Beauty On Tuesdays: Guide to Cleansing
Cleansing is the first skin care step to great looking skin. Although considered to be "basic stuff", many still practice improper cleansing which may lead to pimples and dry skin. This week, we'll be going through the different types of cleansers in accordance to the difference skin types as well as a few cleansing techniques that you may find useful.
Normal Skin
Condition: Skin feels comfortable everywhere without any specific problems of oiliness or dryness
Cleanser: To maintain the ideal balance of your skin, use a basic cleanser that doesn't strip off natural oils. Avoid using cleansers that are meant for acne or oil control. Look for cleansers that say something in the line of "Daily Facial Wash".
My Recommendation: Neutrogena Liquid Neutrogena
Oily Skin
Condition: Skin becomes oily everywhere including the cheeks and forehead. Prone to breakouts.
Cleanser: This may come as a surprise to many but cleansing oil is the best to tackle oily skin. Most would think that foaming cleansers would be the best but when the skin feels too dry and tight after cleansing, the oily skin may be triggered to produce more oil. Oil is best dissolved by oil itself which not only includes excess sebum but makeup products as well. This assures that the skin is cleansed deeply without making the skin feel tight.
My Recommendation: Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Fresh
Dry Skin
Condition: Uncomfortably tight skin especially at the cheeks and forehead. Prone to fine lines.
Cleanser: Dry skin basically has the inability to properly produce oil and excretes a small amount of natural oil, which should be treasured. Foaming cleansers are your worst enemies because they strip off the necessary oil that you need, making the skin feel even more uncomfortable. Go for lotion or cream cleansers instead. If the skin is extremely dry, avoid rinsing face with water and tissue down the cream cleanser instead.
My Recommendation: Himalaya Gentle Face Wash Cream
Combination Skin
Condition: The cheeks feel tight but the nose and forehead tend to be oily.
Cleanser: Cleansers meant for combination skin have the ability to bring comfort to both dry and oily areas. However, using a proper cleansing technique is important too. Generally, a basic cleanser can be used but concentrate cleansing on the T-zone and use less product on the cheeks.
My Recommendation: Origins Checks and Balances
Sensitive Skin
Condition: Easily agitated by products. Skin experiences stinging, redness and peels frequently.
Cleanser: Use a very gentle cleanser that does not have special treatment ingredients. For instance, avoid cleansers that have whitening, anti-acne or oil control benefits that may aggravate the skin. Try not to massage the skin too much while cleansing.
My Recommendation: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Extra tips and techniques:
- To prevent cleanser residue on the skin that may cause congestion, use the cleansing product sparingly. For instance, if you're using a cleansing gel, use about a pea size and lather until there's lots of foam before cleansing.
- Avoid the delicate eye area when using foaming cleansers. The formula may be too drying and may cause irritation to the eyes. Cream, lotion and oil cleansers are usually eye-safe.
- If you're using a cleansing oil, emulsify the product several times to make sure all traces of oil are properly removed
- Remember to cleanse the forehead more and the cheeks less. Many people tend to not properly clean their forehead, causing clogged pores and over-cleanse their cheeks, causing broken capillaries.
- Double cleansing should be practiced if you wear makeup. An oil based cleanser (cream or oil) will dissolve all makeup properly. Then, follow with your regular cleanser. This is to ensure that the skin is thoroughly cleansed with no traces od debris left to clog the pores.
- Never ever go to sleep with your makeup on! It doesn't matter how tired you are, always cleanse your skin before you hit the sack. It'll take just one night for the skin to be congested causing pimples the next day.
Picture Credit: www.drugstore.com, www.shuuemura.com, www.himalayaherbals.com, www.bellasugar.com, www.amazon.com
Share this with your friends via E-mail, Facebook, Myspace, Digg and more.
