Are facial cleansers and washes effective?

The effects of removing dirt, grime, environmental toxins, irritants and excess oil from the face creates a positive environment in the effort to reduce blemishes and prevent premature aging.  Part of this overall process is the use of facial cleansers and facial washes.  Gentle cleansers should always be used before any topical treatments are applied, whether for acne treatment or anti-aging treatments, in order to decrease irritation to the skin and remove the environmental toxins you encounter each day.

When searching for a facial wash, look for one that is ‘oil free’ or non-comedogenic (meaning it doesn’t aggravate acne or clog pores).  Cleansing products should be mild and not over drying, which is essential for daily skin care.  People who have inflammatory acne (acne that causes the skin to turn red), should avoid any products that have scrubbing agents or beads that can aggravate their condition.

Some products designed for individuals with acne also contain products such as 2% salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.  Most of the time, the medication is washed off when the cleanser is rinsed from the face.  However, leaving a little on the face and mixing it with another layer of medication you put on afterward can cause more problems than it’s worth.  It is always best to use a gentle cleanser and medication afterward.

Wash the face only twice daily – whether you have dry skin, oily skin or combination skin.  Anymore and you can irritate the skin, cause increased dryness or increased production of sebum.

Use only your bare hands to wash your face and wash for 10 seconds or less.  A washcloth is irritating and abrasive to the skin.  Washing doesn’t clear breakouts or add products that prevent aging.  Washing simply removes dirt and environmental waste and toxins so there is no need to scrub.

There is no “best” facial cleanser for everyone.  Instead, there is only the best product for your individual skin type and current situation.  When your nutrition changes, so will your skin care needs.  Even the weather and humidity may impact your skin care regimen enough to require a change in products during certain seasons of the year.

The exact facial wash you choose will depend upon your skin type, needs and problems you may be currently experiencing.  Remember there is no “best” facial wash, only the one that works best on your face in your current condition.  It may take you several months to find the facial wash that you like, smells right and does the right stuff for your face.  In the meantime you may also want to try some natural products straight from your grocery store or pantry closet to get the effect you are after.