Today we’re going to continue our installments of Skincare Basics with the first step in a recommended regimen, a CLEANSER! I don’t know about you, but back when I didn’t know any better, I expected all cleansers to leave my face feeling tight and dry and completely devoid of any moisture..or else it didn’t work right?! Back then I’d also award bonus points to any cleanser with giant exfoliating particles that left my skin also feeling rubbed raw because I truly thought my face wasn’t clean unless it was red and dry. YIKES. I forgive old me for not knowing what I didn’t know, but now that I know better, I’m on a mission to share that information with you!

Cleanser Basics

In our first installment of Skincare Basics all about REGIMENS we touched briefly on what a cleanser is and does, but here’s a brief reminder of what we NEED a cleanser for:

• STEP ONE in a skincare routine, cleansers come in various forms and are used for ridding the skin of dirt. makeup and impurities – which can cause breakouts and poor skin health, GROSS! Cleansers come in bar, balm, liquid, and oil based forms for the most part. All work well, and all accomplish something slightly different!

Cleanser Misconceptions

SO YES, cleansers are HELLA important. A buildup of dirt, makeup and impurities directly contributes to breakouts and other undesirable skin changes. Notice I didn’t necessarily say oils though! It’s a common misconception that in order for our face to be truly clean we need to strip it from all oils. Some skin types (truly oily skin) may need a cleanser that helps to neutralize OVERproduction of oils, but for the most part, what skin really needs is a cleanser that will cleanse without stripping the skin of its natural protective oils. You want your face to feel clean but supple after cleansing vs. tight and dry.

What about Oil Cleansing?

Another thing I want to educate on is that most skin types can do really well with an Oil Cleanser. I know I know. Our past self has made us SUPER SCARED to use anything that implies that our face might have oil on it. We immediately start thinking if we use an oil on our face in any capacity, we’re going to cause breakouts, right? WRONG! Oftentimes when we use a drying cleanser that strips our skin of its natural and needed protective oils, our face will actually OVER produce its natural oils in attempt to get rebalanced.

How do Oil Cleansers work?

Think of the term “like dissolves like” - this essentially means that oil cleansers work as solvents, that are naturally drawn to other oils (yes even our face’s natural oils and the oils used in our makeup products!). The fact that an oil cleanser attracts other oils means that it takes our facial oils and makeup oils and dissolves it quickly, all the while still leaving the skin moisturized. Oils are a magnet for other oils and can easily remove them when wiped or rinsed away.

What about Double Cleansing?

There’s another concept that’s recently gained popularity in the skincare world, and it’s the idea of a DOUBLE CLEANSE. A double cleanse is just what it describes - cleansing with two different cleansers. Typically you start first with an oil cleanser to cut through heavy duty makeup and dirt, and then you follow up with a secondary cleanser that is typically picked to address your specific skin type or concerns.

For instance I will frequently cleanse first with CLEANSING BALM (an oil based cleanser that works wonders on a full face of makeup or a post workout dirty face), and then I’ll follow it up with the Countercontrol Cleanser or the Charcoal Bar for a more clarifying cleanse.

I personally only double cleanse at night, and typically when I’ve worn a full face of makeup that day.

Different Types of Safer Cleansers

Now that we know a cleanser is important, let’s look at which safer cleanser options are available out there, and when it might be appropriate to use them for different skin types.

Counterstart Cococream Cleanser

Best for: Sensitive to normal skin with no targeted skin concerns

Notes: This is a gentle daily cleanser that reminds me most of a safer alternative to conventional cleansers like Cetaphil and Cerave. It’s more of a cream based cleanser that works to remove makeup and impurities without stripping away moisture. The specific formula, uses coconut oil and aloe vera, and is really a great option for sensitive skin, and those looking for a minimal cleanser or routine.

Countercontrol Clear Pore Cleanser

Best for: OILY SKIN TYPES

Notes: A daily exfoliating cleanser that effectively removes oil, makeup and impurities, while gently exfoliating. Made for true oily, acne prone skin, but can be used for other skin types that need a more clarifying cleanser step in their routine. Works well when used as the second step in a double cleanse. Cleanses and sloughs without overdrying.

Countermatch Refresh Foaming Cleanser

Best for: Normal, Dry, or Combo skin

Notes: This is a cross between a cream and a foaming cleanser that most closely resembles a “traditional” cleanser to me. It features squalane, plum oil, and phytic acid to remove face and eye makeup, wash away impurities, and leaves your face feeling clean and soft versus tight and dry.

Countertime Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil

Best for: Mature and/or Dry Skin

Notes: This is a lightweight, luxurious cleansing oil that easily removes face and eye makeup without disrupting the skin’s lipid surface, leaving the moisture barrier intact. Great as a daily cleanser, especially at night and as the first step in a double cleanse. It removes oils and impurities, and then is rinsed away - leaving the skin clean but supple.

Counterman Daily Exfoliating Cleanser

Best for: Men of all skin types

Notes: Believe it or not, man skin is unique! Larger pores, generally more oil production, and slightly different needs! This cleanser has slight exfoliation properties that helps to slough away dead skin cells, help unclog pores, and calm skin. It uses exfoliating jojoba beads and the soothing power of aloe, as well as Sequoia Stem Cell Complex, which helps protect skin from environmental stress. 

Charcoal Cleansing Bar

Best for: All skin types, but ideal for combination or blemish-prone skin.

Notes: The Charcoal Bar is for many people the gateway product that got them hooked on Beautycounter. There is something about this bar that just really makes you feel like you’re getting an amazing cleanse, PLUS it is gentle enough for daily use for most people which isn’t the case for some charcoal bars! We use an active form of Binchotan charcoal which both deeply cleanses and also helps to draw impurities and toxins out of the skin - all while keeping the skin balanced. It helps reduce the appearance of pores and works especially well for more oily skin. It would be a great second step in a double cleanse, or serve as an additional occasional cleanser for those who suffer from cycle based hormonal acne. It’s noted that if you’re skin is more on the dry side, you may not be able to use this cleanser both day and night.

Counter + Lotus Glow Cleansing Balm

Best for: Dry and/or Mature skin

Notes: This is a serious client favorite with a massive cult following. It has almost a thousand 5 star review and for good reason. I think this is the perfect addition to a basic regimen when you’re ready to invest - it also is a multitasker that serves so many purposes! It can be used as a cleanser, makeup remover, or hydrating overnight mask, and works perfectly as the first step in a double cleanse. It also lasts SO LONG - mine usually lasts upward of 6 months or more!

Makeup Remover Wipes

Best for: All skin types

Notes: I LOVE THESE WIPES. They’ve been out of stock for quite some time and just came back and I feel like a little bit of a hoarder now. These wipes are perfect for when I just don’t feel like doing my full routine or I need a little bit of extra assistance in the makeup removal department! The wipes use a micellar formula to create a gentle cleanser that removes makeup, oil, and dirt without harsh surfactants, leaving skin clean and supple, with no need to rinse. Micelles are tiny balls of cleansing molecules suspended in soft water that attract and break down dirt and oil, then remove it without drying out the skin. 

So there you have it friends! An easy peasy breakdown of what a cleanser is, why we need them, and the different options available to you! I hope this has been a helpful second installment of skincare basics to get you started on the road to finding your perfect regimen! Next up, we’ll talk step #2 in your regimen: THE PREP STEP!