There’s nothing like a satisfying cloud like, lather of a face wash. It’s luxurious, almost ritualistic in its ability to promise an utterly deep clean pores. It claims that it has removed oil, sweat, and pollution from the skin.
But behind the sheer frothy perfection is one controversial topic within the skincare world. Historically, most dermatologists warned: the more foamy, the more damaging. The most aggressive foam wash would essentially strip the skin barrier of all hydration and leave your face with that squeaky clean feeling, all knowing that’s a sure sign of irritation.
Thankfully, not all foam cleansers are created equally anymore, especially not the cloud cleansers. So, these fresh new face washes claim that they remove all the suds and dirt from your face without actually compromising with the moisture barrier.
It all comes down to a much more pertinent question: Do you really need to lather up that facial wash without risking a broken barrier? We explore what’s between lather and your barrier to help you land the ideal formulation.
What Does Cloud Cleanse Refer To?
An approach to modern skincare with an incredibly gentle, air-light or whipped texture that cleans the skin effectively without compromising the barrier.
Foaming face washes used to employ strong stripping sulfates for their enormous bubbly suds. The cloud cleanse is the latest iteration, harnessing a foam made of amino-acid based and plant based surfactants that morphs into a thick and cloudy foam. This cushion supports the face against the impact of palms and eases dirt and oil out of pores.
A foaming face cleanser can be right for your skin barrier but it totally depends on your skin type and the ingredients of the product. Gone are the days when these foaming face cleansers used to be harsh on the skin, modern formulations provide a clean cloudy texture of face cleanser that is capable of removing the dirt and impurities without actually compromising the skin barrier.
Nowadays, the formulations are formed well following a standard procedure which usually are pH balanced and usually incorporate a plant or amino based mild surfactants. Moisturizing agents are also incorporated in order to compensate for the hydration losses and prevent that squeaky clean feeling. Side by side maintaining the skin barrier.
Before choosing the Foaming cleanser, one should understand the type of their skin. Usually skin is classified in the following
- Oily skin usually appears shiny which is very usually prone to acne.
- Dry Skin tends to be flaky, rough and may feel tight after washing.
- Combination Skin has characteristic oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) as well as dry elsewhere.
- Normal Skin has a Skin microbiome that is balanced neither too oily nor too dry.
- Sensitive Skin is the one that gets irritated easily as well as is more prone to rashes.
Based on the type of skin, one could choose the cleanser as follows
- For Oily and acne prone skin active infused micro foam or gel to foam cleanser should be used. The main aim is to remove the excess oil and sebum production and keep the oil production levels controlled. Look for the ingredients such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, tea tree oil etc on priority basis. Avoid heavy oils, products with isopropyl myristate and products with high sulfate content.
- For dry and dehydrated skin use cream to foam or mousse type formulations. Look for products with ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerine and squalene etc. These formulations and ingredients ensure proper cleaning and side by side replenish and maintain the skin hydration. Avoid products with artificial fragrances, alcohols and salicylic acid.
- For sensitive skin use formulations with ultra low pH or mousse type of formulation. The cleansing action must be effective without causing further sensitization. The ingredients to be considered are Centella Asiatica (Cica), Allantoin and Panthenol (Vitamin B5). Avoid formulations with essential oils, harsh surfactants and exfoliants.
- For combination skin use balancing gel to foam type formulations or products with mild surfactants. The product must be able to remove the overproduced oil and sebum effectively. In addition, not making the rest of the face dry. Opt for the products with papaya enzymes, green tea extract and hyaluronic acid.
How To Properly Use The Cloud Cleanse Or Foaming Face Cleanser?
- Wash your hands first and then splash your face with lukewarm water only.
- Take a coin sized amount of face cleanser in your wet palm. Rub it vigorously until it produces a cloud like lather.
- Start applying on your face, starting with the T zone and then the rest of the face. It is because the T zone is the oiliest region of the face and requires more attention.
- Massage it for 30-60 seconds only. Do not exceed the time limit. In case one has sensitive skin, do not use it for more than 30 seconds.
- Splash with plenty of lukewarm water, ensuring no traces of cleanser are left behind.
- Using a clean and soft microfibre towel, gently pat dry.
- Follow up with the moisturizer of your choice.
- Ensure applying the moisturizer immediately after pat drying. In order to lock in the moisture and prevent skin moisture loss and drying.
The fact that the glycolic acid face wash strips away the natural oils and disrupts the skin barrier is history now. The modern day concept states that they remove all the suds and dirt from the face without actually compromising the skin barrier and drying it up.
Following the guidelines of choosing the product properly and then using it according to the steps as stated above, one could actually get the maximum benefit by using the foam cleanser. This is the foundation of skin care. Since clear skin means clean canvas for further skin care products. This enhances the product penetration and the individual gets the maximum benefit and gets to see the results early.
