One thing I am asked all the time is, “What is the best cleanser for my skin type?”, or “How do I use my cleanser properly?”. These are great questions, so let's dig right in.

For those of you who like to see a demonstration of how to use your cleanser, I have a great video on this topic with demonstrations here on YouTube: 

I do recommend watching this video for demonstrations and further instruction, but if you prefer to read, allow me take you through the steps of selecting the best cleanser.

1. Meet with a skin care professional to help select a tried and true product

Professionals, like myself, work with many clients and can help guide you based on their experience and what's worked for their other clients. We often have better solutions than you will find at your pharmacy or beauty counter! People like me can be found at your local med spa, or you can schedule a virtual appointment with me online here.

2. Find the right cleanser for your skin type! Are you acne, sensitive, rosacea prone, dry…

These are all important factors in deciding if you need something that's more of a serum, gel or cream based. I like the thinner ones for oily/acneic skin types, and the creamier ones for drier skin types. Taking into account the seasons is also important as we are often drier in the winter months due to indoor heating.

3. Get the right active ingredients

Next, let get into the two main active ingredients in medical grade cleansers. Glycolic acid is amazing for pretty much all skin types to chemically exfoliate the skin. Salicylic acid is best for oily/acne prone skin.

4.  Be sure to cleanse in the morning and evening

If you miss cleansing before bed, you're sleeping in your sunscreen, make up, and dirt/oil/pollution from the day. Washing with just water, or a body cleanser isn't going to give you an effective cleanse.

5. How much product to use

Use about 1-2 pumps of your cleanser (approximately 1 teaspoon), and wash the face, eyes, neck and chest. Treat the face the same way you treat your chest. Often times clients neglect the neck and chest resulting in accelerated aging in these areas.

6. How often to cleanse

Perform a double cleanse in the evening for a great deep clean, and then rinse off and lightly towel dry around your hairline where makeup and products often gets stuck.

7. What to do after cleansing

Finally, follow it up with your favourite eye cream, serum, moisturizer and of course SPF during the day! I recommend not completely drying the skin, but applying these products while the skin is still humid.

Last but not least, I'm sure you're dying to know what my favourite cleansers are. The Alumier Acne Clarifying Cleanser is the best cleanser (for my skin) because I'm acne prone and it does an amazing job at removing make up! However, for you it may be a different cleanser. With so many options, don't make the wrong choice and meet with a professional to get guidance you need.

There you have it, you will begin to see healthier and cleaner skin in no time. It is key to follow these basic skin care steps if you want healthy and clean skin. Like so many other aspects of our health, it takes a bit of effort, but what you do now will serve you later. It's never too early or too late to revamp your skin care! A little expert guidance is really the first place to start, and I'm thrilled you've stumbled upon this blog!

If you have any questions don't hesitate to book an online consult with me here, and if you're lucky enough to live in Victoria you can see me in the clinic! Join the newsletter here for more free guidance along the way! I love sharing things that cross my path when I attend conferences. I attend conferences every few months in Vancouver, Toronto, Las Vegas and San Diego to keep up to date with the latest and greatest in skin care and rejuvenation.

I also serve clients from all over the world including France, Germany, Dubai, Switzerland, New York, California, Vancouver and beyond. Please share this article with someone who you think could benefit from this information no matter where they live!

As always, I'm happy to help! Be sure to share this post, or leave a question or a comment down below and I will be sure to respond!

Yours truly,

Rachel Varga BScN, RN, Advanced Aesthetic Nurse since 2011