Have you made the popular New Year's goal to take better care of your body? If so, don't leave your skin out of the equation! Incorporating an active cleanser into your skincare routine can kickstart your journey to healthier, clearer skin. Let's kick off the new year by diving into the benefits of these cleansers and why they should be a staple in your skincare routine.

WHAT ARE ACTIVE CLEANSERS?

The term "active" refers to ingredients in active cleansers that are FDA-approved and proven to target specific conditions and concerns.

Unlike regular cleansers, which simply remove surface-level impurities and makeup, active cleansers will deep clean and detoxify the skin by targeting skin concerns such as acne, dullness or aging. They also penetrate deeper into your pores, effectively removing excess oil and environmental pollutants.

A LIST OF THE BEST CLEANSING BENEFITS & INGREDIENTS

There's a huge variety of cleansers on the market, each with a unique combination of powerful ingredients. To target specific skincare benefits, here are some of the best active ingredients to look for.

PURIFIED SKIN

Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide, Mandelic Acid, Green Tea Extract

If you have oily or acne-prone skin in need of a deep cleanse, cleansers with Salicylic Acid are especially effective. This ingredient absorbs impurities and excess oil, leaving your pores feeling refreshed. Salicylic Acid is also a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), which exfoliates and unclogs pores to prevent future breakouts.

You could also tackle acne more directly with Benzoyl Peroxide, a powerful antibiotic that actively works to prevent breakouts before they start. To further manage acne and balance uneven pigmentation, Mandelic Acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), would be another great addition to your routine.

Green Tea Extract can reduce acne as an effective antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent. It also neutralizes the harmful elements that cause premature aging to keep your skin healthy and youthful.

BALANCED SKIN

Ingredients: Vitamin C, Shea Butter, Aloe Vera, Vitamin E

For combination, dry or sensitive skin, choose a cleanser that prioritizes hydration and balance. Look for emollients like Aloe Vera and Shea Butter that can protect your skin from dehydration and environmental stressors while restoring suppleness for a youthful complexion. Antioxidants are also great for improving your skin’s appearance. Vitamin C offers powerful brightening properties and evens out skin tone for a radiant look. Vitamin E can also hydrate and nourish your skin for a long-lasting glow while protecting it from environmental damage.

IMPROVED SKIN TEXTURE & FIRMNESS

Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Peptides

If you're looking to improve the overall appearance and texture of your skin, look for cleansers with AHAs, such as Glycolic Acid. These ingredients gently exfoliate the skin and can help reduce fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation over time. Peptides complement these ingredients by supporting skin firmness and reducing visible signs of aging.

WHO SHOULD USE ACTIVE CLEANSERS?

Active cleansers are suitable for all skin types, but it's important to choose one that is tailored to your specific skin concerns. Consult one of our GlyMed Pros to determine which ingredients will best benefit your skin; as skincare experts with access to higher aesthetic education, they can guide you to the perfect cleanser for your individual needs.

If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using products with active ingredients.

HOW TO INCORPORATE ACTIVE CLEANSERS INTO YOUR ROUTINE

Once you've found the perfect cleanser for your skin, it's important to properly incorporate it into your routine. You might find the product you've chosen is too harsh on your skin, so start with a patch test. If the patch test turns out okay, use the cleanser once or twice a week, then increase the usage as your skin adjusts.

Cleansers should always be the first step in your routine, followed by treatments and moisturizers. It's also essential to continue using sunscreen during the day as some active ingredients can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

TOP GLYMED CLEANSERS TO TRY THIS YEAR

Looking for an easy way to add an active cleanser to your routine? Give one of these top-rated GlyMed products a try!

• Glycolic Facial Cleanser with 10% Glycolic Acid: Perfect for all skin types and those wanting to target acne, aging and hyperpigmentation. This gentle and exfoliating cleanser will leave your entire body feeling refreshed and clean.
• Idyllic Cleanser with 3% Mandelic Acid: Ideal for any skin type, this daily cleanser deeply cleanses, exfoliates and purifies your skin, all while preserving essential moisture for anti-aging benefits and a brightened complexion.
• Purifying Cleanser with Salicylic Acid: Oily and combination skin types can target acne using this product as a second cleanse. Its 2% Salicylic Acid and antioxidant-rich ingredients effectively remove impurities while maintaining the skin's natural moisture balance.
• Exfoliating Cleanser with Salicylic Acid: Similar to the Purifying Cleanser, this product contains 2% Salicylic Acid and is specifically formulated for oily and combination skin types. However, this product focuses on exfoliation to reveal a brighter, more even complexion.
• Clear Exfoliant Cleanser with Benzoyl Peroxide: For normal and dry skin types with acne, this secondary cleanser contains 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide to clear and prevent breakouts while maintaining moisture levels.
• Clear Skin Cleanser with Benzoyl Peroxide: Inflamed and sensitive acne-prone skin can benefit from this gentle cleanser. 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide will keep your skin clear while the Aloe Vera and Orange Peel soothe and calm any irritation.

Choosing the right cleanser is essential for maintaining healthy, balanced skin. Whether you're tackling acne, managing sensitivity or just looking for a brighter complexion, these products offer targeted solutions for every skin type. Cheers to a new year and a healthier you!