Generally speaking, creamy or milky cleansers are better suited for the colder months, when even the oiliest skin can become dehydrated.
Alpha hydroxy acids are an excellent ingredient to look for when choosing a non-foaming, milky or creme cleanser because they dissolve the protein bonds or "glue" that hold dead cells to the skin's surface. A high quality and effective non foaming cleanser should contain nourishing, non pore clogging oils such as grapeseed, avocado or castor. These types of oil attract dirt and debris, binding with them to aid in their removal from the pores, without stripping the skin of essential moisture. Cream or milk cleansers should be applied to wet skin, while cleansing oils should be applied to dry skin. A wet wash cloth or anti bacterial facial chamois should be used to remove all none foaming cleansers. Once your cleanser has been removed, splash your face several times with warm water and follow with an appropriate toner. |
 
|
In the warmer months, a foaming cleanser is usually a better choice because the skin tends to produces more oil in warmer months.
Look for cleanser that contains a high number of natural ingredients and no sulfates (Sodium Lauryl Sulfates/SLS). Organic castile soap is an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin. It creates a lot of foam and is made with plant derived oils that have naturally occurring foaming properties. A battery operated or soft bristled cleansing brush is an optional tool that will greatly boost the cleansing power of your crème, milk or foaming cleanser.
Toning the skin is a critical step that is often neglected or skipped in many skin care regimens.
An ideal toner will include botanicals and extracts that restore the skin's proper pH balance and remove any remaining traces of cleanser and/or chemicals left on the skin by your tap water. It will also prepare the pores to better absorb your moisturizing, corrective or protective facial treatments (serum, lotion, gel or crème). Many people associate toners with drying alcohol and avoid them altogether. It is important to know that not all alcohols are drying: Ethyl, methyl, isopropyl and "SD" alcohols should be avoided because they will strip the skin of its natural oils. Cetyl, stearyl and cetearyl (a combination of the two) on the other hand, are actually rich in moisture and can be very beneficial for most skin types. To get maximum benefits from both, be sure to apply your facial treatment immediately after toning. This will create a seal on the skin, preventing the toner from evaporating and allowing the nourishing ingredients of both products to penetrate the skin's surface.
At Brendita's Body Works, natural ingredients are the foundation of our product lines. So get ready to Spring Forward!
|
Read Brendita's Articles
Find us on facebook
Follow Brendita on twitter
See Brendita on YouTube