Cleansing

Cleansing is the first step in skincare to remove sebum, accumulated skin products (sunscreens), corneocytes and sweat from the skin. The most common types of cleansers are soaps, cleansing bars, foaming cleansers, gels, scrubs. Cleansers contain surfactants, which emulsify and remove dirt together with oily components. However, they are able bind to the epidermis and disrupt the barrier, reducing its ability to hold water. They may also disrupt naturally protective skin components, increase skin surface pH, and irritate the skin.