12 Of The Best Facial Cleansers For Aging/Sensitive Skin

I have often been asked, “What is your favorite facial cleanser?” This is a complicated question for me to answer since I try so many. However, there are some that are clearly better than others. Now that I’m well into middle age I care about anti-aging benefits and don’t want a facial cleanser that strips my skin. Even though I remove all of my makeup with a facial wipe before I wash my face, I still desire a cleanser that removes all traces of makeup and deeply cleans my pores. (I ask a lot, I know). I also have sensitive skin so I prefer gentle cleansers. Besides I am also of the belief you should not skimp on skincare products. So I don’t mention a lot of drugstore options, but many of these cleansers come in under $40. Here are my picks of the best facial cleansers for aging and sensitive skin.

3 Steps to Cleansing Your Aging Skin

First, we all agree we should be washing our faces twice a day, right? If not, repeat after me, “I will cleanse my face when I wake up and before I go to bed every evening.” Here are some steps for cleansing your face properly.

1. In the evening remove all your makeup before you cleanse. It doesn’t matter if you use makeup remover or a facial wipe, but get that foundation, eye makeup and lipstick off your face before you cleanse your face. Be gentle and no tugging.

2. Wash your face with a cleanser (see below for my picks) specifically for your aging skin. Washing your skin too vigorously is the worst thing you can do. In fact you should take the word “wash” out of your vocabulary and replace it with “cleanse.” The word wash makes me think of harsh cleansers that strip your skin of moisture and you want to avoid that. A squeaky clean face means a dry face which means fine lines and wrinkles. Gently wash your entire face and then splash off the cleanser with warm or cool water. Hot water is very drying and does not belong on your face … or your body for that matter.

3. Pat your face dry with a soft cotton towel. That will press some of the moisture into your skin. Immediately follow with a toner (if you use one) and a facial oil and/or cream. But be careful not to use too many products which can cause clogged pores and breakouts.

Added Bonus: Remember to exfoliate a couple times a week. Since we lose about 50 million skin cells a day, you want to make sure they don’t hang around your face and do damage. A pH balanced exfoliator will keep your skin from drying out.

12 Best Facial Cleansers For Aging And/Or Sensitive Skin

 

1. Glo Skin Beauty Phyto-Active Cream Cleanser, $52

Looking for a face wash that doesn’t strip your skin? Then you are going to love Glo Skin Beauty Phyto-Active Cream Cleanser. It works into a lovely lather that cleans while softening and it reverses the signs of aging. Papaya enzymes exfoliate which allow the antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, peptides and plant stem cells to penetrate deep to promote cell turnover and collagen production. So after continued use, you’ll notice firmer, smoother, softer skin. It’s also “clean” and certified cruelty-free.

2. Osmosis Pur Medical Skincare Purify – Enzyme Cleanser, $44

Osmosis Pur Medical Skincare Purify – Enzyme Cleanser (formerly Purify Exfoliating Cleanser) is ideal for those of us with aging skin who still get some breakouts. It refines and removes dirt, oil, makeup and dead skin cells to refresh skin. Lemon oil acts as a natural astringent to tone and tighten for a smoother complexion while grapefruit oil helps dry out excess oil that can clog pores and cause blemishes.

3. DERMAdoctor Wrinkle Revenge Antioxidant Enhanced Glycolic Acid Facial Cleanser, $34

So many women I know adore this wash! If you are looking for a glycolic acid cleanser this is one you need to try. It gently and effectively exfoliates cellular build-up and residue caused by pollution, make-up and excessive surface oils, leaving skin clean and radiant. This soap free, oil free, pH balanced, buffered glycolic acid cleanser is enhanced by free radical fighting antioxidants. It works for all skin types except maybe super sensitive and is allergy tested, hypoallergenic, non-drying, non comedogenic, soap free, oil free, fragrance free, dye free and animal testing free.

4. Emma Hardie Moringa Light Cleansing Gel, $48.10

I have been obsessed with this cleanser ever since I tried it! The lightweight with a gel texture, cleanser removes impurities and revitalizes your complexion with Vitamin E and peptides. Made with moringa extract, omega 6 and sea fennel extract, this cleanser also softens, nourishes, and improves the skin’s radiance. People swear by the Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm, but I like this lighter version better. I keep it in the shower and wash my face with it in there, and at night. The smell is intoxicating.

 

5. Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Foam, $38

This super gentle and mild cleansing foam removes impurities from your skin without causing tightness. The rich, non-stripping formula lathers really well and removes pore-clogging impurities without irritation or drying. Dokudami (medicinal plant) soothes for soft, clean skin while Japanese apricot hydrates, leaving skin luxuriously moisturized and radiant.