Better than soap and water? Why this £7 face wash could cure your skin woes

woman washing her face  - Copyright (c) 2008 Rex Features. No use without permission.
woman washing her face - Copyright (c) 2008 Rex Features. No use without permission.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: the secret to good skin is all in the cleansing. Remove your make-up properly and treat your skin to a deep cleanse every night (no face wipes, please) and your skin will thank you for it. Although I've always been a big believer that the best way to cleanse your skin is with a oil-rich balm removed with a muslin or flannel and hot water, there's a new chemist find that has made me think again. 

I'm also very wary of cleansing products costing in the region of £50 and more: it surely shouldn't cost so much to remove all of your make-up and cleanse your skin properly? Even if you do use a rich creamy balm cleanser, half of the mechanics of removing dirt and grime come with using a hot flannel or muslin cloth. Particularly for something that should be a daily ritual for every skin type: getting rid of pollution and grime from the skin shouldn't be a costly task.

cerave
cerave

But CeraVe's Hydrating Cleanser, £6.75 and available in Boots nationwide, is almost like using soap and water in its simplicity, but the effects are far superior. Where it differs is it doesn't leave your skin squeaky and tight; CeraVe's cleanser is immensely hydrating and moisturising, but without the usual faff or expense you get with heavily fragranced products in nice-but-unnecessary weighty packaging. I've tried far pricier products and this is a worthy rival. 

CeraVe is a very popular American pharmacy brand, best known for its no-nonsense approach to skincare (fans of the cult range were delighted when it launched in the UK earlier this year). Developed by a group of dermatologists, its unique selling point is that its functional products aim to re-hydrate and soften the skin without irritating it with any fragrance. The Hydrating Cleanser is a creamy liquid dispensed from a user-friendly pump (great in the shower) and forms a soft lather when mixed with water. Unlike usual foam or gel cleansers, this liquid feels quite luxurious and without stripping the skin, it effectively removes dirt, grime and stubborn mascara.  

Best French pharmacy beauty products

It is also enriched with the wonder hydrating ingredient hyaluronic acid as well as three essential ceramides, which means that your skin is left soft, plump and moisturised. I've tried countless products over the years and this has to be one of my most worthy repeat-buys. 

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