Using the right cleanser is one of the best things you can do for your face. This is because the cleanser that you choose will determine how your skin reacts to other products. Harsh cleansers (bar cleansers) can cause your skin to dry out. Greasy cleansers (cold creams) can clog pores, promote acne, and leave a film on the surface of your skin. This is why the perfect solution for any skin type is a gentle, water-soluble cleanser.

Using Water-Soluble Cleansers

Water-soluble cleansers can be described as a cross between shampoo and cold cream. A good water-soluble cleanser has four distinguishing factors:

·           It is gentle on skin.

·           It contains absolutely no fragrance.

·           It is not abrasive (no scrub-like particles).

·           It washes off make-up and dirt without leaving the skin feeling dry or greasy.

If you have never used a water-soluble cleanser, you will notice the difference almost immediately. After washing your face, your skin will feel clean rather than dry or greasy.

Types of Water Soluble Cleansers

There are two basic types of water-soluble cleansers: those that can be splashed off with water and those that require removal with a washcloth. Water-soluble cleansers that need only a splash of water to be removed are perfect for any skin type. But, if you have dry skin, you may wish to consider the other type. If you do use a washcloth, however, you must choose one that is extremely soft. A rough cloth could damage your skin.

Ingredients

Water-soluble cleansers are not created equal. Finding just the right one can be tough, but with perseverance and a little bit of know-how, it is easily managed. If possible, avoid cleansers that contain AHAs, BHA, or general disinfecting products. They can be quite irritating to the eye area, and because they are rinsed away so quickly, these ingredients have little effect on the actual skin. The best water-soluble cleansers contain water and one or more cleansing agents, such as cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium cocoamphopropionate, sodium laureth sulfate, and ammonium laureth sulfate. Beware of water-soluble cleansers designed specifically for dry skin. These cleansers often contain oils, which tend to leave a greasy residue. When coupled with a rich, creamy moisturizer, too many emollients can build up, causing dull skin and preventing cell turnover. The same warning goes for cleansers designed for oily skin. These cleansers contain an overabundance of ingredients, such as TEA lauryl sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate, which can be overly drying and irritating to skin.

Related Articles
	Easy Cleansing Tonics You can make a fresh and invigorating cleansing tonic easily at home with nothing more than a trip to the drugstore, health food store or your refrigerator. The next time you want to make your face feel clean and refreshed, try one of these easy homemade tonics. Witch-hazel bark and leaves   ...Read more		How to Cleanse Your Skin Type What`s your skin type? Learn how to identify your type. Knowing whether your skin is normal, dry, oily, or combination is the first step towards better skin. Each skin type requires a different kind of care and determines your daily cleansing routine. Here`s how to cleanse right for your type:   ...Read more