SkinScience 101 with Dr. Adrienne Denese, MD PhD
"Knowledge is the first step to your most beautiful skin. Every Wednesday, I’m opening my lab notes to share a new "class" on the clinical science behind skincare. Consider this your personal library of skin education - designed to help you look past the marketing and understand the real biology of aging." ~ Dr. Denese
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Gel. Foam. Cream. Oil. Balm. Which Cleanse Is Right for Your Skin?
Cleansing may seem like the simplest step in your skincare routine, but how you cleanse can make a significant difference in how your skin looks and feels.
Today's cleansers come in many different textures and formats, each offering a different cleansing experience.
FOAMING & GEL CLEANSERS
That Fresh, Clean Feeling
Gel and foaming cleansers use cleansing agents called surfactants to lift oil, dirt and impurities from the skin so they can be rinsed away with water.
They're often preferred by those who enjoy a fresh, thoroughly cleansed feel and can be particularly appealing for combination or oilier skin types.
CREAM & MILK CLEANSERS
Cleanse + Comfort
Creamy cleansers offer a richer cleansing experience and are typically formulated with emollient and moisturizing ingredients.
They can be an excellent choice when skin feels dry, delicate or in need of extra comfort during cleansing.
CLEANSING OILS
Oil Meets Oil
Oil-based cleansers are especially useful for dissolving makeup, sunscreen and oil-soluble impurities.
When water is added, many cleansing oils emulsify, allowing the oil and the impurities it has picked up to rinse away.
CLEANSING BALMS
The Richest Way to Melt the Day Away
A cleansing balm begins as a rich, solid or semi-solid balm and melts into an oil-like texture as you massage it onto dry skin.
The oil-rich formula helps loosen and dissolve makeup, sunscreen, excess sebum and daily buildup before emulsifying with water and rinsing away.
It combines the effectiveness of an oil-based cleanse with the luxurious experience of a balm.
WHAT ABOUT DOUBLE CLEANSING?
Double cleansing typically begins with an oil or balm cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen and oil-based residue, followed by a water-based cleanser.
It can be especially useful after heavy makeup or water-resistant sunscreen, but it isn't necessary for everyone every day.
SO, WHICH CLEANSER IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Gel/Foam → Fresh, thorough cleansing
Cream/Milk → Richer, more comforting cleanse
Oil → Dissolves makeup, sunscreen & oil-based residue
Balm → Rich, melt-away cleansing experience
The best cleanser is ultimately one that effectively removes what you want to remove without leaving your skin feeling uncomfortably tight, dry or irritated.
AND THERE'S A NEW WAY TO CLEANSE COMING...
Something new is about to melt into your Dr. Denese skincare routine.
Stay tuned.
