Face cleansers: what do I really need? (Basics for Natural Facial Cleansing)

Cleansing (morning and night for oily skin, just at bedtime for dry skin) and moisturizing (all skin types) are the basics of daily skincare, according to dermatologist Jeanette Jacknin, author of Smart Medicine for Your Skin and founder of the J.J.M.D. Botanical Dermatology skincare line. She says that soaps are generally too harsh and drying for facial skin, so use a non soap cleanser instead, preferably one that is pH balanced. Oily skin will need a toner after washing to control oil secretion, and then a moisturizer, while dry skin only needs the moisturizer. “Men’s skin is actually thicker, rougher, and more oily and sweaty than women’s skin,” notes Jacknin. “Also, men have the special challenges of a beard. So, while as a man you may borrow your wife’s or girlfriend’s lotion, you may also want to find a skincare line made especially for you.”

The next two natural skincare routine are exfoliation - to remove dead skin cells from the skin surface, and facial masks - which deep clean, nourish and revitalize skin. These steps should be done once or twice a week, depending on skin type and the strength of the exfoliator or mask.

Exfoliates come in two forms: abrasives, which physically rub off the dead skin cells; and chemical, which dissolve or peel away the surface skin layer. Natural abrasives include oatmeal and sugar granules, while fruit sugars and fruit acids, from pumpkin, apple or papaya, for example, provide natural chemical peels. Look for products with fruit derived exfoliates or make your own. Take advantage of professional exfoliation and facial treatments by estheticians and spas that use professional product lines with plant-based ingredients.

Cleansing System

The final step in any skincare routine is sun protection. Wearing essential clothing, including hats, sunglasses and long sleeves, and staying out of the midday sun should be your first choices for protecting your skin from rays that can age and damage it. When in the sun, wear a mineral-based sun block such as zinc oxide, which stays on top of the skin, rather than getting absorbed, and forms a physical barrier to both UVA and UVB ultraviolet rays. Also, watch out for nano-minerals; these have been broken into particles small enough to be absorbed by the skin during the manufacturing process, with possibly harmful results, according to experts. Unfortunately, government does not require that nano-minerals be listed on labels, so consumers must do their own research.

Day Shield SPF50 UVA/PA++++ Advanced Skin Protector

Also Read: 7 SIMPLE TIPS FOR SUPPLE AND GLOWING LIPS

What about makeup?

Our skin absorbs 60 percent of what goes on it, and many cosmetics are full of unregulated, untested petrochemicals. Does that mean I shouldn’t wear any makeup? Not at all. Makeup artist Jessa Blades, says that switching over to natural, safe, mineral and plant based cosmetics is easy, as long as you are realistic. In general, the fewer ingredients used, the safer the product.

“Give natural products a bit of time,

and don’t be so hard on them,”

Tips for going natural

1) Switch slowly; don’t dump all your old favorites all at once;

2) Go natural on the products you use everyday, such as concealer and lipstick, which gets absorbed directly into the bloodstream when you eat or lick your lips;

3) Change your expectations, as natural makeup is not as long lasting, inexpensive or easy to find as the more common, but toxic, stuff.

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