The number of facial cleansers out there can be overwhelming. So it's helpful to remember that our skin has its own remarkable built-in maintenance system, which we want to support. Our skin is our body's largest organ and performs a complex array of tasks, from regulating our temperature to working with our immune system to fend off threats. Our skin's maintenance system involves a conversion of skin cells, with new cells refilling approximately every four weeks. And the pores of our skin release a number of protective substances, including the skin oil sebum, which helps to coat the surface. Especially with the wide range of facial cleansing choices available, we want to keep in mind that our regimen should support our skin's self-care. An effective cleansing routine should avoid common mistakes when washing the face. With that in mind, we have 5 things not to do when cleaning your face.
1. Not exaggerate!
The squeaky clean skin is stripped of its natural barrier protection. Our skin's processes are calibrated to maintain a balance of protective skin oil on the surface. If we get carried away too often and wash ourselves too often, we can upset this balance, causing an overproduction of sebum, which can lead to clogged pores and acne. Other than a post-workout wash, we shouldn't wash more than twice a day with a non-soap cleanser. Use your fingers instead of scrubbing. Then pat dry – do not rub.
2. Don't mess with the acid mantle!
We've heard a lot about the skin's "acid mantle" in health and beauty sections. The skin's natural pH is below 7, creating an acidic surface that maintains its protective barrier and harbors a range of beneficial microflora. One of the reasons we want to stay away from soap is that the pH is much higher, usually around 10 or 11, which can disrupt that mantle and cause a cascade of problems. When choosing cleansing products, we want to ensure that the pH is between 5 and 7, so that the pH of our skin is supported and the fragile ecosystem remains healthy.
3. Don't forget to moisturize!
Our face wash routine should include hydration as the last step. Moisturize immediately after patting dry:within a minute to three minutes to lock in your skin's moisture. People with oily skin should use an oil-free, "non-comedogenic" gel product. Dryer skin does well with thicker lotions and creams. Products containing ceramides or hyaluronic acid can help provide protection.
4. Don't scrub too much!
As with washing, exfoliating should be done with care. Gently exfoliating can help prevent clogged pores. But we don't want to overdo it:no more than once or twice a week for dry skin. Chemical-based exfoliants, such as glycolic or lactic acid, tend to be gentler than mechanical exfoliants such as brushes and scrubs. As with washing, we need to apply them gently and then be sure of hydration.
5. Don't forget the neighbor!
The success of our facial cleansing routine also depends on how we treat our hair. We want to make sure that our hair care and styling products are free from irritants and oils that can disrupt the balance of our skin.
