Features of care for problem skin
Cleansing. Wash your face with warm water twice a day with foam, gel or lotion (for example, “Clean Line” deep-action cleansing gel). They contain anti-inflammatory components: zinc, chamomile, mint. After washing, wipe your face with a cotton pad soaked in toner or lotion. “Clean Line” facial lotion against blackheads based on zinc, chamomile and aloe vera helps tighten and cleanse pores. To remove makeup, use products without alkaline components that irritate the epidermis. Use micellar water - a safe product for delicate skin care and cleansing.
To even out skin tone and provide deep cleansing of pores, use scrubs that do not contain rough abrasive particles. Remember that even soft scrubs are recommended to be used no more than twice a week.
Hydration. Why does even oily skin need hydration? The fact is that excessive sebum production is a consequence of dehydration. The sebaceous glands begin to actively work to compensate for the lack of moisture. To moisturize your facial skin, use fluid creams with a light texture: they will not clog pores. The composition of such creams includes hydroxy acids (salicylic, malic, lactic or others) to exfoliate dead cells and stimulate renewal, hydrofixatives (hyaluronic acid, algae extracts and others) to moisturize and retain moisture in the skin.
Moisturizing and nourishing masks can be made 2-3 times a week in accordance with the recommendations specified in the instructions. These cosmetics must include ingredients that cleanse the skin. For example, clay and activated charcoal help remove dirt and sebum from pores.
The best cleansers for 2021
Annual independent rating of the best beauty products in all categories.
Important! In 2022, we used both new products and long-time favorite products. But in the annual Best we include only products that have recently appeared on the Russian market and did not participate in the Best 2020 selections or earlier.
Foams
Cleansing foam with tea tree extract for problem skin Ctrl-A Teatreement Cleansing Foam, Dr.Jart+
Lena
Combination skin prone to breakouts
This foam contains tea tree extract in a solid concentration of 41%. It comes first in the composition, even in front of the water. The smell, of course, is specific, but here, as they say, it’s either checkers or go. That is, treat acne.
The texture is also not that light foam, but rather a thick, weakly foaming gel. It cleans efficiently, but the surfactants are soft and there is no tightness afterwards. The anti-inflammatory and healing effect is noticeable: the skin is cleaner, post-acne spots disappear faster. It's a rare case when a cleanser actually works as a treatment.
Price: 1990 rub. (120 ml) on the official website.
Foam emulsion with enzymes Pure Sonic Re:Program for oily, combination, problem skin, IconSkin
Julia
Skin oily, sensitive, dehydrated
The most gentle and gentle cleansing I have ever encountered. This is even surprising, because it contains salicylic acid. (Whoever told me, I wouldn’t believe it.)
Texture: white liquid. Unusual, but in the end - what's the difference? The main thing is that the skin doesn’t feel tight at all after washing, not even a little bit. For me, who is prone to dehydration, this is super valuable.
However, you shouldn’t wash off your makeup with this emulsion alone. But she doesn’t pretend to do so; the release only mentions “removing makeup residue.” And if you really need it, you can wash your face twice. I checked - yes, the light tone is washed off in a couple of times.
Price: 1430 rub. (150 ml) on the official website.
Foaming Sonic Facial Soap, Clinique
Masha
Combination skin, closer to dry
I would never have thought that this was such a soft whipped mousse! It foams well, rinses off perfectly, and there is no tightness afterwards. Just love-love.
Price: 1950 rub. (150 ml) on the official website.
Outer Peace Foaming Cleanser, Aveda
Nastya
Combination skin, prone to dryness
When you press the pump, a thick foam forms in your palm - a pleasant, dense cloud that smells of herbs. And this cloud does not settle instantly; you can wash your face for a long time, thoughtfully, while enjoying yourself. It does not dry out the skin - there is no need to urgently apply cream.
Price: 3600 rub. (120 ml) at the Golden Apple.
L'Eau de Mousse Anti-Pollution Water-to-Foam Cleaner, Chanel
Olya
Oily skin
What a thrill it is to use this thing! You look at the bottle and think that this is ordinary micellar water, but when you press the dispenser you get foam that smells, like everything Chanel does, of flowers and tenderness.
And just as gently it cleanses the skin. I want to wash my face not twice a day, but 10 :) By the way, this is not forbidden: this foam treats the hydrolipid mantle very carefully.
Price: 3850 rub. (150 ml) on the official website.
Cleansing Foam, Omorovicza
Nastya
Combination skin, prone to dryness
Here, after water, glycerin immediately comes into the composition, and then all sorts of surfactants. Therefore, it is not surprising that the gel is so soft. Although when you squeeze it out, it looks like a thick paste. But when you apply it to the skin, it turns into milk and spreads easily over the face.
Price: 5740 rub. (150 ml) at the Golden Apple.
Cleansing foam Nude Foam, Ambuja
Yana
Normal, sensitive, aged skin
“Funny name - Nude Foam. Nude foam? :)” is my first thought when I encounter this product. Thought #2: “Wow, what an interesting consistency, literally weightless weightlessness!” Thought No. 3: “Oh-oh-oh, what skin afterwards!” I went to read the ingredients: it turned out that there is no water in the usual sense, but there is lotus water and peptides.
After a month, I noticed that the skin did not react as much to temperature changes and was less irritated. Since I didn’t change any other care, I attribute the credit to Nude Foam.
Price: 7800 rub. (100 ml) at icelandcream.ru.
Gels
Centella Cleansing Gel, Erborian
Julia
Oily, acne-prone, dehydrated skin
This gel was paired with Centella Cleansing Oil, which I also included in the best category of makeup removers.
They work together - and they do it perfectly. The oil perfectly dissolves foundation, shadows, etc., the gel completes the cleansing. I also use the gel on my own when I don’t need to wash off my makeup. It is quite active, but is suitable even for dehydrated skin.
If you want to try two-step oil + gel cleansing, start with this Erborian pair.
Price: 2890 rub. (180 ml) on the official website.
Peppermint Daily Cleanser, Q+A Skincare
Nastya
Combination skin, prone to dryness
It doesn't promise any miracles, but it works as it should. In hot weather, it perfectly washes away the remnants of sunscreen and sebum (I always use micellar first). It doesn’t sting the eyes, the lipid barrier is in place, everything unnecessary is in the sink.
It smells bright and minty - much like classic Halls candy.
Price: 990 rub. (125 ml) at Authentica.love.
Cleansing gel Apaisac, Biorga
Nastya
Combination skin, prone to dryness
Biorga gel contains salicylic and zinc, but it doesn’t seem to be too much, at least I don’t feel them. In general, it is positioned as a wash for sensitive skin and, accordingly, should work gently after procedures.
Actually, that's how it works. Foams well, washes well, does not tighten the skin.
Price: 990 rub. (200 ml) on the official website.
Pure Moonlight Rose Floral Cleanser, BuEno
Lisa
Sensitive skin with occasional breakouts
I immediately fell in love with this jar with rose petals inside. I was afraid, however, that the petals were its only advantage. But no! This is definitely not an ordinary Korean face wash that cleans “squeaky clean,” and what people with sensitive skin should do next is not a concern.
The gel is really very delicate. There is a feeling of cleanliness, but no dryness or squeaking. And the petals, by the way, are also soft and do not interfere with washing :)
Price: 1390 rub. (80 ml) on Ozon.
Adept Series Cleansing Gel, Skin Helpers
Lisa
Sensitive skin with occasional breakouts
An excellent gel from the same line for sensitive skin as the toner. Foams abundantly, cleanses well, does not strip at all.
Price: 1450 rub. (250 ml) at the Golden Apple.
Cleansing gel tonic Gel & Tonic 2 in 1, Babor
Nastya
Combination skin, prone to dryness
Classic good gel. Foams, washes and does not dry out the skin. Economically used. There is alcohol in the composition, but it seems to be some kind of gentle one :) I don’t feel it. Although the manufacturer advises not to use this gel for more than one month at a time, keep this in mind just in case.
Price: 2120 rub. (200 ml) on the official website.
Gel-to-Oil Cleanser Shikulime, Shiseido Waso
Yana
Normal, sensitive, aged skin
An interesting thing: when applied, the gel transforms into oil, and upon contact with water - into milk. That is, such a double changeling. It doesn't smell like anything special. They promise that it is suitable for both washing and removing make-up. And indeed, the usual (not studio or waterproof) foundation, highlighter, powder and blush are washed off in one go.
My husband and I used it together, and both his irritated skin after shaving and my simply-always-irritated-with-something skin were happy.
Price: 2400 rub. (125 ml) in TSUM.
Gel for washing with Omega complex Superfood Facial Wash, Elemis
Nastya
Combination skin, prone to dryness
A gel that looks a little like milk :) It foams weakly, but cleanses well. And it smells nice and fresh.
Price: 3150 rub. (200 ml) on the official website.
Renewing gel for washing with glycolic and phytic acids Glycolic Renewal Cleanser, SkinCeuticals
Christina
Combination skin, prone to oily skin
The wash contains acids, and the percentage of glycolic acid, for example, is not small (8%), but I love this acid, it suits me well. The skin does not dry out or sting, and after washing it becomes very soft and smooth. Even the complexion is evened out.
Other arguments in favor are large volume, economical consumption, convenient tube with a lid that does not leak.
Price: 3310 rub. (150 ml) on the official website.
Cleansing gel Oceanskin, Sesderma
Masha
Combination skin, closer to dry
The gel is part of the Oceanskin line, which is created specifically for dehydrated, irritated, thin and dull skin. It contains all sorts of marine benefits - spirulina, marine collagen, algae extracts and sturgeon caviar. And there is also a complex of oils (argan, wheat germ, avocado, shea).
On the skin, the gel turns into an oil, and when water is added, this same oil turns into an emulsion. It does not foam, cleanses gently and moisturizes. Even though my skin is dry, I don't feel like applying cream right away.
Price: 3590 rub. (200 ml) on the brand's website.
Cleansing gel C Scape Enzymatic, DCL
Nastya
Combination skin, prone to dryness
This jar contains two of my favorite ingredients, papain and vitamin C.
After the first or second use, you won’t notice it, but after a week you will get an effect comparable to using an enzyme mask: the same fresh and radiant skin.
Price: 3700 rub. (200 ml) at Cosmotheca.
Pro-Collagen Energizing Marine Cleanser, Elemis
Lisa
Sensitive skin with occasional breakouts
This gel should be applied to dry skin, then lightly massage the face and then add water. It will immediately turn into a soft foam, which is pleasant to wash with. Afterwards the skin will be very smooth. True, it may tighten slightly - but after a few days there will be much less comedones! And the pores are lighter. And my skin tone is much better. This is directly noticeable.
Price: 4400 rub. (150 ml) on the official website.
Creams
Moisturizing Cleansing Cream Hellä, Lumene
Masha
Combination skin, closer to dry
Hellä translated from Finnish means “affectionate, gentle, loving.” I think it's very cute. And, in general, the cream cleanses just as gently and gently. It doesn't smell like anything. Comfortable to use both in winter and summer. And it is consumed very slowly - it lasted me almost a year. True, I took breaks to test other new products, but still a good result.
Price: 569 rub. (150 ml) on the brand's website.
Moisturizing cleansing cream-gel for normal and dry skin Detergente Idratante, Cerave
Masha
Combination skin, closer to dry
The cream-gel has an interesting texture: exactly like a cream that was mixed with a gel:) The result is something denser than a gel, but lighter than a cream:))) That’s it, there won’t be any more tautologies, I’ll just say that it’s pleasant and comfortable to wash your face with, especially in the spring -in summer. It also contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which moisturizes well. There is no smell (that is, fragrance).
Price: 727 rub. (236 ml) on pharmacosmetica.ru
Foaming cream for washing Salises, Sesderma
Christina
Combination skin, prone to oily skin
The texture is very comfortable - not yet a cream, but not a liquid gel either. It foams just right, your face doesn’t immediately feel tight afterwards, and you don’t want to run for a moisturizer.
Additional advantages are a pump dispenser and a volume of as much as 300 ml.
Price: 3691 rub. (300 ml) on the official website.
Mousses
Cleansing foaming mousse for all skin types Mousse Nettoyante Peau Neuve, Clarins
Yana
Normal, sensitive, aged skin
When the skin is very irritated and capricious, finding the right wash can be quite a quest. One stings, another burns, the third does not cleanse. There's a perfect balance here. It seems that this mousse even has calming functions.
Price: 2300 rub. (150 ml) on the official website.
Cleansing moisturizing mousse Mousse Nettoyante Hydratante Douce, Linda Kristel
Nastya
Combination skin, prone to dryness
It is squeezed out in a dense cloud, does not smell of anything at all, the skin is very comfortable both during use and afterwards: not a hint of dryness.
Price: 3600 rub. (150 ml) at biospashop.
Milk
Balancing milk Lait Démaquillant Èquilibrant, Linda Kristel
Lena
Combination skin prone to breakouts
There is a rather unusual texture here - as if it was rough, although I was not able to detect any scrubbing or any other particles. Well, in principle, I like to wash my face with milk, and it’s also lightweight - it’s also great for combination and oily skin.
Price: 4170 rub. (250 ml) at biospashop.
Soap
Liquid face soap All About Clean, Clinique
Masha
Combination skin, closer to dry
This may sound strange, but Clinique is my discovery brand of the year. (That’s the kind of beauty blogger I am, yes.) And even liquid soap, although it would seem that it shouldn’t be very good for dry skin, I still liked it! Yes, it foams, but with some kind of gentle foam, it washes off easily and does not leave a film. And even I don’t feel dry.
Price: 1850 rub. (200 ml) on the brand's website.
Cleaning discs
Cleanformance Deep Cleansing Pad, Babor
Karina
Dry skin prone to pigmentation and redness
The jar contains 20 thick disc-napkins with a pocket for putting on your fingers. Before use, lightly wet the disc with water and massage your face with it for 1-2 minutes.
One napkin is enough to completely remove makeup, cleanse and polish the skin.
According to the instructions, these pads should be used several times a week, but I like them so much that I wash my face with them every day. And, despite the fact that my skin is thin and sensitive, I did not notice any side effects. They don't even dry at all.
Convenient to take on trips - they don’t take up space and essentially have no weight.
Price: 3290 rubles, replacement unit – 2610 rubles. on the official site.
What washing products did you discover for yourself in 2021? Write in the comments!
What not to do
To clear your skin of acne and get rid of problematic shine, stop:
- wash your face with hot water – high temperature expands pores;
- use alkaline soap - it increases the pH (acidity) of the skin;
- regularly use scrubs with coarse abrasive particles - microtraumas provoke increased production of sebum and the appearance of inflammation;
- use alcohol-based products - it dries the skin, so due to dehydration, more liquid fat is produced;
- ignore sunscreen when in the sun - ultraviolet radiation dries the skin, but at the same time weakens its protective properties;
- use cosmetics with silicones and parabens: try Aqua-cream Instant matte from “Clean Line” - it contains natural ingredients that will not only protect the skin, but also provide it with nutrition;
- use scrubs in the acute phase of acne - they can intensify the inflammatory process;
- squeezing pimples is fraught with the appearance of marks (post-acne), which are difficult to combat.
A dermatologist can tell you more about how to care for problem skin and what causes acne and pimples. He will select individual treatment after diagnosis.
You can also use the Clean Line beauty bot, where our specialists will help you choose the right product and give advice on skin care.
Why do you need to cleanse your facial skin?
It is unlikely that we will discover America if we say that the beauty of the skin begins with such a banal, at first glance, action as cleansing.
Alexander Prokofiev Dermatovenerologist, medical expert of the La Roche-Posay brand
“Our skin is constantly in contact with the environment, so we must understand that it is not sterile, but is inhabited by a variety of bacteria, fungi and viruses. This is fine. The totality of microorganisms living on the skin forms a microbiome, which is individual for everyone.”
Even if you don’t use decorative cosmetics, the following linger on your face:
- leftover cream and serum;
- sebum, dead cells;
- dust particles.
This “explosive mixture” does not improve the condition of the epidermis, which means it is better to get rid of it.
“To prevent pore contamination, the appearance of comedones and acne, be sure to cleanse your facial skin regularly and thoroughly,” says Alexander Prokofiev, dermatovenerologist, medical expert of the La Roche-Posay brand.
Use cleansers twice a day. © iStock
Problem skin types
Experts most often call oily skin seborrheic. This skin, in turn, comes in two types:
- Thick seborrhea. Thick and rough integuments become embossed. The pores expand and become clogged with sebum. The owner (or owner) of this type of skin often suffers from acne, subcutaneous pimples, comedones and blackheads.
- Liquid seborrhea. It is this type of skin that many wits call “greasy pancake”. Shallow, large pores appear inaccurately on the face, from which oil leaks. The main problem of this type of skin is not acne and pimples, but the excessive secretion of sebum.
Hydration
A mandatory final step in cleansing oily skin is moisturizing it. Undoubtedly, many owners of this type of cover want to give it up. However, this should absolutely not be done.
In addition to moisturizing, a well-chosen cream allows you to create a reliable protective barrier on the skin, mattify it and regulate the functioning of the sebaceous glands.
For oily skin, cream gels or emulsions with a light texture are best suited. It’s great if the product contains enzymes, zinc, sulfur, camphor, calcium carbonate, citruses, algae, witch hazel, iris, citruses.
During the hot season, creams can be replaced with serums.
Features of the cleansing gel for washing
Until recently, it was believed that the gel was ideal for caring for oily, problem skin. Its consistency is viscous, thanks to which it well envelops the surface of the epidermis, penetrating into the upper part of the pores and effectively removing impurities from them. In addition, it has better contact with the skin and stays on it longer during washing, providing high-quality cleansing.
In fact, the consistency of the product does not affect its effectiveness. You can use both gels and foams for washing. It all depends on personal preference. But among gel-based products, it is indeed easier to find solutions for oily and problematic skin. Manufacturers successfully take advantage of the existing stereotype and offer customers solutions for every taste and budget.
It is important to remember that the main active ingredients must be both effective in cleansing and safe. Therefore, when choosing a product, you should avoid those that contain aggressive surfactants. We are talking about all types of sodium sulfate (SLS, SLES), as well as mineral oil.
pixabay.com/Adriano Gadini
Stages of cleansing
Cleansing the skin at different times of the day is not significant, but it is still different.
- 1 In the morning - minimum program: foam or gel for washing plus tonic.
- 2
In the evening, makeup removal is added to them. In addition, it is good to make cleansing masks in the evening.
Makeup remover
Before you start washing your face, remove your makeup. You can do this using:
- 1 cosmetic milk or lotion;
- 2
micellar water; - 3
special oil.
Makeup remover formulas dissolve makeup and remove it from the surface of the skin.
Washing
If you want this process to be as comfortable as possible, choose a product according to your skin type. For dry and sensitive skin, cream, foam or mousse are suitable. For oily people - gel.
How do acne appear?
The cause of acne may be dysbacteriosis - this is a condition in which there is a change in the balance of beneficial and opportunistic microorganisms towards the predominance of the latter. Beneficial microflora has many functions:
- participation in food digestion - processes of breakdown and absorption of beneficial micronutrients;
- participation in metabolic processes;
- synthesis of vitamins in the intestines;
- inhibition of the reproduction processes of pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria;
- removal of toxins and breakdown products;
- regulation of fecal excretion.
When there are fewer beneficial bacteria, pathogenic ones begin to actively multiply. This leads to disruptions in all of the above processes, which means a decrease in the synthesis of vitamins and a slowdown in the processes of natural bowel cleansing. As a result, intoxication begins, since decay products and harmful substances that are not removed from the intestines are absorbed into the bloodstream. There is a deterioration in general well-being and a decrease in defenses. The skin is part of the excretory system, so it takes on increased load. Natural reactions include peeling and the appearance of inflammatory elements.
Dysbacteriosis is often accompanied by impaired bowel movement. However, it is not the only cause of constipation. Difficulty with bowel movements can be associated with impaired intestinal motility, diet, stress, hemorrhoids, a sedentary or sedentary lifestyle and other factors. At the same time, the mechanism for the appearance of acne on the face with insufficient cleansing of the intestines is the same - intoxication with products that are not eliminated in a timely manner.
It is important to remember that the skin is an organ that is also inhabited by beneficial and harmful bacteria. Harmful are opportunistic microorganisms that do not cause inflammation until the balance is upset. When the intestinal microflora changes, the composition of bacteria on the surface of the skin also changes; it becomes more difficult for beneficial microorganisms to restrain the growth of opportunistic pathogens. In this regard, inflammation develops.
The causes of acne also include chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as:
- gastritis;
- gastroduodenitis;
- gastroesophageal reflux disease;
- stomach ulcer;
- duodenal ulcer.
With such diseases, skin rashes occur on the face, scalp, arms, back, chest. Changes in the skin can be associated not only with processes of chronic poisoning - processes of a metabolic deficit manifest themselves through dry skin, impaired barrier functions, changes in the production of sebum (sebum), and therefore are accompanied by a high risk of acne.
Liver disease is a common cause of acne. The liver is the main filter of the body, and pathological processes lead to the fact that it cannot cope with the neutralization of toxic substances. As a result, the body's excretory systems, including the skin, suffer. Despite the fact that many diseases of the liver and gallbladder manifest themselves specifically, for example, yellowness of the skin, there are also nonspecific symptoms: acne, redness and peeling of certain areas, excessive sebum production.
Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands. Common causes of acne among all pathologies of the digestive system are functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, which are accompanied by constipation and gastroesophageal reflux. Some studies have linked acne to bacterial overgrowth. It, in turn, may be a consequence of previous operations, impaired intestinal motility, or lack of stomach acid production.
Impaired permeability of the intestinal wall affects the spread and severity of acne. Nutrition also plays an important role in the formation of acne: a high content of fats and carbohydrates in food provokes a decrease in the number of bifidobacteria, an increase in intestinal permeability and an inflammatory response of the skin. That is why dermatologists recommend following a healthy diet to reduce such manifestations and the amount of inflammatory elements.
Cleansing rules
A few simple rules will help make the process delicate but effective.
- Wash your face no more than twice a day, otherwise your skin will begin to intensively produce sebum. Regulate the water temperature: ideally it should be slightly warm. But contrasts and temperature changes may well lead to skin problems. Be sure to wash off any makeup remover, including micellar water.
- After washing, gently pat your face dry with a towel without rubbing the skin. By the way, instead of a fabric towel, it is better to use a disposable paper towel.
- Don't forget to finish cleansing by wiping your face with toner using a cotton pad. The tonic will remove the remnants of makeup remover, restore the pH level and tighten the pores.
Answer the questions in our test to find out which skin cleansing regimen is right for you.
© Getty Images
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