What is a Cleanser & How Does It Help Your Skin?

The cornerstone of starting a good skincare routine is finding a cleanser that works best for you.

So, what is a cleanser? Think of a cleanser as your trusted sidekick in battling away the day’s grime and removing any leftover sunscreen or makeup. It’s your first line of defense against dirt, oil, and impurities that build up on your skin. Not only do cleansers prevent breakouts by keeping your pores clean and unclogged, but they also hydrate and refresh your skin.

If you’re new to prioritizing skincare, don’t worry. This is Cleansers 101. Keep reading to learn more about why using a cleanser every day is important, along with how to properly pick a cleanser that will best benefit your skin.

• What Does Cleanser Do?
• Types of Cleansers
• Ingredients to Look For
• What’s the Best Cleanser?
• How to Use Cleanser Properly
• Pair It with a Replenishing Moisturizer
• Cleansing Routine Tips

What Does A Cleanser Do?

What does a cleanser do? A cleanser’s main goal is to help remove dirt, oil, and other impurities from your skin, especially at the end of the day.

By working a cleanser into your skin instead of just splashing water on your face, you’re actively removing buildup that can clog your pores and contribute to breakouts.

Types of Cleansers

With so many cleansers out there, it can be difficult to narrow down your options. Often, it really comes down to preferences and your skin type. You want to ask yourself “What does a face wash do for my skin?” Some of the most common types of cleansers are:

• Gel cleansers: Great at tackling excess oil and are ideal for oily or acne-prone skin.
• Cream cleansers: Rich in moisture, cater to dry or sensitive skin, and provide a soothing cleanse.
• Foaming cleansers: Offer a light touch, great for normal to combination skin.

That said, these are generalizations. It’ll really depend on the brand and ingredients when it comes down to individual cleansers.

Look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid for dry skin or chamomile for sensitive skin. For oily skin, salicylic acid can be helpful. Tailor your choice to specific needs—finding the right cleanser ensures a personalized skincare routine that nurtures and enhances your skin type.

Want to simplify your quest for the best cleanser for your skin? Forgo the trial and error with Colorescience Barrier Pro™ 1-Step Cleanser. This cleanser is powerful enough for those who need a deeper clean, yet gentle enough to cleanse sensitive skin without irritation or stripping.

Ingredients to Look For

When looking for a face cleanser to add to your skincare routine, keep an eye out for ingredients that go beyond just simply cleansing but also give your skin the nutrients it needs to stay rejuvenated and refreshed.

Some common and beneficial ingredients include:

• Prickly pear extract: Loaded with antioxidants like flavonoids, polysaccharides, vitamins, and minerals, it can do wonders for sensitive skin, offering soothing, hydrating, and protective benefits.
• Lactobacillus ferment: This probiotic-like ferment promotes healthy bacteria while getting rid of harmful ones.
• Vitamins A, C, D, and E: Vitamins are a natural way for your body to naturally enhance your overall skin health. Vitamin C is a crucial component for collagen production, as it not only supports skin structure but also works wonders in preventing and reducing brown spots by suppressing melanin production.
• Antioxidants: Think of antioxidants as the key to unlocking the anti-aging secret. Using products filled with antioxidants helps keep your skin looking brighter and smoother.

Now that you know what ingredients to look for, opt for formulas that have no fragrances, as they can be irritating to your skin. You also want a non-comedogenic formula, which means it won’t clog your pores and contribute to breakouts.

What’s the Best Cleanser?

The Colorescience Barrier Pro™ 1-Step Cleanser is a game-changer for your skincare routine. It’s not just a cleanser; it's a skincare staple that truly goes beyond the surface.

This cleanser has a unique formula that effortlessly removes the grime of makeup and your daily mineral sunscreen, all in one go, making it easy for you to effectively cleanse in one simple wash.

Think of it as your must-have, one-and-done kind of product. At its core, it’s not just a cleanser; it's a multi-benefit solution that helps boost your skin barrier. By supporting the skin's microbiome and promoting gentle exfoliation, it leaves you with a softer, smoother texture without using any harsh ingredients.

Plus, it's oil-free, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic, making it an ideal choice for a refreshing skincare experience that’s suitable for all skin types.

How to Use Cleanser Properly

Washing your face is already an important step to keeping your skin fresh and clear, but how you wash your face is just as crucial. Here are some tips on how to make sure you’re going about your face-washing technique in the most effective way:

1. Start with a mild, alcohol-free cleanser that is non-abrasive and gentle on your skin.

2. Then, wet your face with lukewarm water and use your fingertips to gently work in the cleanser. Try to stay away from using harsh tools like washcloths or sponges.

3. Resist the urge to scrub or be rough, as it can irritate your skin.

4. Rinse your face with lukewarm water and delicately pat dry with a soft towel.

5. If you have dry or itchy skin, gently apply a moisturizer, being particularly gentle, especially around the, eyes to avoid unnecessary pulling on such delicate skin.

Curate a skincare routine with products designed for your skin type, including specialized treatments, serums, and anti-aging skincare.

Generally, you’ll want to limit your cleansing routine to twice a day to maintain healthy skin. If you’re sticking to the twice-a-day cleansing routine with our Barrier Pro™ 1-Step Cleanse, give this a shot:

As you get your day started in the morning, wet your face, dispense one pump of the cleanser into wet hands, and thoroughly and gently cleanse the skin for at least one minute. Don’t forget to pay attention to the different areas of your face, resist the urge to scrub, and rinse thoroughly.

A deep cleanse is the perfect way to give you a fresh kickstart to your day, and with Barrier Pro™ 1-Step Cleanser, there’s no need to double cleanse, keeping your morning routine efficient and effective.

When you’ve made it to the end of your day, and you’re ready to get rid of any remaining dirt, makeup, and sunscreen, dispense 2-3 pumps of the cleanser into your wet hands and gently massage the product into your skin. Rinse thoroughly for a rejuvenating and relaxing end to your day.

Pair It with a Replenishing Moisturizer

Pairing your cleanser with a quality moisturizer is like treating your skin to a dynamic duo. Using a moisturizer not only locks in the benefits of a clean face but also gives your skin the hydration and nourishment it deserves. Depending on your skin type – whether oily, combination, or dry – there are moisturizers that will freshen your skin with the perfect balance of care.

Colorescience's Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer takes your skincare routine up a notch, addressing specific skin needs with a blend of carefully chosen ingredients that leave your skin moisturized and reinvigorated.

Beyond moisturization, it combines barrier health with photo-protective benefits, enhancing your skin’s resilience. This formula defends against HEV (blue) light, optimizes sunscreen application, and was developed in collaboration with skin health professionals.

Cleansing Routine Tips

Unlock the secrets to radiant skin with a thoughtful cleansing routine. Here are some tips to ensure your skin stays clean and healthy:

• Wash your face twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, to keep your skin feeling fresh and clean.
• Change your pillowcases regularly to prevent the accumulation of dirt and oil, especially if you have sensitive skin.
• Opt for a clean, soft towel each time you pat your face dry.
• Avoid harsh scrubbing; a gentle approach can prevent skin irritation.
• Consider a gentle exfoliation once or twice a week to shed away dead skin cells.
• Hydrate your skin by drinking enough water throughout the day for an internal cleanse.
• Pick skincare products like dry or oily skin products that are tailored to your skin type to enhance the effectiveness of your routine.
• Consistency is key – stick to your routine and avoid switching products often to see long-term results.

Refresh Your Skin with a Hydrating Cleanser

Taking the next step toward happy, healthy skin is as simple as incorporating a gentle cleanser into your daily routine. Pair it with a quality moisturizer that works best for your skin type, and you’re on your way to a more vibrant complexion.

Add Colorescience's Barrier Pro™ 1-Step Cleanser to your routine and see the difference. With gentle daily cleansing, it's the secret to maintaining that fresh, healthy complexion you’ve always strived for.