What is a Cleanser?
A cleanser, also known as a facial cleanser, is a facial care product used by men to remove dead skin cells, oil, dirt and other types of pollutants and harmful substances that land on the skin of the face throughout the day. This helps unclog pores and prevent skin conditions such as acne. In this article you will read all about cleansers, what types there are and which cleanser is best for your skin. We will also give you some examples of cleansers that we have selected.
Properties and function of a cleanser
During the day and night, sebum, dead skin cells and other dirt accumulate. If you don't clean this up, your skin will look dull and uneven. Pores can clog and you are more likely to get acne, for example. The active ingredients of facial cream will penetrate better into a skin that has been cleansed. The perfect cleanser cleanses the skin well, without disrupting your skin's barrier. This barrier is your skin's armor. It is easily disturbed with a cleanser that is too aggressive. Unfortunately, this happens with a large portion of cleansers on the market because they contain harmful substances such as alcohol and sulfites. Therefore, always look for a mild cleanser without irritants.
Do I need a cleanser?
Cleansing your skin is necessary because at night your skin expels waste products through its pores. During the day, your skin is exposed to many outside waste products such as fine dust, exhaust fumes and other harmful substances. So 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, for sensitive skin only in the morning is sufficient. So a good skincare routine for men should start 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 moisturizer, which does not absorb well if there is a layer of grease on the skin. A moisturizer can also hold further dirt in the pores if that build-up is not first washed away by a cleanser.
What should I look for when buying a cleanser?
If you have oily skin (which men are more prone to, much more so than women), if you sweat a lot, or if you lead an active lifestyle, you may also need to cleanse several times a day. For any of these reasons, you should use an intensive-use cleanser that deals with dirt, but is also gentle enough for your skin so that it doesn't feel irritated or dry.
Our Top 3 Cleansers
Beware of certain substances in a cleanser
- Alcohol-based never apply alcohol to your (facial) skin, unless you have a nasty wound and need to disinfect it, of course. Alcohol-based cleansers will dry out your skin and then 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, typically 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 many different types of cleansers to choose from. There are foam, gel and charcoal based cleansers. 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 to you what exactly the different cleansers contain.
Powder
Powder cleansers can be made with many ingredients, from rice to clay. Usually, they are botanical powders and do not contain the very 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 gentle exfoliating properties.
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 oilier.
Gel
Gel cleansers are loved for their deep cleansing action, A gel is therefore a great choice for oily or combination skin types, but possibly too drying on sensitive and dry skin.
Charcoal
Charcoal is a very well-known substance and is included in many skin care products because of its ability to draw oil deep out of pores. This also makes it a great ingredient in cleansers. However, it is important to have a second cleanser to alternate with. If you use a charcoal cleanser daily, it may dry out your skin.
Use
- Before you begin to cleanse your face, open your pores. Open the pores by taking a warm shower or wetting your skin with warm water.
- Then rub your purchased cleanser in circles on your face. Do this gently, as the skin on your face is very sensitive.
- Next, rinse the cleanser well 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 somewhat tight, 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 compiled three high-quality cleansers that, regardless of whether you are an experienced user or not, will give you the right foundation for properly cleansed skin, without the addition of harmful substances.
Doers of London Facial Cleanser
This Facial Cleanser from the Doers of London brand will give your day the perfect start. This facial cleanser produces a pleasant foam that sanitizes the face without irritation and impurities on the face. The facial cleanser also immediately regulates the sebum production of the skin. 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. Jojoba oil has been added to this cleanser, which is full of vitamins and healthy fatty acids that will positively affect your skin. The lemon and lime oil in this cleanser will leave your skin feeling pleasantly soft. This cleanser is free of SLS, SLES, silicones, mineral oils, glycols, TEA, DEA, PEGs, synthetic fragrances and dyes.
The Grey Charcoal Face Wash.
The Charcoal Face Wash from The Grey brand is a detoxifying face wash that gives the pores of your face a deep clean. The Face Wash is enriched with a natural charcoal extract that, through deep cleansing, removes dirt and excess oils from pores, and prevents pores from clogging. The Grey brand's Charcoal Face Wash is also free of parabens petrochemicals, sulfates, SLS, SLES, dea, alcohol and leed, as well as being completely vegan friendly!
Baxter of California Daily Face Wash
This fine Daily Face Wash cleanser from the brand Baxter of California is gentle on your face, making this cleanser suitable for all skin types! The perfume-free Face Wash cleanser gently cleanses your skin and leaves your skin feeling fresh and smooth after using the cleanser. The ingredients Aloe Vera and Ginseng in this Face Wash moisturize your skin so that it does not dry out. The Coconut in the cleanser removes sebum and excess grease. We recommend using this cleanser daily.