Skin Central - Cleansing: Clean and beautiful

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By Anjali Kapoor

Updated November 2, 2012

Cleansing: Clean and beautiful

Get smooth, radiant skin with these simple cleansing tips

By Anjali Kapoor

First published in Chatelaine.com's November 2003 issue.
© Rogers Publishing Ltd.

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Skin plays a vital role as your body's first line of defense against infection and harsh elements. The skin on your face is the most tender and vulnerable, which is why a thorough cleansing regime is fundamental to maintaining a healthy glow.

Cleansing removes old makeup and washes away the grime and grease that has accumulated during the day. If facial pores are clogged with makeup and dirt, breakouts can readily occur. Before bed, follow a full cleansing routine, which may include a toner and night moisturizer. But in the morning your routine should be minimal: wash only with water or a mild cleanser. Over-cleansing the skin can cause irritation and may aggravate some skin conditions.

A good cleansing routine starts with proper technique, so here are a few tips to get you started:
• Tie hair back to make sure all areas of the face are exposed.
• Remove any eye makeup like mascara or eye shadow with a cotton pad dipped in eye cleansing lotion.
• Moisten face gently with water and then dab cleanser over nose, chin, forehead and cheeks.
• Massage cleanser into skin gently with an upward and outward motion.
• Rinse with water, lightly splashing over skin.
• Pat face dry with a towel.

Toning

Once your face is properly cleansed, use a toner to remove all traces of dirt, makeup or cleanser and prepare your skin for moisturizing. Toner should be used sparingly and you should only apply products that are alcohol-free and formulated to your skin type. People with dry or sensitive skin should usually avoid astringents. To apply toner, use a soft cotton pad or synthetic sponge and gently dab on forehead and cheeks, then wipe around the crevices of the nose and chin.

Exfoliation and facials

Once a month, supplement your daily cleansing regime with a facial or gentle exfoliation treatment. Whether you conduct an at-home facial or have one professionally done at a spa, these specialized treatments allow your skin to be deep-cleaned, toned and hydrated. Exfoliating your face is a great way to gently wash away dead or dry skin cells, but it is important to choose a product that is formulated for your skin type. For sensitive skin, avoid using an abrasive cleanser.

Cleansing for your skin type

Normal skin:
This skin type is usually balanced, so your cleansing regime does not have to be too excessive. You can experiment with a variety of cleansers--from liquid and soap gels to cleansing sheets. Choose a mild cleanser or gel cleanser and rinse with tepid water. Once a week, use a loofah-type sponge or gentle face scrub to buff away dead skin cells.

Oily skin:
Use a minimalist approach since strong cleansers can over-stimulate glands already active when it comes to producing oil. Use a mild cleanser formulated for oily skin and rinse the product off well. Also, oily skin types should avoid wax-based cleansers, which can clog oil-prone pores.

Combination skin:
Try a cleanser that will address both the dry and oily areas on the face. Avoid over washing, which will strip oil from the T-zone and make your sebaceous glands overcompensate by producing more oil. Instead, use an alcohol-free toner on the T-zone area of the face or try a deep-pore cleanser to keep the oily zone free from breakouts. Combination skin will benefit from regular use of a mask--a clay-based one will help the oil-prone nose, chin and forehead area while a cream or gel mask will moisturize dry areas of the face.

Dry skin:
Use a cleansing cream that contains non-detergent ingredients and rinses off easily. Use hard-milled cleansing bars and gentle face cleansers for drier skin, or try a liquid cleanser with a cleansing sheet that won't strip away essential oils on the skin. Stay away from hot water which makes your skin lose moisture quickly.

Sensitive skin:
Try cleansing with gentle, milky, water-soluble lotions and tepid water. Avoid face cleansing gels or soaps that contain drying alcohol, preservatives or strong-acting acid since these ingredients can irritate the skin. Do not use exfoliating scrubs or astringents on sensitive skin, which can cause inflammation.

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