Foams for washing have both admirers and haters. The former consider foam to be an almost ideal product of cleansing, the latter are ready to cite at least one drawback for each of its advantages. They do not even think about reducing the popularity of washing foam - on the contrary, they enrich the formulas and overgrow with "micellar" components. We interrogated with passion the medical expert of the LRoche-Posay brand, dermatovenerologist Alexander Prokofiev, and together we dispelled a dozen myths.
1. Large consumption: foam is uneconomical
Not always like this. Some funds are spent very sparingly. However, in fact, when using some foams for cleansing, you can notice a quick consumption of the product. It may depend on the frequency of use of the product (for example, twice a day) and even on the dispenser. Dosing of foam occurs by pressing the pump, during which a certain amount of foam is released. Usually one press is enough to wash, but some people use more, and then the product may be used up faster. On average, one bottle of foam is enough for regular use from 2 to 6 months.
2. Dries skin: foam is good for oily skin
Not entirely true. The properties of any product are due to the ingredients included in the composition. Taking into account the needs of the skin, manufacturers can offer cleansing foams for different skin types. Ingredients are added to the composition of foams for oily skin that have anti-inflammatory, sebum-regulating and keratolytic effects. For these purposes, glycolic and salicylic acids, zinc are used. These ingredients can provide the "drying" effect so desirable for those with oily skin.
3. Cleans "too well" and dries out: bad for dry skin
Not true. The function of the foam is to cleanse the skin, remove make-up and preserve the protective hydrolipid layer. Foams are just recommended to be used as opposed to soap, which really dries the skin a lot due to a more alkaline pH. As a rule, cleansing foams have a pH close to the skin of 5.5, and in the production of foams for dry skin, moisturizing ingredients are also used (these are hyaluronic acid, herbal extracts, thermal water, vitamin E, panenol, etc.).
4. Too "correct" composition: poorly cleanses thick makeup
Yes. To cleanse thick or waterproof makeup, foam may not really work, or you will need to use a double wash, which will increase the consumption of the product. It is more expedient to use, for example, hydrophilic oil for waterproof makeup remover, and use a cleansing foam as the second step.
5. Cleans delicately: good for sensitive skin
Indeed, any cleansing foam is a means for gentle, delicate skin cleansing, and is suitable for owners of sensitive skin. However, it is still necessary to choose foams intended directly for sensitive skin, which use mild cleansing agents (micelles, cocobetaine, cocoglucoside, poloxamers).
Our choice:
Gentle cleansing micellar foam for the face DIOR Prestige, DIOR
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A photo:
6. Contains a lot of surfactants: it foams well, and it is harmful
Everything is relative. Surfactants are needed to create a foamy structure, but they are also used in other cleansers. Some, like lauryl sulfate, can cause dry skin. Therefore, it is necessary to choose products containing mild saponifying ingredients, and also take into account the type of skin and its needs.
7. Neutral aroma: the composition is very natural
This is logical. Many foams contain plant extracts and oils, natural ingredients - thermal water or clay. Such formulations can be suitable for lovers of organic cosmetics.
8. Delicate composition: the foam is hypoallergenic and does not cause irritation
As already mentioned, the pH of the cleansing foam is close to the pH of the skin, so it cleans gently and does not disturb the protective hydrolipid layer of the skin. And the foams are really hypoallergenic and contain ingredients that prevent skin irritation and provide hydration. The micelles, which are part of the micellar cleansing foams, gently cleanse the skin of impurities and are suitable for owners of sensitive skin.
9. Delicate texture: best used as one of the stages of cleansing
The cleansing foam can be used on its own or as one of the cleansing steps. Foam provides deep cleansing of the skin, but needs support if the makeup is very complex or waterproof.
10. Air: not suitable for use with cleaning devices
Why then? If devices for wet face cleaning are used, then gel or foam are ideal assistants in this manipulation. Before using cleansers, a foaming cleanser must be applied to your face, and the foam - no matter how foamed it may be - is perfect for this.
Expert:
Alexander Prokofiev
Photo: Getty Images, press archives
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