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It is said that “well begun is half done”—a popular ancient Greek idiom that rings especially true when it comes to the facial wash. Skincare, after all, begins precisely with one’s choice of cleanser, setting the stage for clean, glowing skin by morning and sloughing away the day’s impurities by night. Precisely for this reason, it’s best to take careful consideration when selecting a cleanser. The skin must be treated gently, to remove dirt and product residue without irritation.
Few formulas perform as well as CeraVe’s Foaming Facial Cleanser, a multitasker that for years has had the industry’s leading dermatologists singing its praises, TikTokers proclaiming its efficacy, and thousands of users granting it five-stars on Amazon (and even currently marked down nearly 30% for Prime Day). Safe to say, it has a devoted following.
Its popularity, no doubt, lies in its ability to gently remove excess sebum, impurities, and makeup while keeping the skin barrier intact. This is thanks in large part to a formulation of nourishing, functional ingredients. Suitable for both the face and body, it combines three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, which soothe and keep skin hydration intact. What starts as a plush gel, lathers into a rich foam that penetrates deep to remove all traces of residue. Once rinsed with water, skin remains soft and smooth. Its gentleness makes it an excellent choice for all skin types, but particularly those with skin conditions like eczema or rosacea. And due to the foaming nature, experts oft recommend it for oily skin types. “Oftentimes, patients with oily skin also have active breakouts, and a foaming cleanser enables them to effectively cleanse the skin without having to press too hard on the surface of the skin, which can feel irritated from acne,” Dr. Corey L. Hartman, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama previously told Vogue.
In fact, it’s the presence of ceramides that makes the formulas so effective. CeraVe’s signature ingredient, these nourishing agents help maintain the overall health of the skin barrier. Board-certified dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon Dr. Kristina Collins, MD, FAAD echos these sentiments. “It cleanses thoroughly without leaving the skin feeling tight or stripped,” she explained.
Just remember, each skin type has different needs: if combination and oily ones need to keep sebum under control with the latter’s foaming texture, dry ones need ample nourishment and hydration. The right help, in this case, is from a creamy formulation such as CeraVe’s Hydrating Facial Cleanser, which is actually Vogue’s favorite drugstore face wash. Per dermatologist Dr. Lauren Penzi, this is classic and affordable, featuring ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid “that work to restore skin’s natural barrier to help the skin lock in moisture.” It’s a foolproof option that will work for virtually anyone, though those more acne-prone should consider something more targeted.
Enter: CeraVe’s Acne Control Cleanser, which leans on 2% saliciylic acid to reduce blackheads, limit pimples, and improve the appearance of pores. The lightweight gel also features hectorite clay—a purifying agent to absorb excess sebum—niacinamide, and of course, ceramides to quell shine and keep blemishes at bay.
No matter which cleanser you choose, using one is no different than your average face wash. Simply moisten the skin on the face and massaging the formula in circular motions. Pro tip: leave the emulsified cleanser on the skin a few seconds before rinsing. When ready, wipe away with water and move onto the rest of your routine. Now, skin remains clean, clear, and undoubtedly primed for whatever lies ahead.
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