Qualities of a Perfect Facial Cleanse
By Eve Stahl
Many of us waiver between the extremes of simply rinsing our face with water to avoid drying out our skin or the use of harsh alkaline based cleansing products that strip the skin of its natural protective oils. It can be difficult to know what is best to do since a facial cleanse needs to remove both water soluble and oil soluble debris. Fortunately there are balanced solutions available.
Our skin comes in daily contact with environmental toxins, communicable germs and more. Add a hot climate or physical activity to the equation and perspiration holds toxins intended for elimination on the skin's surface. A facial cleanse needs to remove both water soluble and oil soluble debris without the use of harsh alkaline based cleansing products that strip the skin of its natural protective oils. The production of sebum (oil) by the sebaceous glands becomes unbalanced in reaction to drying soaps. Oily skin gets mixed messages. In response to sudden dryness it compensates by producing excessive oils. Dry skin becomes extremely dry. It appears sallow and becomes rough in texture.
A perfect cleanse affords deep yet gentle cleansing that soothes and nourishes the skin leaving it feeling clean, balanced, soft and glowing with vibrant health.
What ingredients will offer this end result? Natural ingredients! Gentle use of clay will remove and absorb toxins without stripping the skin. Seaweeds nourish the skin with minerals, amino acids and other valuable nutrients. Oats are cleansing, soothing and calming especially for sensitive skin.
Liquid cleanses are valuable for cleansing the skin while simultaneously feeding it the benefits of vegetable oils specifically chosen for their therapeutic properties and suited to different skin types. A word of caution though, most liquid facial cleansers contain sodium lauryl sulfate which is reported to cause eye irritation, skin rashes, hair loss, scalp scurf (similar to dandruff) and allergic reactions. Lauryl, laureth sulfates and other coconut derivatives are used to create suds and foam. We have come to associate lots of lather with good cleansing. The suds and foam may be fun, but they do not assist the cleansing function and they are a definite sign that a harmful ingredient is present.
Exfoliates are used to remove dead skin cells from the outer layer of the skin. This brings young skin cells to the surface and stimulates cell growth in the lower layers of the skin. Removing cell build up on the surface of the skin makes wrinkles appear softer and smoother. If exfoliating is overdone or harshly done it can irritate the underlying layers of the skin by exposing the cells prematurely. Use only natural exfoliates that will be gentle.
Masks are used for deep cleansing to remove undesirable build up of any product that may clog your pores and for those skin types that benefit from occasional deeper attention. A mask should be moisturizing, nourishing and re-mineralizing to the skin. They can offer toning but should not be tightening or drying to the skin. A good mask should leave your skin soft and supple, toned and glowing with radiant health. A high quality Dead Sea Mud can meets all of these criteria.
Whichever approach you prefer to facial cleansing be sure that you choose a cleanse that addresses both oil and water soluble debris and bacteria. Most importantly it should be gentle and effective. Every step of your face care regime should be balancing, nourishing and chosen to suit your skin type.
Author, Eve Stahl is an integrative health consultant, herbalist, skin care expert committed to quality, purity and above all sharing her knowledge of what nature has to offer and what products to be aware of, or beware of in the market place. To meet this need she has developed the Garden of Eve natural beauty and skin care system. You can visit her company at: http://www.garden-of-eve.com.