When it comes to using a CeraVe facial cleanser properly, finding the perfect routine can be difficult. Is your skin on the more sensitive and acne-prone side, or are you dealing with signs of aging and dryness? We are also very curious about using CeraVe cleansers, have done plenty of research, and have the answers for you. Let's figure this out.
From what we have found, it is best to use a CeraVe cleanser both in the morning and then again before bed. Whether you are using one of their hydrating or acne-fighting cleansers, it is best to apply them gently to your face. CeraVe recommends using clean hands or a skin-safe cleaning brush alongside your cleanser for best results. We also suggest washing with warm, not hot, water, so you don't end up damaging your skin in the process.
As we get into this post, we will be sharing the best ways to use a CeraVe cleanser and even tag some of our favorite related products. Figuring out what works with your skin can feel impossible, but you may crack the code with these tips and tricks. With that said, let's get this post started!
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What Is CeraVe?
CeraVe is a dermatologist formulated line of skincare that began production in 2005 and has exploded in popularity in recent years. This line of facial products has become a standard in gentle skincare and works wonders on users struggling with acne. Every CeraVe product contains three essential ceramides and promises to repair and protect your skin's outer layers. Some of CeraVe's most popular products include their award-winning gentle face cleansers and UV-protecting moisturizers.
What Are Ceramides?
Ceramides are a family of fatty lipids often found in hydrating and repairing skincare products due to their healing qualities. Ceramides work to protect and rebuild the skin's outer layer and lock in moisture for extended periods.
Another benefit of using ceramides is the anti-aging qualities they produce that help fight signs of aging and sun damage. CeraVe uses three essential ceramides per product, so you expect to see results faster than typical face cleansers.
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Here is one of CeraVe's top-selling facial cleansers that promise to heal and protect your skin. This facial wash is a foaming product made with essential ceramides, is fragrance-free, and won't cause irritation.
View this dermatologist-recommended facial cleanser on Amazon here.
How Long Do You Leave A CeraVe Cleanser On?
The ideal amount of time you should leave a CeraVe cleanser on would be about one to three minutes. According to their website, a CeraVe cleaner works best when applied to the skin in circular motions for about a minute and then washed off with warm water. The purpose of a facial cleanser is to wash off any extra dirt or makeup your skin may have, so one to three minutes is more than enough time. We suggest using a silicone face cleansing brush to apply your product to get an even deeper clean.
Caytraill Facial Cleansing Brush
Here we have a silicone face brush from Caytraill that promises to give your skin a deeper clean than a traditional product. This silicone face cleansing brush has four sonic vibration settings, is waterproof, rechargeable, and comes in a few fun colors.
Check out this rechargeable silicone face brush on Amazon here.
How Often Should You Use A CeraVe Cleanser?
Using a facial cleanser from CeraVe twice per day is going to end up giving your skin the best results. We recommend using a CeraVe cleanser once in the morning to start your day and then again at night before bed. You want to make sure your skin is fully clean before applying any other products, so using a face wash twice per day is a good idea.
Do You Wash Off CeraVe Cleanser?
Like any facial cleanser, it is essential to make sure you wash off your CeraVe after use. Whether you are using a foaming or gel cleanser, it is best to wash it off one to three minutes after being applied to your skin.
If you don't wash off your CeraVe cleanser, you risk clogging your pores and not having your product do its job correctly. Ideally, if you are using your hands to apply your product, it should be washed off within a minute of touching your face.
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Here is a non-foaming hydrating cleanser from CeraVe that works to soothe and repair damaged skin. This face wash is made with essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin and certified by the National Eczema Association.
See this hydrating facial cleanser on Amazon here.
Is CeraVe Cleanser Good For Acne?
When it comes to using CeraVe to combat acne, we say go for it! Using one of CeraVe's gentle facial washes is recommended by many dermatologists and has helped millions of people clear their skin. The difference between CeraVe and other brands is that they clinically test their products on people suffering from acne and develop the very best cleansers to fight it.
Ceramides are great for soothing irritation caused by acne and also work to heal your damaged skin. We suggest choosing a product that has been clinically tested over one that has not been.
What Type Of CeraVe Cleanser Should I Use?
Choosing the right cleanser from CeraVe to use on your skin will depend on your unique needs. All CeraVe products contain essential ceramides, so you know whichever one you choose will heal and repair your skin.
We suggest going with their classic foaming cleanser if you suffer from acne, dryness, and irritation because of its hydrating ingredients. If you prefer a non-foaming product, we recommend their hydrating non-foam wash mentioned directly above this section. CeraVe also makes a fantastic salicylic acid cleanser that works to exfoliate dull and damaged skin.
CeraVe SA Renewing Cleanser
Here is an exfoliating facial cleanser from CeraVe that promises to rejuvenate dull and damaged skin gently. This face wash is made with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides and is a BHA exfoliant for your skin.
Check out this exfoliating face wash on Amazon here.
What Products Should I Use After Washing My Face?
Now that your face is fresh and clean, we suggest adding a moisturizer and serum to your routine. CeraVe makes an array of skin-safe products, all containing ceramides that work well with any of their facial cleansers. Making sure to moisturize is an essential part of a skincare regimen, so you must use one. Even if you consider your skin to be already oily, using a moisturizer can calm your skin's oil production down and give you a less oily look. Hydrated skin is going to look and feel radiant, so adding in serum as well is only going to benefit you.
Does Moisturizer Clog Pores?
A common misconception about using moisturizer is that it clogs your skin and makes acne worse. According to what we have found, moisturizer does just the opposite. Using a non-comedogenic moisturizer after washing your face is key to clearing and healing your face's skin. Your skin's outer layer is exposed to the sun and pollution daily, so using a moisturizer essentially creates a protective barrier against the elements.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Here is a moisturizer from CeraVe that promises to protect your skin and keep it hydrated all day. This moisturizer has SPF 30 and is non-comedogenic, paraben-free, and is infused with three essential ceramides.
View this SPF 30 moisturizer on Amazon here.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream Combo Pack
Here we have a moisturizer and facial cleanser bundle from CeraVe that is perfect for traveling. This combo includes a sensitive skin facial lotion and their award-winning hydrating cleanser.
Check this travel-sized CeraVe bundle on Amazon here.
CeraVe Vitamin C Serum With Hyaluronic Acid
Here is a face serum we found from CeraVe that promises to brighten and hydrate skin. This serum is made with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, three essential ceramides and is paraben and fragrance-free.
See this vitamin C serum on Amazon here.
Our Final Thoughts
Figuring out which CeraVe cleanser to use and how to apply it turned out to be much easier than we thought. Using a dermatologist recommended and clinically-tested facial cleanser is not just for those with acne but also for those wanting brighter and more hydrated skin. CeraVe products gently work to fight aging and irritation by using essential Ceramides that heal and repair our skin's outer layer. It is also vital to moisturize after washing your face to lock in water and keep your skin hydrated all day. No matter your skin type, CeraVe is a great and scientifically formulated option that we suggest taking a look into.
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