All face cleansers were not created equal! Washing your face may seem like a simple concept but finding the perfect product to rid skin of impurities, makeup and unclogging pores comes in many forms. Skin type classifications, power ingredients, texture, packaging are all factors in narrowing down cleansing options. Here are a few tips on how to decide what product best suits your skin.
Understanding the way to properly cleanse the skin is an essential part that must be mastered before deciding on any products. It is recommended to cleanse the face twice a day. At night to wash the day away is a no brainer. Throughout the day your face comes in contact with people, environmental stressors, and makeup. Giving the skin a good wash before bed is the perfect way to prep for moisturizer. Use a small amount of product and massage it on the face in circular motions starting at the center of the cheeks and moving outward, repeat this motion on the forehead, chin and down the neck. Massage the skin for a good three minutes to boost circulation then rinse with room temperature water. In the morning your body just repaired itself with hopefully a sufficient sleep cycle. During sleep, the body temperature rises which opens the pores, so dampen the face with cold, not ice cold but fairly cold, water then massage a cleanser for a full minute then rinse.
Very sensitive, dry, or skin prone to redness is best suited to use a milk or cream cleanser. Because these formulas are made with the intention to be used with or without water it is a perfect fit for these skin types. When the skin is dry, the impact of water and facial cleansing may make a huge imbalance in the PH of the skin, more than normal to oily skin types. A milk or cream cleanser can remove makeup and impurities without water making it a great option also for any skin type that would love a travel friendly skincare product. Use a nickel size dollop of cleanser between fingertips and massage as stated before all over the face. The product may be washed off with water or wiped away with a couple cotton pads.
A foaming cleanser is most commonly made with sulfate or a vegetable foaming base, because of this, the product may strip the skin of natural oils which is not a plus for dry skin. For normal skin types, opt for cleansing foam that turns into foam when it combines with water, not a self-foaming cleanser usually packaged with a pump. Choosing this type of foaming cleanser will be less harsh on the skin and will help to maintain a comfortable top layer of the skin. Using a self-foaming cleanser may result in a tight after wash feeling that could be painful for some.
Oily or combination skins should look for one of two types of cleansing foams. A self-foaming cleanser is a great option for these skin types because the extra foaming action will provide a much needed deep cleanse that will remove excess oils. A vegetable based foaming cleanser will be a more gentle choice and a sulfate based foaming cleanser will strip more oils from the surface layers of the skin. Another cleansing product suitable for combination or oily skin is a cleansing gel. Cleansing gels provide a clean, fresh skin that is very mild. The gel will turn into a less bubbly foam than the above cleansers but will still balance out the skin and remove impurities.
Cleansing oils are very common in cultures around the world. These cleansing mediums are perfect to break down long wearing foundation or waterproof sunblock. Use cleansing oil in moderation especially if it is a very emollient because the oils may be too intense for oily or combination skin types. Alternate usage with your regular cleanser and use oil cleanser once or twice a week.
Post face washing, no matter what skin type, the skin experiences an imbalance of PH levels. This skin care terminology basically means the pores open during cleansing and the level of water, acids and oils in the skin are jumbled below the top layer. To put the skin back in balance a toner should be used. Alcohol free toners are the best options for all skin types because alcohol can be very damaging. Use a pea size of toner on a cotton pad and sweep down the face starting at the center of the forehead and nose and moving outward. This action will result in tightened pores and a baby-soft canvas for any treatment and moisturizers to follow.
Cheers to great skin in 2013!
Comments