The Best Way to Wash Your Face

It could be said that there is a right way and wrong way to wash your face but I'll go with the way that will help you obtain the best results. Before there were facial cleansers for dry skin, oily skin and combination skin, there was old fashioned soap and water. While it is true that cleansing is the most important step in good facial care, there are other things to consider.

Shelves are overflowing with products and selecting the right one for your skin type can be a daunting task. How do you choose the right one? Here are a couple of "rules of thumb" to consider when shopping for your next facial cleanser:

Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin needs milder ingredients. Ingredients to look for may include soy, chamomile, calamine, aloe and mild plant oils such as jojoba or sweet almond oil. If harsh ingredients are used on this skin type it can cause inflammation, itching, burning and irritation. Side Tip: Not all products labeled "sensitive skin" will be right for your sensitive skin. Sensitive skin can also be oily or dry.

Dry Skin
Dry skin needs moisturizing creamy cleansers that nourish dry skin. Ingredients to look for may include Shea butter, ginko biloba, alpha hydroxy acids (AHA's), hyaluronic acid, plant oils such as macadamia nut oil, and vegetable oils such as avocado or olive oil for extra dry skin. Without the right cleanser, this skin type can end up with dry, flaky, itchy, peeling skin. Side Tip: Dry skin can also be sensitive and AHA's used daily may be too harsh for sensitive skin.

Oily Skin
Oily skin benefits from gel cleansers that work to wash away excess oils and combat acne. Ingredients that those of you with oily skin may want to look for include salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and willow bark. Oil-based products used on this skin type can lead to clogged pores. Side Tip: Oily skin may also be sensitive skin.

When in doubt, go with a mild creamy (dry skin) or gel (oily skin) cleanser with a high percentage of natural ingredients or see a skin therapist for a professional skin analysis. Now that you have an idea of how to select the right products for your skin type, let's briefly review how to cleanse your face.

Wash your hands. Dampen your face and neck with warm water. Hot water can cause broken capillaries. Place a small amount of cleanser and apply to your face. Using the pad of your fingers rub in a gentle circular motion all over your face and a sweeping, upward lifting motion on your neck. Rubbing in a downward motion on your face or neck can encourage sagging. Rubbing in a circular motion stimulates circulation of blood and oxygen to your face. Rinse. The first cleanse should remove most of the debris such as makeup, dirt, and oil from your face and neck. Cleanse a second time. The second cleanse should remove any debris left behind. Rinse thoroughly, including your hairline and ears, and pat dry. Hello beautiful!

That's it! I hope this helps and I'll see you all lata'.