Cleansing Gel: For which skin type is it suitable?

The cleansing gel is a treatment used with the intention of lifting impurities from the skin's surface. Indeed, the skin endures numerous external aggressions throughout the day and quickly accumulates dust, allergens, sebum, sweat, etc. If these elements are not removed, they can weaken the skin, cause blemishes, and hinder the application of treatments. That's why it's crucial to cleanse your skin once or twice a day, using for instance a cleansing gel.

The selection of a cleanser is not solely based on texture preference, it must also be tailored to the specific needs of the skin and its typology.

Cleansing gels are traditionally linked to combination to oily skin types. Prone to overproduction of sebum, either localized or generalized, these skin types tend to have a shiny appearance and are particularly affected by issues of enlarged pores and blemishes. This hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands, the organs that synthesize sebum, is primarily influenced by hormonal and genetic factors, although certain external aggressions, such as stress or pollution, can also play a role. To limit the effects of sebum overproduction, effective cleansing is essential and the cleansing gel emerges as an interesting option thanks to its light and refreshing texture, which easily removes excess sebum and impurities accumulated throughout the day.

It's important to note that, contrary to popular belief, combination to oily skin types also require a gentle cleansing gel that respects their skin barrier. By stripping the hydrolipidic film, overly harsh products send an alarm signal to the sebaceous glands, which respond by producing even more sebum to compensate. This phenomenon, known as the "rebound effect", exacerbates oily skin problems instead of improving them. Therefore, it's preferable to choose a purifying but gentle cleansing gel, containing sebum-regulating active ingredients, such as zinc, charcoal, or salicylic acid, as well as moisturizing ingredients, like glycerin or aloe vera, like the purifying cleansing gel from Typology.

When it comes to dry skin, using a cleansing gel is possible, even though it's typically not the most suitable option. Indeed, after washing, dry skin, which already suffers from a weakened hydrolipidic film, tends to experience feelings of tightness, or even show signs of redness. That's why it's often recommended to opt for a cleansing milk or a washing cream, treatments with a rich and enveloping texture that contain nourishing active ingredients, such as shea butter or vegetable oils. Some hydrating cleansing gels, enriched with humectant agents, may be suitable for dry skin but, in most cases, a more enveloping formula is more suitable and helps to maintain skin balance and avoid irritations.

Note: At Typology, we offer a range of cleansing gels, so that all skin types can find a care product to suit their needs.