Bar none the most important part of a skin care regime is cleansing. Yes I know the cosmetics companies would have you think it is moisturizing but there is no single step, more important to maintaining the over health of the skin than cleansing.
Most people use a cleanser that is not well suited for skin and still many more people (even those with a well-formulated cleanser) use them incorrectly thus denying themselves of any real benefit.
Here is my step by step guide to proper washing of the skin:
Use soap-free products—soap has a pH balance of 9 while the skin is 5.5. Washing the face with soap will cause surface dehydration and intense irritation. Best choice for cleanser is a mild emulsion (either gel or cream) that will remove make-up, dirt and impurities but will not disrupt the natural pH of the skin. A gel cleanser will not make a dry skin more dry and cream cleanser will not make an oily skin more oily. Choose based on your personal texture preference. Just make sure you select a soap free option.
My favourites:
Designer: Darphin Aromatic Cleansing Balm ($130 for 125 mL)
Spa: Daniel Thompson Cosmeceuticals The Cleanser ($84 for 150 mL)
Mass: Neutrogena Extra Gentle Cleanser ($15 for 250 mL)
Use standing water—washing the face with running water will cause vital skin oils to be rinsed away. Splashing with water that is standing in the sink will help the skin regulate its oil water balance more efficiently. This one little adjustment will help clear 80% of all concerns on the skin. Warm water—not hot—is best but the important part is to fill the sink. Use a wash cloth if you like; just keep rinsing it in the water as you wipe the face clean.
Cleanse once per day—the face does not require cleansing twice per day. As a matter of fact over cleaning it will cause more problems. Wash at night and rinse with water in the morning. If you really need that "clean" feeling in the morning then use an alcohol free toner to refresh the skin. By reducing the frequency of cleansing not only will your actual product last longer (big savings) but your skin will also start to look better more quickly.
Simple steps that will change the way your cleanser performs and gives you the best possible results!
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