“What is elegance? Soap and water!”
–Cecil Beaton
My sister called me the other day complaining that her face was red, flaky, and sensitive. After asking some questions, it turns out she was using a soap that left her skin really irritated. She asked me, “does it really matter what kind of soap I use?” And of course, the answer is YES! Let me explain why…
The realization
What she made me realize is that cosmetic companies have done a fantastic job at selling soaps and lotions but failed at educating the public. While it would seem like common sense to stop using something if it was giving you issues, she didn’t. And why is that? She probably saw some marginal improvement with her skin when she first started using her product, so she didn’t think it was cleanser that was creating her skin issues. Because of this very issue, many women stick with the current soap they are using for their face and search for another product to fix the other issues that are usually a direct result of utilizing the wrong kind of cleanser.
The Problem
Several over-the-counter soaps and cleansers can do a decent job of cleaning your face. However, did you know that over drying your skin can cause acne, pigmentation, aging, and even rosacea to flare up? This is a huge issue we see with many of our clients. Most garden variety cleansers may give you clear skin for a few days, but your skin will end up producing more oil (since the cleanser is drying out your skin too much), and then you end up having more skin issues like my sister did.
What to do
If you have acne or oily skin, you need a cleanser with salicylic or glycolic acid in it. These acids will help clear up oil and remove dead skin without over drying your face (as long as you get the right concentration of these acids). Try using IS Clinical’s Cleansing Complex or EltaMD’s Foaming Facial Cleanser. Both are easy and won’t overdo it. Sensitive or dry skin types should focus on non-foaming type cleansers. Also try Epionce’s Milky Lotion Cleanser, it’s a great option for sensitive or dry skin types as they are PH balanced and do not dry out your skin.
No brainer
Make sure you use a moisturizer to follow. Here’s the catch: don’t just use anything from the store (remember to avoid the same mistakes my sister did). Need some recommendations for quality moisturizers? No sweat! We got them for you.
If you have sensitive skin, try Epionce’s Intensive Nourishing Cream. It contains azelaic acid which will help calm your skin. If you’re looking for something a little easier on the pocket book, try EltaMD’s PM Therapy Facial Moisturizer. It has niacinamide in it which helps reduce inflammation. Looking for a good, general moisturizer on acne prone skin? Try EltaMD’s Acne Management Therapy Facial Moisturizer. It has salicylic acid in it, which causes oil to cling to the moisturizer instead of your face.
In the end
Be kind to your face. It’s the only one you get.
To loving your skin,
Team Reflect
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P.S. We can also help create a customized skin care program for you. Take a few minutes and try the skincare quiz!