Every person must clean their skin regularly. Many individuals dread this task for a variety of reasons. However, it must be done. Sadly, many people don't know which cleaner they should use or they fail to properly cleanse the skin. As a result, they don't see the expected results. Tight or dry skin suggests the wrong cleaner is being used. Why is cleaning the skin of such importance, and what cleaner should a person use based on their skin type?
The Importance of Cleaning Your Skin
Cleaners remove oil, dirt, makeup, and other contaminants from the skin. These elements build up on the skin throughout the day and wreak havoc if they are allowed to remain. Every person needs to use a gentle cleanser created for their skin type twice a day, once in the morning and again before bed. When shopping for a cleanser, men and women need to know which product to buy. The wrong product can do more harm than good.
One way to determine if you are using the right cleanser is to feel the skin after cleaning it. If the skin feels tight or oily, it's time to look for a new cleanser. The same holds when the skin feels slick or squeaky clean. What should the skin feel like after a good cleaning?
How Should the Skin Feel?
The skin should never feel tight after you clean it. However, many people purchase a cleanser with this goal in mind. They believe squeaky clean, tight skin is a sign their pores are clean. This myth persists today, and many people do harm to their skin because of this misinformation. Tight, squeaky clean skin suggests the cleanser is too harsh and is removing natural oils from the skin.
The removal of these oils leads to dry, tight skin. The body then begins producing more sebum to compensate for what it sees as a lack of moisture. The excess sebum leaves the skin looking shiny and may lead to a breakout. A person may then wash their face again to remove the greasiness and remove the shine. Doing so starts a vicious cycle, one in which the person washes their face, drying it out in the process and leading to an increase in sebum production. The person then feels the need to wash the face again and the cycle begins anew.
When a person uses the right cleanser for their skin type, the skin feels light and fresh. While it should feel clean, it should never be very dry or greasy. Exfoliating cleansers are appropriate for those days when you sweat or when you are incredibly busy. The exfoliating ingredients help to cleanse the pores and remove dirt, oils, and other contaminants. Nevertheless, the exfoliant must be designed for your skin type to prevent the abovementioned problems.
Too Much of a Good Thing?
Washing the face frequently leads to irritation, dryness, peeling, and flaking. To avoid these issues, wash the face no more than two times a day. Don't use exfoliating cleaners too often either. A person will know they are doing so if they have an acne breakout or their skin turns red. These problems become most apparent under the eyes and around the upper cheeks, as the skin is thinner in these areas.
Choosing the Right Cleanser
Skin type plays a key role in which cleanser a person should use. However, a person also needs to determine if they want a foam, gel, oil, cream, or other formulation. Price and brand are less of a concern. If the cleanser provides the desired results, it doesn't matter who makes it or how much you pay for it.
Oily Skin
Gel cleansers work well for men and women with oily skin. Many people choose a product that contains lactic acid, a substance that breaks down oil without irritating the thin skin around the eyes and upper cheeks. Avoid cleansers containing alcohol, as the alcohol dries the skin and brings about an increase in oil production. Furthermore, don't purchase cleansers that contain shea butter or coconut oil, as these substances may clog the pores. If the pores are clogged, choose a cleanser with an alpha hydroxy acid to clear them. Acids to look for include glycolic, lactic, and salicylic.
Dry Skin
Individuals with dry skin need to choose a cleanser that hydrates and nourishes the skin while cleaning it. Men and women find oil and cream cleansers to be good options. However, they need to avoid products that contain clays, acids, or exfoliating beads. Some people find using water to rinse their face is enough to dry their skin. If you fall into the category, use micellar water rather than a cleanser. Cleansers containing humectants, such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid, draw water to the skin's surface, making them a good choice for individuals battling dry skin.
Combination or Sensitive Skin
Combination skin benefits from the use of creamy or gel cleansers. These products address the oily parts of the face without irritating the dry areas. Men and women with sensitive skin should choose a rich cream cleanser. This type of product cleanses the skin while hydrating it.
Mature Skin
As a person ages, their skin loses elastin and collagen. At the same time, their body slows its rate of cell turnover. Dead skin cells linger, which can lead to dull, sagging skin. Wrinkles, brown spots, and changes in the skin's pigment all become more apparent. Older individuals should switch to a rich cleanser that contains vitamins A and C, glycolic acid, AHA, and retinoids. These substances boost collagen production and cell turnover to provide the user with glowing skin.
Regardless of what skin type you have, consider using micellar water, as it requires no rinsing. Cleansing wipes become of great help when you are on the go and need to clean up but don't have access to your regular cleanser. Any time you clean your face, make certain you follow up with your favorite serum and moisturizer. With the right combination of products, you'll find you have fresh, glowing skin that truly allows your beauty to shine.
