how to choose the right cleanser for your skin

In this video, we review how to choose the right cleanser for your skin.

Cleansing is the first step of every skincare routine, and many people think cleansers are not important but in reality, they are essential to making sure your skincare routine gets off to the right start.

Special Note: Those with balanced skin aka "normal skin" can benefit from any of the cleansers mentioned and should choose your cleanser based on the current status of your skin

Non-foaming cleansers: traditionally designed for those with dry skin
In general, they are either milk or cream based
gently cleanse skin without stripping the skin of its natural oils(lipids) removing any makeup or debri that is left throughout the day while simultaneously depositing fatty acids
making them ideal for those with dry skin

but these are just not going to do the job for someone with oily skin who fare much better with foaming cleansers
removes oil (lipids) from the skin
must contain detergents/surfactants
traditionally these do not contain:
oils
silicones
hydroxy acids
they are great for those with clogged pores and are great at removing makeup and sunscreen so it is recommended to use these at nighttime

Soothing Cleansers
These are non-foaming cleansers with a lot of antioxidants so it reduces inflammation, soothes and calms the skin, reduces redness, non-irritating, cleanses skin without removing lipids and can be used post-procedure also deposits fatty acids. Ideal for someone with rosacea or stinging and burning on the skin

Hydroxy Acid Cleanser- contains AHA or BHAs- those with dry skin tend to fare better with aha like lactic because they hydrate while exfoliating and those with oily tend to fair better with BHA- salicylic acid
These are basically gentle chemical exfoliants and are amazing for those that can tolerate it
They are designed to lower the PH of the skin and hydrate
AHA’s enhance the penetration of the treatment product that you put on top of it which will allow you to see results faster that’s why it is so important when you are choosing a cleanser to use the one that is meant for you

For sensitive skin types if you have acne you will highly benefit from using Hydroxy acids but if you have rosacea, stinging or burning, or allergic skin type it’s not ideal to use this type of cleanser maybe at some point when you bring down the inflammation in your skin you will be able to incorporate this

use only once per day

Salicylic Acid Cleanser- For oily skin and acne-prone 1-2X daily
Gentle exfoliation
Lowers the ph of the skin
Unclogs pores
Enhances penetration of the treatment product
Avoid if stinging or burning or if you have rosacea

MOST PEOPLE BENEFIT FROM USING TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF CLEANSERS ONE IN THE AM/ONE IN THE PM
For Example, someone with oily skin would use a salicylic acid cleanser in the morning and a foaming cleanser in the pm
Or -a non-foaming cleanser in the AM and an AHA cleanser in the PM if they have dry skin.

The exception to this is if you have very sensitive, or allergic dry skin its best to just stick with a soothing cleanser- until your skin barrier is repaired and you are actually ready to use the active ingredients that might flair up your specific skin sensitivity

Hope this helps. Please leave a comment below on what you want to see next.

Shop everything mentioned in this video here:

Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser

Cetaphil Dermacontrol Oil Control Foam Wash

Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser

Versed Gentle Cycle Milky Cleanser

Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser

Glytone Acne Self Foaming Cleanser

The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: ALL INFORMATION PROVIDED BY DR. ALEXIS STEPHENS ON THIS WEBSITE OR IN ANY OTHER FORMAT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS, OR TREATMENT. ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR PERSONAL PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH PROVIDER WITH ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE REGARDING A MEDICAL CONDITION. NEVER REPLACE PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE GIVEN TO YOU PERSONALLY OR DELAY IN SEEKING IT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON THIS WEBSITE. THIS INFORMATION IS NOT MEANT TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, OR CURE ANY MEDICAL CONDITION.

#cleansers #dermatologist #skincaretips

AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER: The description may contain affiliate links for a small commission on purchased products. Affiliate links support my channel, so I can continue to make educational and fun videos for you. Also, some items may have been received through PR. I am the advising dermatologist for skincare brands that were not mentioned in this video today. Thanks for watching!

[citygirl]

I just had an appointment with Dr. Alexis Stephens today, and wow I’m just so impressed with how the appointment went! She was just super patient, informative, pleasant, and thorough! Her staff was very friendly and also patient. Im so happy I found her!

[hrhsophiathefirst]

Great advice, you got me into the right cleansers for me months ago and my skin is looking great. The hair and makeup are giving glamorous vibes!

[Nickster]

I’m in South Africa and our local dermatologists just love you recommend Acnetane for acne skin. Not even explaining or exploring other options. I love you advice, it has helped me so much.

[melissataylor]

I would just like to thank you for your help because I am a 28 brown skin girl and never had a skin care routine and your videos have helped me make informed decisions for my skin needs and still budget friendly❤️Thank you Dr.Alexis

[BulbinABox]

I love love love how you explain this in simple words and you have confirmed what my intuition told me to choose for myself: Cerave Soothing Cleanser. My skin never felt better, no more dry patches and my oil production is under control. Also, my skin does not feel tight anymore, but supple and clean.

[cristinaalexe]

I have watched videos on cleansing before, but your categorization and explanations taught me something new!!

[raveenh]

One thing I love about watching videos produced by physicians is that I already know every single reference will absolutely be listed in the description along with a synopsis of everything mentioned in the video.

[Noone-iorp]

Thank you so much for this video!Everything can be sooo confusing about the skincare world!

[nellymckenna]

Loved your video! Straight to the point, no music, just facts and very helpful info. I really need help with my face, I'm trying to establish a routine but don't know what products to get when I can..esp blackspots. I'll follow your info diligently

[CramPuff]

Thanks so much to Susan Yara for leading me to your channel! Honestly I’ve been using salicylic acid cleansers and BHA exfoliates for years when I actually have dry skin.. I’ll definitely have try out AHA products

[nancydavid]

Thank you Dr. Stephens! You’re a great advocate for all the brown skin ladies in the world. We love you.

[airamariee]

Thanks so much for the help! I've been trying to get my skin healthy/smooth/glowing and you just helped me so much, I also took notes!

[SamMKKK]

Your hair looks lovely, as always! ❤️

[majestic]

I love how you explain things simply and included it in the description

[Neke_wash]

God bless your ministry! ❤

This video was everything in my time of devastation (adult acne). Thank you!

[kenadysanaa]

Thank you for this video! I was taking Accutane a few years ago, and it cleared my skin right up. Ever since, I have some dark spots again but I don’t break out often or in huge amounts anymore. I’ve been using Urban Skin RX clear skin bar, along with other products from them, and it’s worked wonderfully for keeping my skin clear for the most part! However, lately, I feel that their products are drying out my skin (maybe it could be this winter weather too) because I wash my face and put on my sunscreen moisturizer, and my face still appears dry and ASHY- which is embarrassing.. So I wanted to research for another cleanser that’s for acne prone oily skin! Your video helped me a lot, thank you again!

[LegitLiterallylegit]

Your videos are so helpful! You are greatly appreciated 🙌🏽

[itsgabibelle]

THANK YOU for mentioning eczema and skin sensitivity ❤️🥲 so many videos just tell you to use so many acidic products that burn me 😭

[tomeshadavis]

Thank you so much for the rosacea call outs! I am gonna try the versed during flares.

[bridgetrobinson]

Thank you Dr. Alexis, your channel is helping me to clear my skin, all the way from the U.K.