Why use cleansers? After all, soap cleanses the skin. Soap is not as effective, however, as a cream cleanser for removing make up. This is because the oil in a cream cleanser dissolves the greasy components present in make up. It also contains an emulsifying agent which makes the grease easier to remove.

Cleansing the body remains a basic and essential step in good grooming, affecting not only social interactions but, also dermatologic health. As with all skin care products, the problem lies in the choice of cleansers available. To be effective, a cleanser must remove the layer of dead cells on top of the skin as well as excess oil, makeup, bacteria and dirt. if a cleanser does not accomplish these basic functions, then problems such as acne, milia (tiny, hard, white cysts), and seborrhoea, (scaly areas) are likely to develop.

Some individuals are under the misconception that these conditions can be treated with cleansers and a proper skin care regime. Unfortunately, this myth is frequently perpetuated by the cosmetic companies which sell skin care lines. The reality is that if a person has acne, milia or seborrhoea medical intervention is required. To counter the sensitivity of the skin to the body's hormones, people with acne usually require a medicated cream or antibiotics, such as tetracycline or minocycline (Minocin) to control the formation of pimples.

Electrodesiccation is the treatment of choice for milia. The tiny, white cysts are destroyed with a mild electric pulse through a needle.

Seborrhoea is characterized by an inflamed flaking of the skin and an increase in oil production associated with an overgrowth of yeast spores. To treat this condition a mild cortisone salve or metronidazole (Metrogel) is applied to the inflamed skin and an oral medication called spironolactone (Aldactone) is taken to manage the excess oil production.

Many facial cleansers are available on, the market today They come in the form of soaps, creams, and lotions and each can be evaluated in terms of advantages and disadvantages and individual preference.Toilet soaps inexpensive and clean satisfactorily,but little more alkaline than milder soaps.As a rule cleanser ,containing special added ingredients cost more,but do nothing for you.Medicated acne cleanser do contain beneficial ingredients such as sulphur, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.However,when incorporated into a cleanser,these ingredients do little because they are rinsed of your skin before they have a chance to start working.In addition,acne cleansers are often unnecessarily drying and irritating, especially for people with naturally sensitive skin.

Facial Cleansers usually contain liquid paraffin white oil or mineral oil as a chief ingredient. This is specially refined for make up and is not as thick as that used in medicines. The emulsifier used in most make up is glycerol mono stearate. This is a 'surface active' soap like substance similar to detergent. Extract of egg yolk is sometimes used as an emulsifier.

There are between eight and ten ingredients in an average cleansing cream. These are basically the same whatever the name on the jar might be. All cleansing creams contain preservatives because any cream can lie on a shelf for many months before being sold and can then be in use for several months. While in use, it is contaminated by air and fingers.

Facial Cleansing creams usually contain some emollient oil, some coloring and perfume and water. Some cleansers, however, do not contain water. The best cleanser is the oily cream, it will be in removing heavy make up. This is why theatrical cleansers are usually thick and oily. Those cleansers that contain a lot of water are referred to as 'milks and are an oil in water emulsion. Milks are particularly suitable for quick cleansing.

If you have a greasy skin, use a nongreasy make up that contains mostly water, pigments and an emulsifying agent. A watery cleansing milk is best for removing such make up. For normal skins, a cleansing milk should be used for a quick clean up during the day. A cream cleanser can be used last thing at night for a more penetrating and efficient job.

Manufacturers claim that cleansers are more thorough cleaning agents than soap as well as less drying. Even if you do not wear make up, diesel fumes, dirt and air pollution will do their worst by leaving a layer of oily dirt on the surface of your skin. The last traces of cream and dirt should be removed with a skin tonic freshener or astringent lotion on absorbent cotton. Tonics are usually solutions of alcohol diluted with water. Some perfume is added, as well as a little oil to help dry skins.
Natural Cleanser
Extract of witch hazel and rosewater is equally effective, you could make your own skin tonic with glyceroboric compound, rosewater concentrate, menthol, antiseptic, distilled water. If you have a sensitive skin, avoid alcohol based tonics. Lotions intended for greasy skins may contain astringent salts.