Before you go and spend a fortune on the next big miracle potion that promises to make all of your skin woes disappear, there is one important step that you must consider. Don’t worry it is nothing elusive or groundbreaking- it is simply washing your face. No serum or cream is effective without first cleansing the skin. Often minor breakouts, and even dehydration, can be cured with effective cleansing.
I have heard many women say that water is their preferred cleanser for the face. Water is not the best choice. Water alone will not effectively cleanse the skin. Would you clean your floors with just water? Would you ever take a bath and not use soap? Your skin is your largest organ. It weighs an average of 20 pounds. Skin on the body and skin on the face both require the addition of a lipid (soap). Dirt and oil are not readily removed from the skin with water. Without getting too technical, I am sure that you have heard that oil and water don’t mix. Thus, oil removes oil.
When cleansing the face, you should start with a cleanser that made for your skin type.   Gel cleansers tend to work best for combination/oily skin types. Milky or creamy cleansers work best for dry skin types. All cleansers are not created equally. Some commercially-available cleansers contain more ingredients to make the product foam than contain actual beneficial ingredients. PCA Cleanser contains allantoin- an antioxidant that is also antibacterial, lactic acid for chemical exfoliation, and aloe vera leaf juice which is an antibacterial agent and is soothing.
When cleansing your face, the proper amount of cleanser to use is the size of a dime. Yes, a dime sized amount…not a nickel, not a quarter, not fifty cents. More does not equate to better results. The best kept beauty secret is to simply rub your hands together to spread the product evenly and then apply it to your face. Once applied to the face, use the pads of your fingers to spread the cleansing product in a circular motion.Â
One of the biggest trends in facial cleansing is the addition of brushes. Brushes are a great tool to add to your routine. We, estheticians, have been using them for years. However, there is no need to use them as frequently as the commercials suggest. They really should only be used twice per week, not every day. Everyday use will cause unjust damage to skin leading to sensitivity.
Great skincare starts at the beginning.