Most of us assume that facial cleansing is a task so basic it can be accomplished even when you’re completely exhausted or slightly tipsy — which, of course, it can. But it turns out that there’s a lot more to it than soap and water, says Doris Day, dermatologist and author of Forget the Facelift. “With so many sophisticated, gentle cleansers that won’t strip the skin, using the right one allows moisturising and anti-ageing products to absorb more effectively.” Clearly, an old-school splash and scrub won’t do.
Here, the new rules for getting your freshest face.
Myth 1: Wash and Go
It’s more of a two-step process. “Remove your make-up before you wash your face,” says dermatologist Jeanine Downie. “Many cleansers can’t take off concealer or foundation completely, especially around the eyes and nose.”
Use an oil-based cream, an emollient wipe, or a cleansing oil to dissolve stubborn sunscreen and make-up. Follow with lukewarm water and a two pence piece-size amount of cleanser (look for the ingredients cocamidopropyl betaine or caprylic triglyceride, which are sulphate-free surfactants) on your fingers or a clean, damp washcloth.
Myth 2: Wash Twice a Day
While the jury is still out on how often to cleanse (every morning and evening. or just once at night), all dermatologists agree that over-washing can lead to irritation and a lack of moisture. The rule is to use common sense: always wash your face after a workout to prevent breakouts, and wash excessively oily skin morning and night. For very dry or sensitive skin, stick to cleansing once daily in the evening.
Myth 3: Close Your Pores
Sorry, folks, but you can skip rituals like massaging your face to increase circulation or splashing with cold water to “close” your pores. “Pores don’t open and close,” says Dr Downie. In fact, extreme hot or cold can exacerbate problems like rosacea and redness.
That said, mild steam can help soften hardened oil in pores, so it’s never a bad idea to cleanse in the shower. And “while it feels nice, massage doesn’t do much,” adds Downie. “Exercise is what boosts your circulation.”
Myth 4: Buy Cleanser According to Skin Type
No matter what kind of skin you have, make sure the ingredients list doesn’t contain fragrance, which can be irritating; parabens (potentially toxic preservatives); or harsh soap (it’s drying).
“If a cleanser fits that bill, the formula itself [cream, lotion, foaming, etc.] is more a matter of personal preference,” says dermatologist Brad Katchen. Of course, people with dry skin may prefer formulas with added moisturizers, like glycerin or shea butter. And “if you have oily skin, you might want a foaming wash that leaves skin feeling superclean,” says Day.
Myth 5: Scrub to Exfoliate and Smooth
A salicylic- or glycolic-acid cleanser is gentler and more effective than grainy scrubs, and both offer anti-ageing benefits and help prevent breakouts. Alternate with your regular wash (start with three times a week), and adjust depending on how your skin is looking and feeling.
Myth 6: Use Toner
“An alcohol-based toner strips off natural oils,” explains Dr Day. Not good. “Gentle toners calm the skin and balance pH levels, but with the right cleanser, you don’t really need this step.” Love the feeling anyway? Choose gentle, alcohol-free versions.
Myth 7: Brush Your Skin to a Healthy Glow
“A brush removes oil, dirt, and dead skin better than your hands can, and it’s less aggressive than most exfoliating cleansers or scrubs,” says Dr Day. “But it’s not something you have to use every night, especially if you’re also applying ingredients like retinoids or acids. Too much exfoliation can cause inflammation.” Basically: Use, but use sparingly. To keep your brush bacteria-free, rinse and air-dry after use. Oh, and hey, clean freak, like you do with your tooth brush head, replace the brush head every three months.
Myth 8: Spend a Fortune
Save your pricier ingredients, like retinol or antioxidants, for leave-on products instead of washing them down the drain. “They’re most effective when they stay concentrated on the skin,” says Drr Katchen.
