Cleansing milks are moisturizing facial cleansers, designed specifically for normal, sensitive or dry skin. Cleansing milks look like a lightweight, thin cream, but do not foam when applied to the skin. While these cleansers will remove dirt, grime and cosmetics, they will not strip the oils from the skin and may contain moisturizing emollient ingredients.
Function
Cleansing milks can take the place of bar soaps, liquid or gel cleansers in your skin care routine. They are creamy, rather than foamy, and will not lather as you wash your face. Apply the cleanser to your skin, gently using the tips of your fingers, then remove by splashing with lukewarm or cool water. Follow with the moisturizer of your choice.
Significance
Cleansing milks and other lotion-based cleansers do not strip the lipids, or natural oils, from your skin. If you have dry skin, you may find that many cleansers dry your skin excessively, causing tightness, flaking or irritation. Milks are typically a very gentle option, free from potentially irritating ingredients, like alpha-hydroxy acids and retinols. While most cleansing milks are produced for facial care, there are moisturizing cleansers of this type available for the body as well.
Types
Dry skin cleansers contain a variety of emollient ingredients to preserve and add moisture to your skin. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to soften and soothe your dry or sensitive skin. You may find these ingredients in both cleansing creams and milks, but milks have a thinner, lighter texture and a lighter feel on the skin. Natural or homemade cleansing milks contain milk, buttermilk or cream, along with soothing herbs and plant extracts, like chamomile or aloe.
Time Frame
If you have dry or sensitive skin, avoid washing your face too often. Use your cleansing milk each evening to remove your makeup and any built up dirt or debris from the day. In the morning, simply splash your face with cool water and follow with your usual moisturizer. You may find that a lighter cleansing milk is appropriate in the humid summer months and a richer cream works well in the dry winter months.
Warning
Cleansing milks may contain oils and other ingredients that make them unsuitable for oilier skin types or combination skin. If you prefer a gentle cleansing milk or similar non-foaming cleanser, but do not have dry skin, look for a product labeled non-comedogenic or oil-free to prevent breakouts. Hypoallergenic cleansing milks designed for sensitive skin may be suitable for a wider variety of skin types.
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