There seems to be some confusion about the concept of low foaming cleansers, as they are now visibly invading the skincare market place. We've heard the grumblings of: "It's not sudsy enough" or "it doesn't make my face feel squeaky clean" so is it really doing anything?
Well... there's a very simple explanation for your highly educated concerns... and that is, we're not stripping the shit out of your skin.
So let's start with the basics, shall we?
What is a low foaming cleanser?
and how is that different than a high foaming cleanser (aside from the obvious)?
A low foaming cleanser is a mild cleanser that typically dissolves dirt, debris, and all the shit that's built up in your pores throughout the day. This shape-shifting miracle comes in many forms like:
Oils, Creams, Balms, Milks, Gels, Scrubs, and Lotions
Now there's a common misconception that low foaming cleansers don't work as well as foaming cleansers, and we're here to tell you, that is simply not true.
To put it simply, foaming cleansers have high cleaning power, so they don't just come in and clean house, give you a kiss, and leave. They come in, rearrange everything, throw some shit away, and punch the wall before they leave. So while you think your skin feels nice and clean a refreshed, it's really pushing the panic button.
Should I Only Be Using a Low Foaming Cleanser?
Well...not necessarily. But for a majority of people out, there it's probably your best shot at healthy glowing skin.
If Foaming Cleansers Are So Bad For Your Skin, Why Do They Even Exist?
History...
Back in the day, soap was the primary ingredient used to cleanse the skin. While that's not obscenely devastating if you're cleaning your face with soft water (low mineral content), it is obscenely devastating if you're using hard water (high mineral content; i.e. tap water), as most of us are.
Have you ever washed your hands and saw the build-up of foam in the sink, only to come back later to find just a film left? This is because soap is insoluble in hard water. So it becomes soil or scum when the fatty ingredients in the soap react with minerals in the water and cling to surface of the sink. While it's slightly different from skincare surfactants, the outcome is essentially the same. So you're not cleaning out your skin, you're cleaning off your skin.
And for those of you with oily skin and acne-prone skin...you know who you are.
Using a foaming cleanser is not keeping your oils at bay, like you think it is. It's actually making your problem worse. Because oils come from within, so trying to dry them up topically is, A.) Not going to work and 2.) Just adding to the problem.
How Do I Fix My Oily Skin?
Because we're wrapping up on time, I'll keep it short and sweet. Whether it's our cleanser or even another skincare line you love. Be sure to look for a low foaming cleanser that's primary focus is a low pH. This is what will balance your skin out and give you a clear, healthy glow.
The end. Class dismissed.
