Recommended Cleansers: A Guide to Choosing by Type and Skin Condition
Do you have these concerns about cleansing?
Even if you search for "recommended cleansers," you still don't know which one is right for you. Have you ever thought that while standing in front of the mirror at night?
Your skin feels tight after washing, yet it's oily and shiny the next morning, or you can't seem to get rid of blackheads in your pores. No matter how many times you switch products, you can't find one that feels just right. We often hear these comments in our editorial department.
There are too many types to choose from
Drugstore shelves are lined with a surprising number of cleansers, including oil, balm, gel, milk, cream, and water types. Many people probably end up buying the same thing every time because they can't judge which one suits them based on the package description alone. Understanding the differences between each type is the shortest path, even if it seems like a detour.
The right choice depends on your skin type
Even with the same cleanser, it might suit someone with dry skin but feel insufficient for someone with oily skin, or conversely, it might be too harsh for someone with sensitive skin. It is common for a product recommended by a friend or family member not to suit your own skin. It is important to have a perspective that chooses based on your skin type.
What you will learn in this article
In this article, we have organized, step-by-step, the basic role of cleansers, characteristics by type, how to choose by skin type and makeup intensity, correct usage, and common questions. By the time you finish reading, you should be able to confidently choose a cleanser that suits you.
What is the role of a cleanser in the first place?
A cleanser is an item for thoroughly removing makeup and the dirt accumulated throughout the day. A major feature is its ability to approach oil-based impurities that cannot be removed by facial cleanser alone. First, let's organize the basic roles.
Blending with and removing makeup and sebum dirt
Lipstick, foundation, and sunscreen often contain oils, which are difficult to remove with water alone. The oils and surfactants contained in cleansers have the function of blending with these impurities, lifting them up, and making them easier to wash away. This is why you should choose cleansing power according to the intensity of your makeup.
How does its role differ from facial washing?
While cleansers are for removing oil-based impurities, facial cleansers are for washing away water-based impurities such as sweat, sebum, and dust, as well as any components remaining after cleansing. Since the two have different roles, it can be said that there are many situations where both are basically necessary on days when you wear makeup.
What happens if you don't choose correctly
If you continue to use a cleanser that does not match your skin type or makeup intensity, it can lead to various discomforts such as tightness after washing, stickiness, or makeup residue due to insufficient cleansing power. The basic flow is to first know the characteristics of each type and then choose according to your skin type.
How to Choose Recommended Cleansers | Features and Suitability by Type
Cleansers are broadly categorized into oil, balm, gel, milk, cream, wipe-off, and water types. Since each has different cleansing power and texture, knowing their characteristics makes it easier to choose the right one.
Oil types are easy to use for heavy makeup
Oil types have a high oil content, making them easy to blend with heavy makeup and waterproof sunscreen. The convenience of quickly blending with makeup and rinsing it off is also appealing, but because of their high cleansing power, they can easily remove necessary sebum along with makeup. It is recommended that those concerned about dryness or sensitivity adjust their frequency of use.
Balm and cream types are gentle on the skin
Balm types are close to solid at room temperature and melt with skin temperature to blend like oil. Similarly, cream types are characterized by being easy to blend with makeup while minimizing friction on the skin. They are suitable for those who want a moist finish or those concerned about dryness or sensitivity. They also have a good balance that makes them easy to use on days with natural makeup.
Differences between gel, milk, wipe-off, and water types
Gel types have a fresh feel and are often chosen by those who want a refreshing finish or have oily skin. Milk types have a high water content and a gentle feel, making them suitable for those with light makeup or concerns about dryness and sensitivity. Wipe-off types are appealing for their convenience of just wiping with a cotton pad, which is useful for busy mornings or travel, but caution is needed regarding friction. Water types have a refreshing feel and are often the type that you blend with makeup before rinsing off, which tends to be preferred in warmer seasons.
How to choose a cleanser by skin type
An essential perspective when choosing a cleanser is knowing your own skin type. The points to keep in mind change for dry skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, and combination skin.
For dry skin, choose a type that protects moisture
For those with dry skin, types that can wash while retaining moisture, such as milk, cream, or balm types, are more suitable than oil types with overly strong cleansing power. If you feel tightness after washing, it may be a sign to reconsider your cleanser. Checking whether moisturizing ingredients are included is also a point to keep in mind.
For sensitive skin, prioritize low irritation and minimal friction
For those with sensitive skin, it is better to prioritize minimizing friction on the skin over the strength of the cleansing power. Milk and cream types are less burdensome on the skin and tend to be easier to blend without rubbing. When starting to use a new product, it is safer to try it on an inconspicuous area before using it on the entire face.
For oily and combination skin, the key is a balance of refreshing feel
For those with oily skin, gel and oil types that can thoroughly remove sebum and pore impurities are popular. However, since over-washing can lead to excessive sebum secretion, choose based on the balance between cleansing power and gentleness on the skin. For those with combination skin, since sebum levels differ between the T-zone and the face line, it is recommended to choose a type with intermediate cleansing power, such as milk or gel, and wash carefully in specific areas as needed.
How to choose by makeup intensity
The cleanser you should choose changes depending on how heavy your makeup is that day. By being mindful of adjusting your cleansing power to match the amount of dirt you need to remove, you can wash it off cleanly while reducing the burden on your skin.
A gentle type is enough for days with natural makeup
If you are only wearing sunscreen and a light base, milk or gel types are often sufficient to remove it. Using a cleanser with too much cleansing power every day can strip away necessary sebum, so it is a good idea to be mindful of choosing a gentle type on days when your makeup is light.
Carefully use oil or balm on days with heavy makeup
On days when you have applied a full face of foundation, eye makeup, and lipstick, it is recommended to use a cleanser with high cleansing power, such as an oil or balm type, to blend it in. Since dirt tends to concentrate around the eyes and mouth, be sure to carefully blend the cleanser in without rubbing before rinsing it off.
Points to note on days when you use waterproof products
Waterproof mascara and sunscreen can be difficult to remove with regular cleansers. On such days, using a dedicated point makeup remover or choosing a high-cleansing oil type can help you avoid rubbing your eye area hard, thereby reducing the burden on your skin.
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Is double cleansing really necessary?
Regarding "double cleansing," where you wash your face again with a facial cleanser after using a makeup remover, there are often questions about whether it is necessary or not. Here, we will organize the basic concepts.
Reasons why double cleansing is recommended
Cleansing agents contain oils and ingredients to blend with makeup, and they may remain on the skin if you only rinse them off. By using a facial cleanser, you can cleanly wash away residual cleansing ingredients, sweat, dust, and other water-based impurities, which is why double cleansing is often recommended as a standard practice.
There is also the option of "no double cleansing required" types
Recently, there has been an increase in "no double cleansing required" type cleansers designed to also serve as a facial wash. On busy days or during periods when you are concerned about dryness or sensitivity, choosing these types to reduce the number of times you wash your face is one approach. However, on days with heavy makeup, it may be safer to add a facial wash because dirt is more likely to remain.
Judge based on your own skin condition
It is recommended to decide whether or not to double cleanse by looking at the intensity of your makeup and the condition of your skin that day. It is a good idea to have the perspective of adjusting flexibly according to the season and your physical condition, such as being careful not to over-wash during dry seasons and washing thoroughly when you feel you have excess sebum.
The Correct Way to Use Cleanser
No matter how well-suited a cleanser you choose, if you use it incorrectly, you may not feel the full benefits, or you may end up increasing the burden on your skin. Let's review the basic usage.
Take a sufficient amount in your hands
If the amount of cleanser is too small, it will not blend well with your makeup, causing you to rub your skin unnecessarily. Following the recommended amount listed on the package and taking a sufficient amount in your hands is the first step to reducing friction. If you feel it is too little, it is also a good idea to use a little more.
Be mindful of the time and pressure used to blend
Once you have applied the cleanser to your face, the basic rule is to gently blend it in with the pads of your fingers in a circular motion without rubbing hard. By taking some time to blend until the makeup lifts, you can remove dirt easily without having to rub forcefully. As a general guideline, aim for about one minute of blending time.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water
If the water temperature used for rinsing is too hot, it can strip away necessary moisture and cause dryness. Rinse carefully with lukewarm water, making sure not to leave any residue around the hairline or jawline. Since leftover residue can easily cause skin problems, it is safer to check in a mirror while rinsing.
Treat the eye area separately: The area where the method of removal makes the biggest difference
On your face, please treat the area around your eyes differently. The skin is thin, and the eyes themselves are nearby. This is the area where the impact of any problems is the greatest.
According to a report by the National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan, there were 599 reports of harm, such as eye pain caused by eyelash extension procedures, submitted to PIO-NET over the five years since fiscal 2010, with more than 100 cases occurring every year. While this refers to the procedure itself, the fact that the area around the eyes is sensitive remains the same when removing makeup.
Therefore, the order should be to start with the eye area. For point makeup, soak a cotton pad with a dedicated remover and let it sit for a few seconds before wiping it off. Trying to remove it by rubbing with a full-face cleanser will only spread the pigment and increase the number of times you have to go back and forth.
If it gets in your eyes, stings, or the redness does not subside, do not just keep rinsing and wait to see what happens; consult a specialist institution such as an ophthalmologist. Not delaying your decision is the most reliable course of action.
The source is here.👉️National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan: 'The Never-Ending Harm of Eyelash Extensions'
Precautions for Eyelash Extensions, Eye Area, and Sensitive Periods
The eye area and skin that has become sensitive require more delicate handling than usual. Let's also learn how to choose and use cleansers in special situations.
Choose oil-free if you have eyelash extensions
If you have eyelash extensions, using an oil-type cleanser may weaken the glue and cause the extensions to fall out more easily. Since eyelash salons often recommend using oil-free cleansers, it is safer to check in advance. Be sure to treat the eye area with extra gentleness.
Re-evaluate your cleansing strength when your skin is sensitive
When your skin is sensitive due to seasonal changes or physical condition, you may feel a stinging sensation even with the cleanser you usually use. In such cases, it is important to be flexible and adjust according to your skin's condition, such as temporarily switching to a type with milder cleansing power that preserves moisture.
Stop using immediately if you feel any abnormality
If you experience redness, itching, or a stinging sensation while using a cleanser, stop using it immediately. Do not continue to use it based on your own judgment, and if symptoms persist, we recommend seeing a dermatologist as soon as possible. Not ignoring the signs that a product does not suit your skin is an important point to prevent problems from becoming prolonged.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cleansing
Here, we have summarized common questions about choosing a cleanser. Please check the items you are interested in.
Q1. Should I cleanse in the morning too?
A1. Since you are generally not wearing makeup in the morning, there are many cases where cleansing is not necessary. However, if you are concerned about sebum secreted during sleep or dirt caused by friction with bedding, gentle washing with a facial cleanser is often sufficient. It is best to judge while observing the condition of your skin.
Q2. Does makeup come off completely with just cleansing?
A2. Most makeup can be removed by blending it with a cleanser to lift it off and then rinsing thoroughly. However, if the blending time is short or the amount used is small, dirt is more likely to remain. Make it a habit to check carefully up to the hairline and jawline to ensure there is no residue left behind.
Q3. Is there an expiration date for cleansers?
A3. Once opened, the ingredients in a cleanser may change over time, or bacteria may multiply. We recommend using clean hands or a spatula, storing it away from direct sunlight, and trying to use it up as soon as possible while keeping it hygienic.
Q4. Is it okay for people with sensitive skin to cleanse every day?
A4. Even for people with sensitive skin, it is necessary to remove dirt with a cleanser on days when you wear makeup. The important thing is to avoid types that are too strong and to use them while minimizing friction on the skin. If you feel any discomfort, prioritize the condition of your skin by reviewing the type or stopping use.
Q5. Is it okay to use multiple cleansers?
A5. Using different cleansers depending on the thickness of your makeup and the condition of your skin is a practical method. By using a milk type for natural makeup on weekdays and an oil type for days with heavy makeup or events, you can thoroughly remove dirt while reducing the burden on your skin.
Even if you choose a type that suits you, there is a limit to how clean you can get deep into your pores with just cleansing. Since you cannot take thorough care on the spot, there are ways to boost your recovery after you get home. The YA-MAN Steamer Bright Clean is a type that opens pores with steam to gently lift out dirt and sebum, and it is chosen as a full-scale care option for those who felt that facial washing alone was not enough. If you are interested, please check the product page.
Summary: Find a cleanser that suits your skin and makeup
There is no single correct answer when choosing a cleanser; the optimal choice changes depending on your skin type, the intensity of your makeup, the season, and your physical condition. That is why it is important to understand the characteristics of each type and choose while listening to the needs of your skin.
First, narrow down the options that might suit you based on type characteristics
While keeping in mind the characteristics of oil, balm, gel, milk, cream, wipe-off, and water types, try starting with one that matches your makeup intensity and preferred texture. It will be easier on your mind if you choose with the intention of finding what suits you little by little, rather than seeking perfection right away.
Adjust flexibly according to your skin type and daily condition
It is also important not to stick to one cleanser forever, but to review it according to the changing seasons and the condition of your skin. By having the perspective of flexibly switching to a gentler type when dryness is a concern and a refreshing type when excess sebum is a concern, you can aim for a comfortable finish all year round.
Stop immediately if you feel any abnormalities
No matter how highly rated a cleanser is, there is no need to force yourself to keep using it if you feel it does not suit your skin. If you experience any abnormalities such as redness or itching, stop using it immediately and consult a dermatologist if necessary. Please continue to choose a cleanser that you can use comfortably while staying in tune with your skin.
Read also
Comparing Types and Differences of Cleansers
The Correct Order for Skincare
References and Sources
Japanese Dermatological Association
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