Catherine Martin, Clinical Aesthetician
Daily cleansing has a huge influence on the health of your skin. So what is the best way to cleanse the skin on your face? A good soapy lathering, a scrub with an old washcloth and a quick towel dry are cleaning steps more suited to your car than to the delicate skin on your face. Here are a few things to consider:
First of all, it is important to clean your face every day. Dirt, makeup and excess oil should be removed before bedtime in order to keep your skin healthy.
When washing your face, grabbing whatever soap is close at hand is not a good idea. Soaps may contain perfumes or antibacterial agents that are too harsh for facial skin. The best choice is a soap free cleanser that is ph-balanced.
Your skin type, whether oily, dry, normal or combination, should guide the choice of your cleanser.
Other issues to consider include the sensitivity of your skin and/or how prone you are to breakouts.
You do not necessarily need a washcloth or abrasive applicator when washing your face. In fact, if you have sensitive skin, a washcloth can cause irritation or make you more prone to breakout. Applying the cleanser with clean fingertips in a gentle circular motion may be a better option.
Water temperature also makes a difference. Use warm, not hot water, when cleansing.
Always dry your face with a clean towel to avoid transferring dirt or bacteria to your cleaned skin.
There are hundreds of facial cleansers on the market. It is important to recognize the key ingredients of facial cleansers in order to determine which is best for your skin. Products that contain salicylic acid encourage skin cells to slough quickly in attempt to keep pores from becoming clogged with dirt and oil. These cleansers are typically used for acneic or oily skin. Other cleansers contain alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic and/or lactic acid) which target the bond that holds dead skin cells together, encouraging cell turnover. Most skin types can tolerate these ingredients. Finally, there are cleansers that have a more creamy consistency and are typically created for dry or sensitive skin. These products may contain glycerin or hyaluronic acid and usually do not contain any perfumes which could irritate the skin.
Everyone’s skin is unique due to the combination of skin type, lifestyle choices and environmental influences. It is best to discuss your skin care with a dermatologist or skin care professional that can evaluate your skin and help you choose products that are right for you.
For a free skin care consultation with one of our aestheticians, call Carolina Aesthetics at 864-233-8088.
