Current Facial Cleansers

I have acne-prone skin which is mostly triggered by stress and hormones. It got really bad during my last few years of college and then again while I was working at my first job out of college. I used to try all sorts of different cleansers and treatments geared toward clearing skin and treating breakouts. It actually took me a while to figure out that the problem was originating within me and not really on the surface. I realized that it was the stress that was affecting my health, I took certain steps to manage it and keep it under control. I started doing yoga, meditating, and eating healthier foods. It sounds too good to be true, but meditation actually really helped with my stress and anxiety which in turn helps with my acne! And it still does. Nowadays, I still deal with breakouts around my period, but I don't let it stress me out. I just treat it, cover it up, and try to forget it! Which is hard, I know!

For my acne-prone skin, my favorite facial cleansers are those that are gentle, yet effective. It's important to cleanse the skin, but not strip it completely of its natural oils. It's what has been working for me!

These are the current cleansers that I'm using:
Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, Boots Botanics Age Defense Microdermabrasion Polish, One Love Organics Easy Does It Foaming Cleanser
Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser, Boots Botanics Microdermabrasion Polish, One Love Organics Foaming Cleanser

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser (link)
I got a sample of this in one of my Birchboxes. I was a little skeptical at first, but after using it for a week, I have learned to love it! It says that it can remove make-up, even waterproof mascara and eyeliner. However, I'm not sure how well it works in removing make-up because I usually just use it in the morning. It's very gentle, cleans well, feels good, and smells refreshing. I think it smells a little like pine or herbal, but it is not a strong scent in my opinion. I use a nickel-sized amount and massage it onto my dry face and neck. Then I run warm/hot water onto the muslin cloth and use it to gently remove the cleanser and any dirt or oil from my skin. It's easy and feels like a mini-spa facial every morning. I am definitely buying the full-sizes product.

Boots Botanics Age Defense Microdermabrasion Polish (link)
This one sounds like it is harsh, but it isn't really. However, I do only use it once a week because it's a physical exfolliant and I don't want to overdo it. I've tried two other similar products: Dr. Brandt's Microdermabrasion Scrub and Vasanti's Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator. I actually prefer Vasanti's version out of all three because the microparticles that it uses are finer than Botanics', but it's also cheaper than Dr. Brandt's. And I love the way that it makes my skin feel! But for now, the Botanics Microdermabrasion Polish does the job and for only about $13 at the drugstore.

One Love Organics Easy Does It Foaming Cleanser (link)
This is probably my favorite cleanser. It is super gentle, makes my skin feel soft, and it smells really good. Even though it's gentle and "natural," it is really effective at cleansing. I have actually been using this for a couple of years and love. I used to even buy the family size because I would use it as shampoo. That was back when I was still working at the shipyard though! Haha. Nowadays, I use it just as a facial cleanser. It is pretty pricey (in my opinion) at $29 for 8.8 fl oz. So, I also use Botanics All Bright Cleansing Foam Wash which is about $8 at the drugstore. It's also gentle and effective! I've actually been using it a lot more than the Easy Does It cleanser because I don't feel so guilty about the amount I use. So, the price is definitely right for the Botanics. However, Easy Does It does make my skin feel softer and a little goes a long way.


one love organics bamboo charcoal heart konjac cleansing sponge
One Love Organics Bamboo Charcoal Heart Konjac Sponge
One Love Organics Konjac Sponge (link)
In addition to using a foam cleanser, I also like to use a konjac sponge which offers gentle exfoliation. I first bought and used the Boscia konjac sponge. Not sure what I did wrong, but it disintegrated after a month. It cost $18, so it kind of made me feel bad. But I did like it while I was able to use it. Recently I bought One Love Organic's Bamboo Charcoal Cleansing Sponge for $10. I've had it for a couple weeks and no signs of disintegration so far! I do make sure that I hang it out to dry and I only use it once a day (when I remember). I really like it. I used to use a clarisonic mia, but konjac sponges are more gentle.


What are your favorite facial cleansing products? Also, does anyone have suggestions for an acne spot treatment? Can't believe I don't have a go-to product yet! My skin doesn't like benzoyl peroxide, so I've been using a product with salicylic acid. Go away, pesky hormonal breakouts! :P

update: i've updated my current facial cleansers in this post (feb 2016).

*all opinions are my own, and all products were purchased by me! links are there for convenience.

2 comments

  1. My skin doesn't like benzoyl peroxide, either? It does not really react to BHA much so I usually stick with something that has AHA. Old school exfoliation is the way to go!
    Having different kind of cleansers and exfoliators is an excellent idea. Our skin is ever changing and we have to cope with it constantly.
    I really like the California Natural gel cleanser. My other favorite gel cleanser would be the special cleansing gel from Dermalogica. I actually used up a salon size bottle one time. ;)

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    1. I've had luck with AHAs, too. :) And yes, my skin is so fickle. I feel like I always have to be on top of how it's behaving. XD
      I actually saw your blog post about the gel cleanser! I will definitely have to look into it. I also heard good things about Dermalogica. Thanks for the suggestions!

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