How Daily Facial Cleansing Can Be the Easiest Part of the Beauty Routine

Daily facial cleansing may appear to be the simplest and easiest part of the beauty routine, and if done correctly can promote a healthy glow. “Finding the right cleanser for your skin type is very important but that is only the first step,” says Dr. David Bank, President of the New York State Society for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery. “Equally important is knowing how to properly cleanse your face.” Below Dr. Bank gives you the top ingredients to look for in a facial cleanser for different skin woes. 

• ACNE-PRONE: Look for cleansers with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide or sulfur. These ingredients will gently exfoliate skin while removing bacteria and dirt that can clog pores and form acne.
• ANTI-AGING: Look for cleansers with alpha-hydroxyl acid, vitamins A, B, C and E, and green tea extract. They will exfoliate skin, removing dead skin cells and help new cell growth while repairing skin damage due to environmental assaults.
• SENSITIVE SKIN: Cleansers that contain lactic acid, glycerin or hyaluronic acid will work to clean the skin without provoking irritation.
• DRY SKIN: Ingredients like vitamin A, C and F and hyaluronic acid work best for dry skin as they help hydrate the skin by holding moisture and drawing it deep into the skin.
• REDNESS: Aloe vera, soy and chamomile are ingredients that are gentle and moisturizing enough to the skin so irritation will not occur while cleansing.

The second step is learning how to properly cleanse your face. Below are seven simple cleansing rules to clearer, brighter and younger looking skin.

1. Start with Clean Hands: Keep bacteria and dirt from hands at bay by washing hands and then be sure to rinse ALL of the soap off before moving on so that chemicals from the hand soap do not react with the sensitive skin on your face.

2. Remove all make up: Gently remove all make-up with make-up remover towelettes or a cotton pad soaked with olive oil. Removing make-up first allows for a more thorough cleaning.

3. Lukewarm Water: Start with a warm water flush to open pores and loosen dirt. Caution: Water that is too hot can shock skin and cause broken capillaries.

4. Activate the cleanser: Apply face wash onto fingertips of one hand. Rub hands together to form lather; this helps to activate the cleanser.

5. Clean: Work fingertips in a circular motion along the face and neck. It is important to be gentle so that skin does not get irritated. By rubbing in a circular motion you massage the face, stimulating the blood and oxygen.

6. Rinse: Rinse cleanser off by splashing lukewarm water on the face. Do not rub face as this can cause irritation.

7. Pat face dry with a clean towel: Cotton towels work best because they have less of an abrasive nature. Also, wash towels after each use as bacteria clings to washcloths and towels.