Need advice regarding cleanser?

Question

I want your suggestions regarding a cleanser for my skin. I am currently using Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser and I like it but want more alternatives.

I have normal skin with a tendency to be dry and irritated. I get a few spots and blackheads, especially during certain times of my cycle, but my skin is not oily. If I use cleansers which are formulated for acne or oily skin, I become very dry and red. My skin is also a bit sensitive.

I prefer wash-away cleansers because I don't really like cleanser milks/creams. Natural and/or organic skincare is important to me, although I find that these organic cleansers don't always clean properly.

I need something which will deep-cleanse without drying my skin, respect its pH level, as natural as possible, and wash-away. Any suggestions? Thank you!

Answer 1

I am a big fan of Clinique's 3-step products! The soap is amazing, it REALLY cleans your skin, without leaving it dry or irritated. And then with the second step which is a mild exfoliating lotion your skin is polished and smooth...
Hope you find what's right for you!

Answer 2

Hi -

First - good work, you seem to know your skin well.

Cleanser is one of the most important aspects of your daily regimen - it can also be the one that causes the most damage!

If you have sensitive skin that becomes irritated easily, you'll want something very gentle. Look for cocamidopropyl betaine in the ingredients - it should be listed 2nd or 3rd. This is the stuff that makes J&J baby shampoo so gentle and it is a must for a gentle cleanser.

Try Cellex-C Betaplex Gentle Foaming Cleanser. This retails for under $30 and is a GREAT cleanser.

Next - you should also be looking for a toner that will provide a little extra moisture. Look for something that has hyaluronic acid (a water binding agent). When sprayed on after cleansing but before moisturizing, it will give you a hydrating boost that may keep some of that drying out from happening. I found Juara Skincare Tamarind Tea Hydrating Toner a few weeks ago and LOVE it.

Remember - alcohol = bad.

Good luck with it!

Answer 3

I have had the same problem. My skin gets dry very easily. Over this past year for some reason I have started breaking out & having lots of blackheads. It disgusts me. I researched & researched trying to find something that would work & I did find something that has worked for me. I realise it may not work for you or everyone out there. However, I bought Klear Action. I don't know if you've heard of it, but it compares to Proactiv yet it's 1/2 the price. It sales for $19.99 or that's what I bought it for at Walgreens. I'm not sure who else sales it but you can find it over the Internet. It comes with the 3 step process. You get your wash, your toner, & your lotion. It has really really cleared my skin up without drying it. I get a bump on occasion but for the most part I'm clear. My blackheads are even gone. I saw a difference & that it was working within 2 days. It wasn't all gone that quick but I saw a drastic change in my face. I wash my face twice a day in it most of the time, but there's days I only get one wash in. I hope this helps. Good Luck~

Answer 4

What you are saying describes my skin very well to and i swear my dermalogica! Go to your local salon that does dermalogica and ask for a skin map. The beautician will give your skin a thurough look over and tell you why you get spots where you do, for example spots round the mouth are hormonal, the head is to do with your diet. She will then be able to advise you of the best cleanser for your skin type and the price is not much different from clarins.

Answer 5

I love Clarins products too but I must say the very best cleansers I've tried are by Lush (www.lush.co.uk) They are all so cheap but so, so effective! I would recommend you try Aqua Marina or Angels On Bare Skin. Both products will not irritate your skin and you will probably get comments from people asking what foundation you use as they leave your complexion so radiant!

Answer 6

my skin sounds like yours and I'm using clairins foaming cleanser for sensitive skin at the minute. but i wish I'd got Dr haushka again.
I've tried everything. tried Dr haushka cleansing cream last. got a bit put off cause it isn't as foamy as usual. but now I'm back to clairins i can feel how it's drying out my skin. with dr haushka my skin felt great. their moisturizer is by far the best too.

Answer 7

You should try Arbonne's Clear Advantage set. It's botanically based and proven pure, safe, and beneficial with a 45 day money back guarantee.

The set comes with a nutritional supplement to support skin health from the inside out. The supplement is vegan/kosher, so no worries there either!

My sister switched to the Clear Advantage from ProActiv and really has been happy with the change.

Answer 8

If you want something natural then try Fresh Farmacy from Lush. I know everyone goes on about not using soap on the face, but this is one soap that is specifically designed for the face, and it's brilliant. It has calamine and chamomile in it and really calms down skin that is irritated. When I used it, after about 2 weeks all my blackheads had gone and I couldn't believe how clear my skin looked. x

Answer 9

2 step cleanse by dermalogica:

1. pre cleanse £23.50
the vital first step of your dermalogica double cleanse routine. pre cleanse is a plant based cleansing oil that melts layers of sebum (oil), sunscreen, waterproof makeup and environmental pollutants. add water to transform the formular into a milky emulsion that rinses away easily, allowing your second cleanse to penetrate deeper for a more intense and thorough cleanse

2. special cleansing gel £19.40
soap freebotanical blend of quillaja saponaria and calming lavender foams away impurities without leaving the skin feeling dry or tight. while super-soothing balm mint calms sensitivity

available from le institut de beaute mail order 01942 272080

Answer 10

I also like the Clinique 3 Stop Program. The soap that I really like is their new liquid facial soap (mild). It doesn't dry my skin out like some cleansers or soaps.