This Will Forever Change the Way You Cleanse

When it comes to skincare, choosing the right cleanser is crucial for maintaining healthy, glowing skin. Cleansers fall into four broad categories: traditional soaps, modern soaps, syndets, and combars. Understanding the differences between these types can help you make an informed decision for your skincare routine.

Traditional Soaps

Traditional soaps are made by combining animal fat with fatty acids. These soaps have a high pH of 9-10, which can remove a significant amount of oils from the skin. While they are effective at cleansing, they can also cause the skin to swell and potentially lead to irritation due to their alkaline nature.

Modern Soaps

Modern soaps are a blend of tallow and nut oils and also have a high pH of 9-10. Although they share a similar pH with traditional soaps, they remove fewer intercellular lipids, which means they cause less swelling and irritation. However, they can still be quite harsh on the skin.

Syndets (Synthetic Detergents)

Syndets have a lower pH range of 5.5-7, which is closer to the skin's natural pH. They are formulated to remove less oil from the skin, making them less irritating and more suitable for maintaining the skin's natural barrier. This makes syndets a preferable option for sensitive or dry skin.

Combars

Combars are a combination of modern soap and synthetic detergents. They aim to balance the cleansing power of soap with the gentleness of syndets. While they can be less harsh than traditional or modern soaps, they still may not be as gentle as pure syndets.

Ideal pH for Cleansers

For optimal skin health, it is best to choose a cleanser with a neutral pH of 4.5-5.5, which matches the natural pH of your skin. This helps maintain the skin's protective barrier, preventing dryness and irritation while ensuring effective cleansing.

Importance of Double Cleansing

Double cleansing involves using two different types of cleansers to thoroughly clean the skin. Typically, an oil-based cleanser is used first to remove makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil, followed by a water-based cleanser to cleanse away any remaining impurities. Is double cleansing necessary? No, but there are some benefits.

Benefits of Double Cleansing

1. Thorough Cleanse. Ensures all traces of makeup, sunscreen—especially waterproof sunscreen—and impurities are removed, preventing clogged pores and breakouts.

2. Better Absorption. Prepares the skin to better absorb subsequent skincare products, enhancing their effectiveness.

Common Ingredients in Oil Cleansers: Mineral oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, shea butter, beeswax

Spotlight on Fresh Face Cleanser

The Fresh Face Cleanser exemplifies the benefits of a gentle cleanser. Formulated with soothing and hydrating ingredients such as glycerin, honey, aloe vera, evening primrose oil, and oats, it provides a thorough yet gentle cleanse. The Fresh Face Cleanser is designed to cater to all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Benefits of Fresh Face Cleanser

1. Hydrating Formula. Contains hydrating ingredients that leave the skin feeling soft and moisturized.

2. Soothing Ingredients. Includes soothing agents that calm the skin, reducing redness and irritation.

3. Non-Stripping. Effectively cleanses without stripping the skin of its natural oils, preserving the skin’s barrier function.

Clinical Findings of the Fresh Face Cleanser

- 94% of users said their skin felt moisturized after cleansing*

- 94% of users experienced a noticeable improvement in their skin’s health after 8 weeks*

- 78% of users noticed a reduction in some of their common skin concerns after 4 weeks*

*In a clinical study, 17 participants between the ages of 21 to 57 with Fitzpatrick Skin Types III-VI used Dr. Naana Boakye's Fresh Face Cleanser for 12 weeks.

In conclusion, while traditional and modern soaps may offer a deep and squeaky feeling of cleanliness, their high pH can lead to dryness and irritation. Syndets and combars provide a gentler alternative, with syndets being particularly suited for sensitive skin. Incorporating double cleansing into your routine can further enhance your skin’s health, ensuring a thorough cleanse without compromising the skin’s natural balance. The Fresh Face Cleanser stands out as an excellent gentle cleanser option, offering hydration, soothing benefits, and a non-stripping formula that supports overall skin health and can be easily incorporated into any routine.

Reference

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018 Feb;17(1)8-14. The science behind skin care: Cleansers.