with sensitive skin.
- The bisabolol is a derivative of chamomile, and is one of the chemicals that makes it so effective chamomile to soothe and reduce irritation.
- Natural oils like grapefruit, sage, and lemon are powerful antibacterial agents that can help cleanse oily skin without increasing sebum production.
Ingredients to avoid
Many facial cleansers (especially the cheaper options) use chemicals to remove dirt, because they are cheap, powerful, and highly effective.
However, some chemicals can be dangerous and accelerate skin breakdown. Be sure to read the ingredient list for your facial cleanser to make sure it doesn’t contain any of the following:
- Sodium Lauryl / Ammonium Lauryl / Sodium Laureth / Ammonium Laureth Sulfate : These sulfates are cleansing agents that can remove dirt and oil from the skin, but they can also irritate the skin and help absorb other harmful chemicals.
- Parabens : These preservatives contain estrogen-like properties, which can mimic breast cancer.
- Phthalates : These are hormone disruptors that can lead to reproductive problems and increase cancer risks.
- Synthetic dyes: These dyes are often derived from petroleum, and are known to be carcinogens and irritants.
- Fragrances : Chemicals used to produce fragrances can cause dermatitis, allergies, respiratory distress, and even hormonal disturbances.
- Propylene Glycol : This skin conditioning agent is an irritant that can cause dermatitis and irritation.
If you see any of these ingredients in your cleanser, get rid of it!
The art of applying facial cleanser
Now that you have the best facial cleanser for your skin, it’s time to move on to face wash time.
Washing your face used to be very easy, it was enough to lather with that bar of soap that you used for the whole body, and then rub it well on the face. It only remained to rinse it with hot water and that’s it.
Not so fast, gentlemen.
First of all, that bar of soap can be very good for the hands, and even good for the body, but it can dry out the skin on your face and, especially if you have sensitive skin, it can cause irritations or breakouts on the skin.
That’s why it’s always wise to use a facial cleanser that’s right for your skin type, for all the reasons we’ve already discussed: it gets rid of dirt and oil, removes dead skin cells, hydrates, and helps prevent skin conditions such as acne.
Therefore, leave the bar of soap for the body and use a specific cleanser. Time to wash your face the right way.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT TIME
The best time to wash your face is in the morning and / or at night . In the morning we remove the sweat, fat, dead cells and dirt that we have accumulated at night.
The morning cleanse will refresh your skin and remove impurities and dead cells. Also, after your face is clean, you can apply a lotion or cream to protect your skin throughout the day.
And at night we do the same with pollutants and impurities accumulated during the day.
It’s also not a bad idea to clean your face before shaving, as by removing accumulated dirt and dead skin cells, the razor has a better chance of gliding smoothly across your face.
TAKE A SHOWER BEFORE
Yes, that’s right, it is advisable to clean your face after showering, as the heat and hot steam will help open the pores, maximizing the effectiveness of the cleanser.
MAKE FOAM BEFORE APPLYING
Apply a small amount of cleanser to your hands, and begin rubbing it in to create a good lather before applying it to your face.
The foam also helps activate the beneficial ingredients in the cleanser. Afterward, spread the lather evenly over the entire face, down to the hairline.
MASSAGE THE PRODUCT ON THE SKIN
Use circular motions to gently massage the foam onto your face and neck. There is no need to scrub the product as if you were washing a car. Just apply enough force to loosen dirt, impurities, and excess oil.
Continue the massage for about 30 seconds, spending extra time in those areas where you tend to accumulate excessive amounts of fat or sweat.
Remember, take it easy. Rubbing too hard doesn’t do your skin any good.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT WATER TEMPERATURE
Some men prefer to use hot water during their morning routine, while others prefer a stream of cold water to finish waking up in the morning. Error.
Too hot or too cold water will stress your skin, leaving it red and irritated. Hot water also allows moisture to escape from the skin. With that said, use warm water instead . It will allow the pores to open while smoothing the skin.
DRY YOUR SKIN GENTLY
Dry your skin with a towel to pat . Rubbing it across the skin (as most men do) can stretch it out, causing premature wrinkles. Rubbing also creates friction, which can cause excess oil production or irritation for men with sensitive skin.
After a good face wash, your skin should feel fresh and clean, but not tight or stretched. These symptoms are a sign that it is too dry. Excessively dry skin is more prone to irritation, breakouts and acne, not to mention excess sebum production.
CONTINUE SKIN CARE
Follow with a good moisturizing lotion, anti-aging serum, or wrinkle cream. You have already cleansed your face, now is the time to hydrate, nourish and protect it!
Tips to maximize cleanser results
Once you’ve finished washing your face, try these tips to keep your facial skin healthy and fresh:
- Wash your face every day , even when you are tired. Daily washes will help fight acne and prevent other skin conditions.
- NEVER use hand soap to wash your face. The ingredients in a regular bar of soap are meant to kill germs on your hands, but the skin on your hands is much more resistant to damage than the sensitive skin on your face. The chemicals in bar soap (natural, organic, or generic) are too harsh for your face.
- Protect your face after washing it. Apply a layer of moisturizer and sunscreen to your face after washing it. This will protect your skin from the sun, wind, aging, and environmental toxins.
- Use eye contour cream . The skin around the eyes and mouth is very prone to wear and tear. After cleansing your face, use an eye cream to prevent fine lines and wrinkles.
- Try a cleansing mask . If you want to “deep clean” your skin, use a cleansing mask once every few weeks to get the job done thoroughly.
- Wash your face after using sunscreen . The oils and chemicals in sunscreen can be harsh on your skin, so be sure to wash yourself thoroughly after you return home.
- Don’t wash your face before going out in the sun . The washing process can leave skin dry and vulnerable. Make sure to give your skin time to relax and recover after a thorough wash before going out into direct sunlight.
- Watch your diet . What you eat directly affects your skin. It is not just about eating greasy food, but also about mineral intake. Your skin is like the window to your health. When everything is messed up, your interior probably needs a fresh coat of paint, too. Limiting unnecessary additives and colorants can be a good start when it comes to skin care.
Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.