When should a cleansing gel be used?

Cleansing gels are products designed to remove impurities accumulated on the skin's surface, whether it's sebum, sweat, or pollution particles. Like most cleansing or makeup removing products, they contain surfactants and emulsifiers that trap impurities and facilitate their removal during rinsing. Appreciated for their light gel-like texture, cleansing gels often transform into foam upon contact with water, providing a refreshing sensation after application.

Cleansing gels are particularly favored by combination to oily skin types as they help combat excess sebum and reduce shiny areas. Some formulas incorporate purifying agents, such as zinc, charcoal, or exfoliating acids, like AHAs, to refine skin texture and prevent pore clogging. However, all skin types can use a cleansing gel provided they choose a formula suited to their sensitivity and hydration needs.

It's often recommended to cleanse the face morning and evening, but this doesn't necessarily mean a cleansing product is required each time. For normal to dry skin, a simple hydrosol or toner may be sufficient in the morning to awaken the skin and prepare it for subsequent care. For combination to oily skin, however, the use of a gentle cleansing gel could be a good idea to remove excess sebum produced during the night. This also helps to limit shine throughout the day and prevent blemishes.

Note : Under certain conditions, such as in summer or very humid weather, even dry skin may benefit from a morning cleanse with a light cleansing gel. The buildup of sweat and sebum overnight can indeed cause a feeling of discomfort, which a gentle cleanse can alleviate.

In the evening, the use of a cleansing product becomes essential to rid the skin of impurities accumulated throughout the day. Pollution, fine particles, and sebum oxidation are all factors that can weaken the skin barrier and promote the appearance of blemishes. Thus, in the evening, after a thorough cleansing, a cleansing gel suitable for one's skin type effectively removes these residues. For very oily skin, it may be tempting to choose a drying gel, but it is better to opt for a gentle formula, without harsh sulfates, to not disrupt the skin's balance. Indeed, while the use of a highly detergent formula may seem like a good idea at first, it can actually trigger a defensive reaction from the skin and increase sebum production, thereby creating a vicious cycle.

A cleansing gel is applied once or twice a day, depending on the product, skin type, and environmental conditions.

Note: The same applies to Typology's cleansing gels, which are designed to be used once or twice a day, depending on your needs.

• KIMBALL A. & al. A Single-Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial Evaluating the Effect of Face Washing on Acne Vulgaris. Pediatric Dermatology (2006).

• DRAELOS Z. The science behind skin care: Cleansers. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2017).

• STAIB P. & al. Five dimensions of cleansing: A holistic view on the facets and importance of skin cleansing. International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2023).