Face Cleansing Do’s & Don’ts

A lack of cleansing and hygiene can cause acne infected skin to flare up. Acne infected skin should be washed with a mild cleanser, at least twice a day preferably in the morning and in the evening. Washing with a three-step kit is the best acne solution, and it has been found that a cleansing agent that combines the benefits of botanicals and acne fighting medicine is the most effective solution.

Acne prone skin needs a proactive approach, meaning, a solution that will attack the problem before it ever starts. This is why many skin care professionals recommend first washing the face and then cleansing the area, followed by the application of the acne medicine usually in the form of a topical acne cream. This followed with the monitoring of stress, diet and some of the other aggravating factors will ensure that you have acne free skin.

There are several acne products and unconventional acne remedies, however when choosing your plan of action remember to consult you dermatologist and address all the problems that may be triggering the problem.

Face Cleansing do’s

1. Wash your face twice a day, preferably using and oil-absorbing micro-fiber cloth since this has the ability to grab oil and trap it.

2. Do a gentle scrub once or twice per week

3. Do a face mask once per week

4. Use a toner with alpha hydroxyl acids, avoid the photosensitive toners

5. Moisturize. Find a moisturizer rich in vitamin E

Your aim is to keep the skin clean and free of the impurities that can lead to infection.

Face Cleansing Don'ts

Here are several things that you should avoid when washing your face. Remember, that it is our aim to make your skin healthier and beautiful.

Do not wash your face too often. It is a common misconception that we could wash the acne away. If only this were true. Washing the face to often only dries the skin out and this results in the production of more sebum (oil), which is the root/trigger of acne. Experts recommend twice daily as being sufficient.

Avoid harsh Soaps and Cleansers. Harsh soaps and cleansers strip the skin of its natural lipids and thus cause further irritations. Cleansers that are mild, non-comedogenic, hypo-allergenic and soap free are best for acne affected skin. A few popular products on the market that are highly recommended are listed below.

Avoid Cleansers that contain Alcohol. Alcohol has the ability to change the natural ph level of the skin, which more often than not can lead to irritations. While using toners and astringents give the face a good cool feeling over use will irritate the skin. These should be used in moderation

Using products that do not suit your Skin-type is Important. Face washing for normal skin is a no-brainer. For acne prone skin however the cleansing agent must be chosen based on the skin type. Dry skin needs products that will leave it rich in moisture while oily skin needs products capable of removing dirt and excess oil without stripping the skin. For dry skin look for products with a moisturizing agent, for oily skin products with benzoyl peroxide, citric acid or salicylic. Look for products with cocoa butter or glycerin. For oily skin, look for products with benzoyl peroxide, citric acid or salicylic acid. For sensitive skin, look for aloe vera, almond oil or chamomile.

Do not leave behind any residue, Rinse Properly. Residues left behind will clog the pores. Facial cleansers can leave behind and invisible film of residue behind. Rinse properly

Do not exfoliate to Often. While removing dead skin cells can make the skin look radiant rather than dull, overdoing this procedure can injure the skin.

Remember, in everything that you do, simplicity and moderation is often that key. Do not abuse your skin. Go easy and gentle. And put your best face forward.

Examples of These Cleansers Include

Salicylic acid cleansers: These break down keratin in the blackheads, and can be used for mild acne.

· PANOXYL CLEAR ACNE CLEANSING GEL (Stiefel)

· SALAC (Medicis)

· CLEARASIL (Procter & Gamble)

· FOSTEX (Bristol-Myers Squibb)

· NOXZEMA (Procter & Gamble)

· AVEENO BAR (SC Johnson)

Benzoyl peroxide cleansers: Breaks down keratin in blackheads, and has antibacterial effects.

· PANOXYL BAR, PANOXYL® CREAMY WASH, PANOXYL® WASH - (Stiefel)

· BENZAC-W wash - (Galderma)

· CLEARASIL - (Procter & Gamble)