Soap or face wash? Foam or gel? Store-bought or hand-made? Does it even make a difference? Is cleansing really an important step towards good skin? Is it worth splurging on a face wash, when it is only going to be on our skin for a minute?
Cleansing is a very basic yet important requirement for healthy and glowing skin. And here’ s why …
Dr Sunaina Hameed, MD is a consultant dermatologist and writer based in Bangalore, India. To know more about her, visit: www. drsunaina. com
1) Cleansing removes dirt, grime, excess oil and make up.
2) It allows your skin to breathe and prevents clogging up of pores and formation of blackheads and whiteheads. It allows skin oils to seep through to the surface, instead of building up beneath your pores and inviting bacterial overgrowth.
3) As we grow older, our skin does not self-exfoliate as well. Cleansers and scrubs help wash away dead skin cells. 4) It allows better penetration of skin care products like serums and moisturizers.
5) The right face wash can help your skin maintain optimum pH levels, which is necessary to retain moisture and remain hydrated.
6) Cleansing is essential for those who suffer from acne. And the right cleanser can help a person suffering from Eczema or Rosacea.
7) Cleansing is an emotional experience as well, where one feels refreshed after‘ washing away the rigours of the day’. Cleansing is an important ritual before offering prayers, in most customs and religions. Bathing and cleansing are a source of sensory pleasure as well.
When you skip washing your face with an appropriate face wash, your skin will begin to darken, turn dry, flaky, thick and leathery. Moisturizers will not hydrate your skin long enough. Open pores begin to enlarge and you might notice the appearance of acne and blemishes.
Finding the right face wash for your needs might take some trial and error. Most people need different cleansers for the face and body. Your face may be oily while your body might be dry. For others, the skin on their chest and back might be thick and oily while the face may be dry and sensitive. Knowing your skin type is an important step towards picking the right face wash. Consult a dermatologist for guidance.
Knowing your skin type is an important step towards picking the right face wash. Consult a dermatologist for guidance.
If you have dry skin
Select a soap-free cleanser like Cetaphil cleansing lotion. Or a cream based face wash like Avene Gentle milk cleanser. Cream based cleansers are also effective in make-up removal when used with a soft cotton pad. Avoid toner, or face washes with high alcohol content. Select a soap which contains ingredients like milk cream, shea butter, coconut oil or aloe vera. Look for products that contain the word‘ hydrating’ or‘ replenishing’ on the label. Exfoliate once or twice a week with an apricot or oat-meal containing scrub.
For oily skin
This kind of skin is more prone to acne and open pores. Select a gel or foam based face wash like the Sebamed Clear Face foaming face wash. If you have acne as well, pick a face wash that contains Salicylic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide. Look for products that carry the terms‘ exfoliating’,‘ keratolytic’( skin dissolving) or‘ non-comedogenic’ on the label. Use a toner soon after cleansing. Wipe it across your face using a cotton pad. You can also use salicylic acid containing face-wipe pads, for all the times when water and face wash are not within reach. The Neutrogena Rapid Clear Treatment Pads, for instance. Hand-made soaps containing charcoal work well on such skin. It is important to use a scrub twice a week. Look for a scrub that contains sea salt or walnut.
If you have normal skin
You are blessed because your skin is not very difficult or demanding. However, soaps for dry skin might leave your skin oily, and soaps for oily skin might leave your skin dry. You can chose Herbal soaps, or liquid cleansers like Neutrogena Liquid, followed by a good toner. Choose a Syndet over a Soap, for example Dove soap, which isn’ t actually a soap.
www. society. qa 41