Facial cleansers are undisputedly important, but particularly for individuals with oily and acne-prone skin. Removing dirt, oil, makeup, sweat, debris, and dead skin cells from the face with a clarifying cleanser helps not only maintain the overall health and appearance of skin, but also addresses blemishes and blackheads by decongesting pores. Keep reading as we discover the origins of cleansing, what makes a facial cleanser clarifying, and the best clarifying cleanser to add to your skincare routine.
The Origins of Cleansing
The idea of cleansing dates back to the origin of the human race, notes a 2011 dermatologic study. In the earliest times, cleansing was done with a stone or piece of bone and scraping the skin (a process also later popularized by the ancient Greeks and Romans). But soap can be found as far back as 2000 BC, made with materials found in nature, including tree ash, animal fat, and mineral-rich clay. As the study notes, skin cleansers were originally created to solve issues still prevalent today: remove surface impurities that are not water soluble with an active substance (whether that be emulsifiers, detergents, surfactants, or soaps) that can remove dirt, sebum, and oil on the skin’s surface.
What Is A Cleanser?
As we researched in depth in The Best Japanese Facial Cleansers and Exfoliators, facial cleansers come in many different textures, from balms and creams to oils and lightweight foams. They work—quite literally—at the molecular level, encasing dirt, debris, and other build-up and allowing them to be washed off the skin’s surface. They are the first step in any skincare routine and arguably the most important, too.
What Is A Clarifying Cleanser?
A clarifying cleanser is focused on penetrating deep into the pores, dissolving excess oil, and addressing acne-causing bacteria. They often have an active ingredient that targets impurities while also cleansing the skin. Who is a clarifying cleanser ideal for? Because the formula is designed to balance the skin, remove dead skin cells, and control oil production, it’s designed for oily and blemish-prone skin. However, those with occasional breakouts or just desire a deep cleanse can also utilize a clarifying cleanser.
How to Wash Your Face
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, how you wash your face can make a difference in its appearance. Here are a few dermatologist-approved suggestions.
Use Warm Water
Hot water can strip the skin, so only use lukewarm water (same for showers, too).
Gentle
A non-abrasive cleanser is particularly important for skin, even with oily and blemish-prone skin. “The myth associated with acne that vigorous scrubbing of the skin with soap and water several times a day will reduce the oiliness; however, only leads to an aggravation of acne,” says the 2011 study. This gentle skincare routine also extends to the pressure applied when washing skin: resist the temptation to scrub the skin, which can irritate, says the AAD.
Order Is Important
The sequence in which you apply your skin care products affects how well the products work, says the AAD. Here is their recommended order of application. Wash your hands first and then cleanse the skin. Follow up with a treatment, whether that be an essence, serum, and/or prescription from your dermatologist. After that, apply a moisturizer. Then finish it off with sunscreen during the day.
Twice A Day
Washing the face twice a day and immediately after sweating is all the cleansing it needs, notes the AAD. Once in the morning and once at night is effective, but another cleanse after sweating heavily is also recommended.
Best Clarifying Cleanser
The Matcha Cleanse
Those with oily and combination skin often believe they need to over-wash their faces to rid themselves of excessive oil and prevent breakouts—but this skin-stripping step can actually do the opposite, causing the skin to produce even more oil and potentially lead to more breakouts. This is where The Matcha Cleanse steps in to save the day. The refreshing watery-foam texture is packed with unique and powerful ingredients. The formula includes ceremonial-grade matcha (sourced directly from the famed Uji region in Kyoto), which has been clinically proven to reduce the appearance of blemishes. The cleanser also has coix seed, a potent ingredient used in herbal medicines for centuries to decongest pores, and Japanese mugwort to support skin barrier function. With continuous usage, the daily clarifying gel cleanser can purify and decongest pores without stripping the skin, while also rebalancing the skin’s natural oil production.
