Back to Basics (Part One)

There are three maybe four main things that you need to do to take care of your skin:  cleanse, tone, moisturize, and exfoliate.

The problem is what the hell are you supposed to choose.  There are hundreds if not thousands of different skin care brands, all with a different gimmick.  Some work and some suck that’s just the truth.  And I’m sure, like me, you have tried almost EVERYTHING or close to it.  So how do you choose?

Well, it’s simpler then you may think.  This week I’m going to talk about cleansing and toning because it’s the bare essentials.

                Cleansers:  Used to remove dirt and oil from the skin.  Can also aid in hydrating the skin and treating skin conditions like acne, aging, and hyperpigmentation.

Dry Skin:  Milky or creamy cleanser, something that doesn’t foam.

Normal Skin:  Either milky or foamy cleanser, but look for something that has a natural foaming agent, like yucca.  Mainly try to stay away from things with a lot of alcohols in it and sodium laurel sulfate.

Oily or Acne Skin:  A water-based cleanser.  Something that foams is ok, but once again look for a natural foaming agent, like yucca.  It won’t strip your skin of its natural moisture, which is important when it comes to oily skin.  (Remember when you strip your skin with harsh products you cause your skin to produce more oil and dehydrate it).

Side Note:  Please wash your face daily, preferably in the morning and at night, but especially at night.  The world isn’t a very clean place and you should wash the build-up from the day off before you put your face on your pillow, which reminds me, change your pillow cases, frequently, especially if you have acne.  The oil and bacteria on your face go onto your pillow every night so try to give your skin a clean surface to rest on.

                Toners:  are optional

The reason for toners is to raise the pH of the skin back to a normal level.  When you cleanse your skin, it raises it to an alkaline level on the pH scale in order to soften the skin to remove dirt and impurities.  Toner tightens it back up.

 

Toners refine, refresh, restore, and remove.  Also, you should rinse off your toner with water, if the alcohol level in it is high.

There is no perfect brand, but all a matter of your preference and what works for you.  If you have specific questions or concerns please feel free to ask.  Next week I’ll cover moisturizers and exfoliators.