+ the Best Cleanser for Your Skin
Cleansing is the first and most important step in any skincare routine, yet what cleanser we use, and how we cleanse our skin, is often an afterthought. We tend to spend a lot more time and money on finding the perfect treatment or moisturizer, but the right cleanser, paired with proper cleansing methods, is the first crucial step to healthy skin. Below we’re sharing our cleansing knowledge, plus our top picks for your skin type.
What exactly is double-cleansing?
The double cleanse is one of the main reasons K-beauty’s popularity has soared in recent years. Double-cleansing is simply cleansing your skin twice. This method is used at night. The first cleanse eliminates makeup and sunscreen, these are often oil-based because oil removes oily residue best. Once your face is free of oily impurities, the second cleanse can properly work, getting rid of dirt and sweat that might be trapped in pores. Second cleansers usually come in the form of gel or foam, and are water-based.
TIP: Go slow. To truly eliminate makeup, especially waterproof makeup, take your time with your oil cleanser by gentle massaging the cleanser into your skin for about a minute before rinsing.
Can I use the same cleanser morning and night?
If you’re using a gentle cleanser, then it’s fine to use the same cleanser morning and night. However, nighttime is the perfect time to target specific skin issues, like acne. So if you’re using an acne wash or deep cleanser at night, using it in the morning is overkill and will actually strip your skin of natural oils exacerbating the problem.
TIP: Be gentle. We say this tip a lot, but it’s so vital to the health of your skin that it’s worth repeating. Treat your skin like it’s delicate, which it is! Gently wash and don’t over exfoliate.
Do I really need to wash my face in the morning?
During the night, oil residue and dead skin cells accumulate on your skin. Cleansing removes this buildup, which is why proper cleansing is an essential first step in the morning. With clean skin, you have a blank canvas for the following beneficial steps. The exception to this is if you have very dry or irritated skin. Then occasionally rinsing with water alone in the morning is okay. Always follow with a pH balancing toner and cotton pad.
TIP: Remember to wash your hands before cleansing, otherwise all those germs that have accumulated on your hands are on now on your face.
Is it bad to wash my face with bar soap?
Short answer: Yes, typically. Bar soaps tend to have a pretty high pH, which means they can severely dry out your skin. Using cleansers with low pH will help maintain healthy, happy skin. The optimal pH level for healthy skin is around 5.5. This is especially important if you have dry, dehydrated or sensitive skin. If you love bar soaps, Urang makes beautiful Organic Soaps that are safe and gentle to use on your face. However, enjoy these only occasionally and stick with a low pH cleanser for everyday use.
TIP: Turn down the heat. You want to wash your skin with lukewarm, never hot. That’s why it’s not advised to wash your face in the shower.
What’s the best cleanser for my skin type?
OILY & ACNE PRONE:
If you you have oily and/or acne prone skin it’s especially important to keep your skin clean to help prevent congested pores. Proper cleansing, not excessive, is really the key to controlling oily skin. Focus on cleansers that control excess sebum in the morning and treat acne at night.
TOP PICKS FOR DAILY CLEANSING:
AM: Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser Gel cleanser that gently removes overnight build-up of sebum and dead skin cells for fresh, clean skin.
PM: Heimish All Clean Balm First cleanser. A soft balm, oil-based cleanser that effortlessly removes makeup and residue without stripping of skin's natural oils.
Cosrx Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser Second cleanser. Made with salicylic acid, tea tree leaf oil and willow bark extract, this cleanser lifts up dead skin cells and unclogs pores.
WEEKLY DEEP CLEANSING:
Heimish All Clean White Clay Foam This cleanser delivers a special deep cleanse with kaolin (Amazon white clay). Kaolin purifies skin by drawing out the dirt and oils trapped in pores, while 10 different types of natural herb oils refresh and revitalize skin while also removing toxins. Use a couple of times a week.
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DRY:
If you have dry skin, choose cleansers that are gentle and will clean while adding needed moisture. With truly dry skin it’s ok to occasionally skip your morning cleanse, especially in colder months or when your skin feels particularly irritated. Just rinse well with lukewarm water in the morning and follow with a toner.
TOP PICKS FOR DAILY CLEANSING:
AM: Huxley Be Clean, Be Moist Cleansing Gel Enriched with certified-organic Sahara’s prickly pear cactus oil, this gentle low pH cleanser creates a fine lather to provide a thorough, refreshing and hydrating cleanse without irritation.
PM: Urang Natural Cleansing Oil First cleanser. Soft and rich, this all-natural cleansing oil emulsifies completely and effortlessly lifts away makeup and sunscreen, leaving skin perfectly cleansed, silky smooth and not stripped. Use the Huxley Gel as second cleanser.
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DEHYDRATED OILY:
If you’re suffering from dehydrated but oily skin (skin feels irritated/tight but looks oily) it’s common to treat your skin as just oily. While controlling excess sebum is part of the solution, it’s equally important to add and keep hydration. Picking the right cleanser is the first step to maintaining this balance.
TOP PICKS FOR DAILY CLEANSING:
AM: SRB Enzyme Powder Wash A gentle powder-turns-to-foam cleanser that keeps skin’s optimal pH balance while effectively cleansing and gently exfoliating skin.
PM: Heimish All Clean Balm First cleanser. A soft balm, oil-based cleanser that effortlessly removes makeup and residue without stripping of skin's natural oils. Use the SRB Wash as second cleanser.
WEEKLY DEEP CLEANSING:
Urang’s Organic Handmade Soap: Honey & Goat Milk Made with 93% organic ingredients, this soap is great for those with dehydrated or mature skin. Perfect as a second-step cleanser, this non-drying soap is made with organic coconut oil and olive oil to nourish while cleansing. Use a couple of times a week.
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NORMAL TO COMBO:
The goal is to maintain proper levels of hydration and oil in your skin. Any cleanser too harsh could push your skin towards the dry side, whereas lack of proper cleansing can lead to excessive oil. Cleansing twice a day using gentle cleansers will help keep your skin healthy and balanced.
TOP PICKS FOR DAILY CLEANSING:
AM: Heimish All Clean Green Foam pH 5.5. A cleansing gel that keeps skin’s optimal pH balance while effectively removing impurities from skin. Formulated with centella asiatica to heal and soothe skin.
PM: Urang Natural Cleansing Oil First cleanser. Soft and rich, this all-natural cleansing oil emulsifies completely and effortlessly lifts away makeup and sunscreen, leaving skin perfectly cleansed, silky smooth and not stripped.
SRB Enzyme Powder Wash Second cleanser. A gentle powder-turns-to-foam cleanser, SRB Enzyme Wash keeps skin’s optimal pH balance while effectively cleansing skin. The star ingredient, rice bran, naturally clarifies and brightens while corn starch and papaya enzymes gently exfoliate.
WEEKLY DEEP CLEANSING:
Pyunkang Yul Cleansing Foam a.k.a. Vaccum cleaner for pores--this stretchy consistency of Pyunkang Cleansing Foam adheres to dirt and oil trapped in pores and removes them leaving skin feeling clean and fresh without over drying. Use a couple of times a week.
I’m in a rush… What can I do?
AM: Try a cleansing water, like Huxley Be Clean, Be Moist Cleansing Water or Son & Park Beauty Water. Just saturate a cotton pad and sweep over your face. Though not required, a quick rinse with water is recommended. Follow with a moisturizer and sunscreen and you’re set to go.
PM: A must-have for those inevitable lazy nights, Chica Y Chico Killing Star Cleanser double cleanses in one step. This hypoallergenic formula goes on as an oil and then turns into a lather once water is added, making it perfect for those late nights.
ON-THE-GO: You’ll love the new Avajar Quick Cleansing Dry Tissue, which offers a thorough cleansing when you’re traveling. Just add water to the dry tissue and you’re all set. Another great option for cleansing on-the-go is the Derma Formula Micellar Cleansing Tissue by Innisfree. Micellar water absorbs oily impurities and dirt while hyaluronic acid leaves skin feeling fresh and hydrated.
TIP: Be consistent. Busy morning and late nights are inevitable. We get it. But when you can, be consistent with your cleansing routine. Cleansing is the first step towards glowing skin.
Have more skincare questions or concerns? Email us at hello@ohlolly.com.
