What is a Cleanser?
A Cleanser, also known as a facial cleanser, is a skincare product used by men to remove dead skin cells, oil, dirt, and other types of pollutants and harmful substances that accumulate on the skin throughout the day from the skin of the Face. This helps to unclog pores and prevent skin conditions such as acne. In this article, you will read everything about Cleansers, the types available, and which Cleanser suits your skin best. We also provide you with some examples of Cleansers selected by us.
Properties and function of a Cleanser
Throughout the day and night, sebum, dead skin cells, and other dirt accumulate. If you don't clean this, your skin will look dull and uneven. The pores can become clogged, and you are more likely to develop conditions like acne. The active ingredients of Face Cream will also penetrate better into a cleansed skin. The perfect Cleanser cleanses the skin well without disturbing your skin's barrier. This barrier is the armor of your skin. You can easily disrupt it with an overly aggressive Cleanser. Unfortunately, this happens with a large portion of the available Cleansers because harmful substances like alcohol and sulfites are added. Therefore, always look for a mild Cleanser without irritating substances.
Do I need a Cleanser?
Cleansing your skin is necessary because your skin expels waste through the pores at night. During the day, your skin is exposed to many external pollutants like fine dust, exhaust gases, and other harmful substances. Therefore, it is always advisable to use a good Cleanser. How often a Cleanser should be used depends on your Skin Type. A good rule of thumb for men with normal to oily skin is to cleanse twice a day, while for sensitive skin, only in the morning is sufficient. A good skincare routine for men should start both in the morning and evening with a good Cleansing! By washing your Face twice a day, you also pave the way for a nourishing, protective moisturizing cream that does not absorb well if there is a layer of oil on the skin. A moisturizing cream can also trap further dirt in the pores if that buildup is not first rinsed away by a cleanser.
What should I pay attention to when purchasing a Cleanser?
If you have an oily skin (which men are more prone to, much more than women), if you sweat a lot, or if you lead an active lifestyle, you may also need to cleanse multiple times a day. For any of these reasons, you should use a Cleanser for intensive use that tackles dirt but is also gentle enough for your skin, so your skin does not feel irritated or dry.
Our Top 3 Cleansers
Be careful with certain substances in a Cleanser
- Alcohol-based Never apply alcohol to your (Face) skin, unless you have an unpleasant wound that needs disinfecting of course. Alcohol-based Cleansers will dry out your skin and leave it Red and dry.
- Sulfates Many Cleansers contain sulfates, which are often listed as SLS or SLES on the label. Although not all foaming Cleansers contain sulfates, generally all sulfate Cleansers foam. These sulfates can clog pores or irritate sensitive skin.
What types of Cleansers are there and how do I use them?
You have a choice of many different types of Cleansers. There are Cleansers based on foam, Hair Gel or charcoal. But how do you know which type of cleanser is best for you? And which Cleansing ingredient is indispensable in your Cleanser? Below we explain what the different Cleansers exactly entail.
Powder
Powder Cleansers can be made with many ingredients, from rice to clay. They are usually botanical powders and do not contain the chemicals that many liquid Cleansers do. You simply mix the powder with water in your palms to make a cleansing paste. Some, such as rice-based or enzyme powders, also have a gentle exfoliating ability.
Cream
Cream Cleansers are good options for dry and sensitive skin, but not for oily skin. They usually contain oils that help nourish the skin during cleansing. If you have oily skin, this will only make it even oilier.
Hair Gel
Hair Gel Cleansers are loved for their deep cleansing action. A Hair Gel is therefore a great choice for oily or combination skin types, but possibly too drying for sensitive and dry skin.
Charcoal
Charcoal is a very well-known substance and is incorporated into many skincare products due to its ability to draw oil deep from the pores. This also makes it a great ingredient in Cleansers. However, it is important to have a second Cleanser to alternate with. When you use a charcoal Cleanser daily, it can dry out your skin a bit.
Usage
- Before you start cleansing your Face, you need to open the pores. Open the pores by taking a warm shower or wetting your skin with warm water.
- Then rub the Cleanser you purchased in circles on your Face. Do this gently, as the skin on your Face is very sensitive.
- Rinse the Cleanser thoroughly with cool water. This gives you a Fresh feeling and also closes the pores again.
- Pat the skin dry, do not rub.
- After cleansing your Face with a Cleanser, you should have a 'clean' feeling. If your skin feels tight or slightly pulling, this is often a sign of (too) dry skin. This will eventually lead to extra sebum production.
Choice of The Alpha Men
Below we have prepared a trio of high-quality Cleansers that provide you, whether you are an experienced user or not, the right foundation for a well-cleansed skin, without the addition of harmful substances.
Doers of London Facial Cleanser
This Facial Cleanser from the Brand Doers of London gives your day a perfect start. This facial cleanser produces a pleasant foam that disinfects the Face without irritation and impurities in the Face. The facial cleanser also regulates the sebum production of the skin. It contains only natural ingredients such as organic cucumber extract, which has an anti-inflammatory effect, and organic green tea extract, with antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Additionally, Jojoba oil has been added to this Cleanser, this substance is full of vitamins and healthy fatty acids which will positively influence your skin. The lemon and lime oil in this Cleanser ensure that the skin will feel pleasantly soft. This Cleanser is free from SLS, SLES, silicones, mineral oils, glycols, TEA, DEA, PEGs, synthetic fragrances, and colorants.
The Grey Charcoal Face Wash
The Charcoal Face Wash from the Brand The Grey is a detoxifying face wash that gives your Face pores a deep Cleansing. The Face Wash is enriched with a natural charcoal extract that, through a deep Cleansing, removes dirt and excess oils from the pores and prevents the pores from clogging. The Charcoal Face Wash from the Brand The Grey is also free from parabens, petrochemicals, sulfates, SLS, SLES, DEA, alcohol, and lead, and is entirely vegan friendly!
Baxter of California Daily Face Wash
This fine Daily Face Wash Cleanser from the Brand Baxter of California is mild for your Face, which makes this Cleanser suitable for every Skin Type! The fragrance-free Face Wash Cleanser cleanses your skin in a gentle way and ensures that the skin feels Fresh and smooth after using the Cleanser. The ingredients Aloe Vera and Ginseng in this Face Wash hydrate your skin, so it does not dry out. The Coconut in the Cleanser removes sebum and excess oil. We recommend using this Cleanser daily.