10 Different Types Of Facial Cleansings We Recommend: A Master Esthetician's Expert Guide

Choosing the right facial cleansing method can transform your skin health, but with so many options available, most people feel overwhelmed and confused. As a master esthetician with over 10 years of experience serving clients throughout Salt Lake City, I've seen firsthand how the wrong cleansing approach can damage even the healthiest skin.

I remember when Jennifer came to me with persistent breakouts that nothing seemed to fix. She was using harsh scrubs twice daily, thinking more aggressive cleansing would solve her acne problem. Within two weeks of switching to the right cleansing method for her skin type, her breakouts cleared significantly, and her skin barrier began healing.

The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to facial cleansing. Your skin type, concerns, lifestyle, and even Utah's unique climate all influence which cleansing method will work best for you. What works for your friend or favorite influencer might actually harm your skin.

Today, I'm sharing the 10 different types of facial cleansing methods I recommend most often at my Millcreek practice. Each method serves specific skin types and addresses particular concerns. Understanding these options helps you make informed decisions about your daily skincare routine and professional treatments.

Cream Cleansing: The Gentle Powerhouse for Dry and Sensitive Skin

Cream cleansers are my go-to recommendation for clients with dry, sensitive, or mature skin. These rich, moisturizing formulations clean your skin without stripping away essential oils or disrupting your natural barrier function. Unlike foaming cleansers that can leave skin feeling tight and dry, cream cleansers actually add moisture while removing dirt and makeup.

The thick, creamy texture of these cleansers contains emollient ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, and natural oils that nourish your skin during the cleansing process. I often recommend cream cleansing for clients dealing with conditions like eczema, rosacea, or those recovering from professional treatments that have left their skin temporarily sensitive.

Cream cleansing works particularly well in Utah's dry climate because it prevents the over-drying that harsh cleansers can cause. Many of my clients notice immediate improvement in skin comfort and texture when they switch from foaming cleansers to cream formulations.

The application technique matters with cream cleansing. Apply the cleanser to dry skin, massage gently for 30-60 seconds, then remove with a warm, damp washcloth or rinse with lukewarm water. This method ensures thorough cleaning while maintaining your skin's moisture balance.

Some excellent cream cleansers I recommend include CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, and Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser. These products have proven track records with sensitive skin clients and provide consistent results.

Oil Cleansing: Deep Pore Cleansing That Actually Works

Oil cleansing might seem counterintuitive, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin, but it's one of the most effective methods for deep pore cleansing. The principle is simple: oil dissolves oil. When you massage cleansing oil into your skin, it dissolves sebum, makeup, and oil-based impurities more effectively than water-based cleansers.

I recommend oil cleansing particularly for clients who wear heavy makeup, sunscreen, or those dealing with clogged pores and blackheads. The oil breaks down these stubborn substances that regular cleansers often leave behind, leading to buildup and breakouts over time.

The key to successful oil cleansing is choosing the right oil for your skin type. Jojoba oil works well for most skin types because it closely mimics your skin's natural sebum. Argan oil provides additional anti-aging benefits for mature skin, while lightweight oils like squalane work well for oily skin types.

Proper oil cleansing technique involves massaging the oil into dry skin for 1-2 minutes, focusing on areas with makeup or sunscreen. Add warm water to emulsify the oil, then rinse thoroughly. Some people prefer double cleansing, following oil cleansing with a gentle water-based cleanser for complete removal.

Commercial cleansing oils like DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil, and The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser offer convenient formulations that emulsify easily and rinse clean without residue.

Foaming Cleansers: Best for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin Types

Foaming cleansers create a satisfying lather that effectively removes excess oil, sweat, and surface impurities. These cleansers work best for oily and combination skin types that can tolerate their stronger cleansing action without becoming overly dry or irritated.

The foaming action comes from surfactants that break down oil and dirt, allowing them to be rinsed away easily. However, not all foaming cleansers are created equal. Harsh sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate can strip your skin too aggressively, while gentler surfactants provide effective cleansing without damage.

I recommend foaming cleansers for clients with consistently oily skin, those who exercise frequently, or people living in humid climates where excess oil and sweat are constant concerns. These cleansers provide the thorough cleaning that oily skin types need to prevent clogged pores and breakouts.

Look for foaming cleansers with additional beneficial ingredients like salicylic acid for acne-prone skin, niacinamide for oil control, or ceramides for barrier support. Avoid products with alcohol, harsh fragrances, or sulfates that can irritate even oily skin.

Effective foaming cleansers I often recommend include CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser (foaming formula), and La Roche-Posay Toleriane Caring Wash. These products provide thorough cleansing without excessive drying.

Micellar Water: The Gentle No-Rinse Option

Micellar water has become increasingly popular because of its convenience and gentle effectiveness. This cleansing method uses tiny oil molecules called micelles suspended in water to attract and remove dirt, oil, and makeup without harsh rubbing or rinsing.

I recommend micellar water for several situations: as a first cleanse for heavy makeup removal, for sensitive skin that reacts to traditional cleansers, as a quick morning cleanse for dry skin types, or for travel when full cleansing routines aren't practical.

The beauty of micellar water lies in its simplicity. Soak a cotton pad with the solution and gently wipe across your face, paying extra attention to areas with makeup. No harsh rubbing or extensive rinsing required. This makes it excellent for people with conditions like rosacea or eczema who need to minimize skin manipulation.

However, micellar water shouldn't be your only cleansing method if you wear heavy makeup, sunscreen, or have very oily skin. It works best as part of a double-cleansing routine or for days when your skin needs gentle care.

Quality micellar waters I recommend include Bioderma Sensibio H2O, Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water, and La Roche-Posay Micellar Water Ultra. These formulations are ophthalmologist-tested and suitable for sensitive skin.

Gel Cleansers: Balanced Cleansing for Most Skin Types

Gel cleansers offer a middle ground between the gentleness of cream cleansers and the oil-removing power of foaming cleansers. These transparent or translucent formulations provide effective cleansing while maintaining skin comfort, making them suitable for most skin types.

The gel texture feels refreshing and clean without the heavy residue that some cream cleansers can leave. Gel cleansers typically contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, or glycerin that prevent over-drying while still removing impurities effectively.

I often recommend gel cleansers for clients with combination skin who need different levels of cleansing in different facial areas. The balanced formulation works well on both oily T-zones and drier cheek areas without causing problems in either zone.

Gel cleansers also work well for people who prefer a fresh, clean feeling after cleansing but don't want the potential irritation of foaming cleansers. They're particularly good for morning cleansing when you need to remove overnight skincare products and prepare your skin for daytime products.

Some reliable gel cleansers include Neutrogena Hydrating Gel Cleanser, First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Gel Cleanser, and Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser. These products provide effective cleansing with skin-soothing ingredients.

Exfoliating Cleansers: Chemical and Physical Options

Exfoliating cleansers combine cleansing with gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. These products come in two main categories: physical exfoliants with small particles and chemical exfoliants with acids.

Physical exfoliating cleansers contain gentle scrubbing particles like jojoba beads, rice powder, or fine sugar crystals. I recommend these for clients with normal to oily skin who want to improve skin texture and prevent clogged pores. However, the particles must be perfectly round and smooth to avoid creating micro-tears in your skin.

Chemical exfoliating cleansers use mild acids like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or lactic acid to dissolve dead skin cells. These tend to be gentler than physical scrubs and provide more even exfoliation. Salicylic acid cleansers work particularly well for acne-prone skin because they can penetrate pores and remove buildup.

Exfoliating cleansers should only be used 1-3 times per week, depending on your skin's tolerance and the product's strength. Overuse can damage your skin barrier and cause irritation, redness, and increased sensitivity.

I never recommend daily use of exfoliating cleansers, despite what some product labels suggest. Your skin needs time to recover between exfoliation sessions, and gentle daily cleansing with non-exfoliating products maintains better skin health.

Good exfoliating cleansers include Paula's Choice CALM Restoring Gel Cleanser (with BHA), Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Wash, and Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant for those who can tolerate enzyme exfoliation.

Clay-Based Cleansers: Deep Pore Purification

Clay cleansers use mineral-rich clays like bentonite, kaolin, or French green clay to deeply cleanse pores and absorb excess oil. These cleansers work particularly well for oily, acne-prone, or congested skin types that need more intensive cleansing than regular formulations provide.

Different clays offer different benefits. Bentonite clay has strong oil-absorbing properties and works well for very oily skin. Kaolin clay is gentler and suitable for sensitive skin that still needs oil control. French green clay provides purifying benefits and works well for combination skin.

Clay cleansers should be used 2-3 times per week rather than daily, as they can be drying with overuse. I recommend following clay cleansing with a hydrating toner or serum to prevent over-drying, even on oily skin types.

The texture of clay cleansers ranges from smooth creams to slightly gritty formulations. Some contain additional exfoliating ingredients, while others focus purely on oil absorption and pore cleansing. Choose based on your skin's current needs and sensitivity level.

Many clay cleansers work double duty as cleansers and masks. You can apply them, let them sit for a few minutes for extra purification, then rinse off. This makes them efficient options for people who want professional-level deep cleansing at home.

Effective clay cleansers include Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Detoxifying Cleanser, Boscia Luminizing Black Mask Cleanser, and Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay (mixed with water for cleansing).

Enzyme Cleansers: Gentle Yet Effective Exfoliation

Enzyme cleansers use natural fruit enzymes like papain (from papaya) or bromelain (from pineapple) to gently dissolve dead skin cells and protein-based impurities. These biological exfoliants provide effective skin renewal without the harshness of physical scrubs or chemical acids.

I particularly recommend enzyme cleansers for clients with sensitive skin who still want exfoliation benefits, those dealing with clogged pores but can't tolerate acids, and people who prefer natural ingredients in their skincare routine.

Enzyme cleansers work by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be removed easily during cleansing. This process is gentler than mechanical scrubbing but more effective than regular cleansing for improving skin texture and clarity.

Most enzyme cleansers come in powder form that you mix with water to activate the enzymes. This format keeps the enzymes stable until use and allows you to control the consistency and strength of the cleanser based on your skin's needs.

The gentle nature of enzyme cleansers makes them suitable for more frequent use than traditional exfoliating cleansers. Many people can use them 3-4 times per week without irritation, though I always recommend starting with once or twice weekly to assess tolerance.

Quality enzyme cleansers include Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, Tatcha The Rice Polish Classic, and Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser. These products provide consistent results with minimal irritation risk.

Balm Cleansers: Luxurious Deep Cleaning

Cleansing balms start as solid formulations that melt into oils when massaged into skin, providing deep cleansing while feeling luxurious and nourishing. These products excel at removing stubborn makeup, sunscreen, and environmental pollutants that regular cleansers might miss.

The solid-to-oil transformation allows balm cleansers to stay stable in packaging while providing the deep-cleaning benefits of oil cleansing. Most balm cleansers emulsify when water is added, making them easy to rinse off without leaving greasy residues.

I recommend balm cleansers for clients who wear heavy makeup or long-wearing sunscreen, those with dry or mature skin who need extra nourishment during cleansing, and people who enjoy luxurious skincare experiences that feel like mini-spa treatments.

Balm cleansers often contain beneficial ingredients like ceramides, vitamins, and plant oils that nourish skin during the cleansing process. This makes them excellent for people whose skin feels stripped or tight after regular cleansing.

The massage action required to melt and work balm cleansers into skin provides additional benefits like improved circulation and lymphatic drainage. This gentle facial massage can help reduce puffiness and promote healthy skin appearance.

Excellent balm cleansers include Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm, and Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm. These products effectively remove all traces of makeup while nourishing skin.

Double Cleansing: The Professional Two-Step Method

Double cleansing involves using two different cleansers in sequence - typically an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser. This method ensures complete removal of all impurities while addressing different cleansing needs in one routine.

The first cleanse removes oil-based impurities like makeup, sunscreen, and sebum. Oil cleansers, balms, or micellar water work well for this step. The second cleanse removes water-based impurities like sweat, bacteria, and any remaining residue from the first cleanser.

I recommend double cleansing for clients who wear makeup or sunscreen daily, those with oily or acne-prone skin that accumulates more impurities, people exposed to heavy pollution, and anyone who wants the most thorough cleansing possible.

Double cleansing doesn't mean using twice as many harsh products. The first cleanser does the heavy lifting of dissolving stubborn impurities, allowing the second cleanser to be gentler while still providing complete cleansing.

This method works particularly well in the evening when your skin has accumulated a full day's worth of impurities, makeup, and environmental pollutants. Morning cleansing typically requires only one gentle cleanser unless you applied heavy nighttime treatments.

The key to successful double cleansing is choosing complementary products that work together without over-cleansing. For example, follow an oil cleanser with a gentle gel or cream cleanser rather than a harsh foaming formula.

Choosing the Right Cleansing Method for Your Skin Type

Selecting the best cleansing method requires understanding your skin type, current concerns, and lifestyle factors. What works for one person may not work for another, even if you have similar skin types or concerns.

Dry and sensitive skin types benefit most from cream cleansers, cleansing balms, or micellar water. These methods provide necessary cleansing without disrupting the already compromised skin barrier or removing essential oils that dry skin needs.

Oily and acne-prone skin typically responds well to gel cleansers, foaming cleansers, or clay-based options. These skin types can handle more thorough cleansing and often benefit from ingredients like salicylic acid that help prevent clogged pores.

Combination skin often requires a flexible approach, possibly using different cleansers on different areas of the face or alternating between cleansing methods based on seasonal changes or skin behavior.

Mature skin usually benefits from gentle but effective cleansing that doesn't accelerate moisture loss. Cream cleansers, balms, and enzyme cleansers work well for maintaining skin health while addressing age-related concerns.

Consider your lifestyle factors too. If you wear heavy makeup or sunscreen daily, you'll need more thorough cleansing methods like double cleansing or balm cleansers. If you have a simple routine with minimal products, gentle single cleansing may be sufficient.

Professional Facial Cleansing vs. At-Home Methods

Professional facial treatments provide deeper, more thorough cleansing than at-home methods alone, but both approaches serve important roles in maintaining optimal skin health. Understanding when each is most beneficial helps you create a comprehensive skincare strategy.

Professional cleansing involves specialized equipment and techniques that can't be replicated at home. Steam treatments open pores for deeper cleaning, ultrasonic devices remove impurities more thoroughly, and professional-grade products provide stronger results than consumer formulations.

During professional facials at my Millcreek practice, I customize the cleansing approach based on your current skin condition, recent product use, and specific concerns. This personalized approach ensures you get exactly what your skin needs without over-treatment or irritation.

Professional extractions safely remove stubborn blackheads and clogged pores that shouldn't be attempted at home. Improper home extraction can cause scarring, infection, or spreading of bacteria that makes acne worse.

However, professional treatments work best when combined with proper at-home cleansing. Your daily routine maintains the results achieved during professional treatments and prevents problems from developing between appointments.

I typically recommend professional deep-cleansing facials every 4-6 weeks for most clients, with monthly treatments for those dealing with active acne or other concerns requiring closer monitoring and intervention.

The combination of professional expertise and consistent home care produces the best long-term results for skin health and appearance. Neither approach alone provides optimal outcomes for most people.

Common Cleansing Mistakes That Damage Your Skin

Many people unknowingly damage their skin through improper cleansing techniques or product choices. Understanding these common mistakes helps you avoid problems and achieve better results from your skincare routine.

Over-cleansing is one of the most damaging mistakes I see. Using harsh cleansers multiple times daily, scrubbing vigorously, or combining too many active ingredients strips your skin's protective barrier and causes irritation, increased oil production, and premature aging.

Using water that's too hot feels good but damages your skin barrier and increases inflammation. Hot water removes natural oils your skin needs and can worsen conditions like rosacea or eczema. Always use lukewarm water for facial cleansing.

Scrubbing too hard with washcloths, brushes, or rough towels creates micro-tears in your skin and pushes bacteria deeper into pores. Gentle circular motions with clean hands work better than aggressive scrubbing for most cleansing methods.

Not removing makeup completely before cleansing prevents your cleanser from working effectively on your actual skin. Always remove makeup first with micellar water, oil cleanser, or makeup remover before applying your regular cleanser.

Using the wrong cleanser for your skin type causes more problems than it solves. Oily skin doesn't always need harsh cleansers, and dry skin still needs effective cleaning. Match your cleanser to your actual skin type, not what you think it should be.

Skipping cleanser in the morning allows overnight skincare products, dead skin cells, and natural oils to build up and interfere with your daytime products. Even dry skin benefits from gentle morning cleansing.

Proper facial cleansing forms the foundation of healthy skin, but choosing the right method for your unique needs makes all the difference. At Kelleen the Esthetician in Millcreek, I help clients throughout Salt Lake City discover their ideal cleansing routine through personalized consultations and professional treatments. My experience with diverse skin types and Utah's challenging climate helps me recommend the most effective cleansing methods for lasting results. Whether you need help selecting the right at-home products or want to experience professional deep-cleansing treatments, I'm here to support your skin health journey. Call me at (385) 645-4005 to schedule a consultation and discover which cleansing methods will work best for your skin.