Cleansing your skin is an extremely important part of your skin care routine, how to care for problem skin can be difficult but it should consist of far more than a quick face wipe or a splash of water in the shower.
Whether you suffer from acne, flaky, dry or oily skin you may feel like there’s a daily battle between you and your skin. Cleansers, soaps and moisturizers can sometimes make the matter worse, causing sudden outbreaks of inflammation and pimples.
Your skin is your protector and definitely not your enemy; it protects you from the environment and everyday pollutants. Sebum which is an oil produced by your skin can cause skin problems if it’s produced in excess. During the day sebum and dirt can build up on your skin, which can block pores, leading to pimples and inflammation. For acne suffers this is the root of your problem and you must take extra care when cleansing your skin, regularly exfoliating your skin will remove dead skin cells and help to rejuvenate your skin, leaving a more radiant skin beneath.
Everyone tends to follow the basic principles for cleansing their skin but how to care for problem skin can be a whole new challenge in its self. If you have dry skin then you must choose a product that won’t dry your skin out further, causing irritation.
If you have oily skin you must avoid using harsh tactics that will completely strip your skin from oil and leave it unprotected; this will only cause you further problems and if you suffer from acne, eczema or any other skin problem then you must take care not to use products that will further irritate your skin too.
Caring for problem skin by cleansing is the first step to keeping your skin healthy and radiant; you must choose your products wisely and use gentle cleansers only that are fragrance free, mild and hypoallergenic. Stay away from soaps which are far too harsh to use on your skin and will rob your skin of its protective barrier.
Cleanse twice daily and use your fingertips rather than a cloth. Always pat your face dry, never rub as this will only cause further irritation.
If you suffer from acne problems then look for a cleanser that contains salicylic acid, which is derived from plants, it’s without a doubt one of the most effective chemicals in treating acne as it penetrates the follicle and encourages the shedding of dead skin cells, reducing the number of pore blockages and skin breakouts. It can also help to clear blackheads and whiteheads.
Pregnant or nursing women should always talk to their doctor before using salicylic acid.
Q: What’s the best cleansing routine you use?