In the past few months I’ve been having some skin related breakthroughs.
Although I love trying new products, I’ve come to realise for me right now, less is definitely more. With lockdown and staying indoors more often, my skin just isn’t as exposed to the elements as usual. More I need to protect and hydrate it against the central heating I blast through the house whenever I can get away with it. But my main goal at the moment is to keep my skin barrier strong. I’ve come to realise for too long I’ve been compromising my skin barrier. An over-usage of acids and actives does not a happy skin make.
Paring back my routine in this way has also made me realise the importance of gentle but effective products for my bread and butter staple routine. In other words the ones I use everyday, my cleansers and moisturisers. I just love the phrase bread and butter.
The following cleansers are the ones which are on my current rotation. All of which I made sure were full of skin repairing ingredients and free from irritants such as fragrances and foaming agents.
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
This cleanser has a light gel texture, which is perfect for in shower useage as it rinses off so easily. Plus the pump dispenser is especially useful with slippery fingers. CeraVe products are super affordable considering the ingredients they contain, this cleanser is often on sale but always under £10. A TikTok fave, this cleanser boasts 3 essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid which together help to protect the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated. A perfect everyday cleanser.
The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm
This is a thick balm cleanser which melts down into an oil on your skin. Balm cleansers are my favourite for makeup and SPF removal so this is usually seen in my evening double cleanse routine. Like most balm cleansers, this emulsifies into a light milky texture when you add water, but works best when removed with a flannel. What makes this so great, other than the price point (again under £10), is the use of oats. Oats are well known for being great for calming and soothing sensitive skin whilst also being incredibly softening and moisturising. This also contains oat powder which gives a gentle, non-offensive exfoliation.
This cleanser can also be used as a mask which I like to do most days. I leave it on for as long as I can whilst in the bathroom brushing my teeth etc to let it do it’s thing.
The only downside is the tube this comes in. Usually balms come in a pot and for good reason, as trying to squeeze this thick product out is incredibly difficult. This has gotten easier the more I use it, but be warned! On the bright side though, the tube is huuuuge – I can tell it’s going to last a really long time.
Kate Somerville DeliKate Soothing Cleanser
This cleanser is on the more high end side of things but I love Kate Somerville cleansers, and this is no exception. With it’s rich, cream cleanser texture, it’s designed for stressed, post treatment skin. Again this contains ceramides and peptides to help strengthen the skin barrier and soothe any irritation. This is probably the cleanser I reach for most as it’s a great all rounder. I always favour cream cleanser formulas this time of year. This used after the Oat Cleansing Balm is chefs kiss beautifully soft, comfortable skin. I love.
If you’re on the hunt for a new cleanser, I would definitely recommend trying any of these gentle souls out!
For more skin recommendations check out my Guide to SPF
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