Skincare Products : Cleanser

detergent

To build your beauty routine, we start with a solid foundation, which is cleansing. 

An extremely important step but often misused and, above all, risky, as it is the one that can damage our skin the most, compromising the hydrolipidic film that protects it and causing dryness and irritation.

In cosmetics, a detergent serves to remove impurities, excess sebum and dead skin cells, to prepare the skin for subsequent treatments and keep it healthy.

The main "detergent" components are surfactants, which have a hydrophilic head that loves water and hates fats, and a hydrophobic tail that, on the contrary, hates water and loves fats: through the hydrophobic component, surfactants trap dirt on the face, then wash it away with water using the hydrophilic component.

Types of detergent

Detergents come in two types:

  • Foaming or deep-cleansing detergent: This is the most common type, and the substance responsible for the cleansing action here is a surfactant. Some examples include solid bar soaps, liquid cleansers, mousse cleansers, micellar water, cleansing wipes, and scrub cleansers. It is very useful for oily, combination, and normal skin types, as well as for double cleansing.
  • Oil-based or affinity detergent: Here, the substance responsible for the cleansing action is a lipid, meaning an oil or mixture of oils, which acts as a solvent for the fats in which dirt is embedded. Examples include balms, butters, oils, and cleansing milk. It is very useful for dry and sensitive skin.

Mistakes to Avoid

Here are 5 common mistakes that are unfortunately very common when it comes to skin cleansing:

  1. Using hand soap: it has a basic pH of 8, unlike our skin which has a much lower pH, making it harsh. 
  2. Using makeup removal wipes: they are soaked with only a small amount of product, sometimes contain alcohol, and cause irritation from mechanical rubbing. 
  3. Skipping makeup removal when wearing makeup: over time your skin may be affected and develop impurities.
  4. Not using a moisturizer after cleansing: it is essential to always provide your skin with the proper amount of hydration.
  5. Using the wrong cleanser for your skin type: if, after cleansing, your skin feels overly tight, you may be using a cleanser that is too harsh.

Useful tip

Be sure to read the label carefully. Some cleansers are enriched with active ingredients such as salicylic acid for acne-prone skin, or hyaluronic acid or panthenol for dehydrated skin. Before purchasing it, make sure that ingredient works for you. 

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