Optimal cleansing

Make-up, sweat, sebum and dirt particles: Our facial skin inevitably accumulates a lot of dirt. Optimal cleansing ensures that it can breathe freely again and that the skin’s natural acid mantle remains in balance. But what actually constitutes optimal cleansing and what do consumers attach particular importance to? On the one hand, the products should of course be as gentle and mild as possible, and on the other hand, as thorough as necessary. Too aggressive cleansing dries out the skin, making it taut, itchy, and much more susceptible to wrinkles and germs. If, on the other hand, it is mild but not effective enough, the pores will continue to be clogged by dust, sebum, and dead horny cells. Optimal cleansing therefore means finding the happy medium between effective ingredients and a gentle formulation.

Cleansing of facial skin: Differences and characteristics of product types

There are many different types of products available today for optimal facial cleansing. However, they should all have one thing in common: a pH value that is between 4.5 and 6.0. This is because healthy skin also has this value, which means that corresponding products are particularly skin-friendly.

Cleansing milk is relatively thick to creamy. It is applied to the facial skin with circular movements and contains cleansing and oil-dissolving substances as well as nourishing ingredients.

Cleansing gel is applied to moistened skin and lathered lightly. Sebum and dead skin cells can be reliably removed, and the sebum-regulating and antibacterial effect also prevents skin impurities and inflammation.

Cleansing products with micellar water are still relatively new, but are already considered an insider tip for optimal cleansing. Micelles are formed by the aggregation of microscopically small surfactant molecules that are “fat-loving” (lipophilic) on the one hand, but also “water-loving” (hydrophilic) on the other. Like a magnet, the micellar water therefore attracts both fat-soluble and water-soluble make-up residues and dirt particles. It is suitable for all skin types and is extremely gentle to use, as there is no need to rub vigorously or apply pressure when applying it.

Peeling-mechanical or enzymatic or chemical?

Peeling with ground fruit peel particles removes cornified dead skin cells from the epidermis surface and stimulates blood circulation. However, it should not be used too often: Once or twice a week is sufficient. It is therefore intended as a supplement to the daily cleansing programme. The drier the skin, the longer the intervals between peelings should be, because each application means stress for the skin. The fruit peel corpuscles can be ground fruit stones of apricots and peaches, but also ground almonds or nuts. Also effective for optimal cleansing of the skin: an enzymatic peeling with papain (from papaya) and bromelain (from pineapple). It is ideal for all those who have dry and sensitive skin on the one hand, but also struggle with impurities from time to time. Pineapple and papaya are not chosen without reason: The two substances bromelain and papain are namely so-called proteases, i.e., protein-splitting enzymes that dissolve the body’s own keratin. This kind of peeling gently removes the top layer of skin with all the dead skin cells and cornification. In addition, the enzymes are able to penetrate deep into blackheads and dissolve them there as well, so that they disappear on their own after a short time. However, even enzymatic peelings should not be used too often.

AHA peels also play a role in the optimal cleansing of the skin. They exfoliate the surface of the skin and bind moisture for more elasticity and freshness.

The abbreviation AHA stands for “alpha-hydroxy acid”, i.e., fruit acids that have an exfoliating effect on the skin.

Ideal for the optimal cleansing of problem skin

The optimal cleansing of problem skin is not that easy and sometimes requires a visit to the beautician or dermatologist. For example, if you suffer from annoying pigmentation spots and small scars or are fighting numerous blackheads or wrinkles, you can have a microdermabrasion (MDA) performed. In this procedure, microscopic quartz or sand crystals are applied to the skin with a special device and sucked out again directly, which leads to the removal of the top layer of skin. Wrinkles and scars become smaller, blackheads disappear and pigment spots lighten considerably.

And then there are cleansing masks with charcoal (activated carbon). They regulate the skin’s oil production, cleanse the pores, fight impurities and have a mattifying effect. This prevents an unsightly shine and detoxifies the skin without drying it out.

Optimal cleansing for every skin type

Optimal cleansing for combination skin

Combination skin with the oily T-zone of forehead, nose and chin and the rather dry areas on the cheeks needs particularly optimal cleansing. Micellar water is a very good choice here, but light emulsions with D-panthenol and allantoin also care for, cleanse, and bind moisture without being greasy. It is important to use only alcohol-free toners, as alcohol dries out the skin. For optimal cleansing of combination skin, so-called hermaphrodite products are particularly suitable, which take into account both the requirements of the T-zone and the needs of the dry cheek areas.

Optimal cleansing for sensitive skin

Sensitive skin reacts very quickly to over-sensitivity and irritation. Alcohol-containing ingredients and fragrances are absolutely taboo here, and exfoliants should also be used very carefully. A mild cleansing milk with natural ingredients and a pH value of 5.5, on the other hand, soothes sensitive skin and is well suited for optimal cleansing.

Optimal cleansing for normal skin

Normal skin can be cleansed almost at will: with micellar water, a cleansing gel, a cleansing milk and/or with facial toner. Such an uncomplicated complexion also tolerates occasional exfoliation.

Optimal cleansing for oily skin

Oily skin with blackheads and pimples also needs optimal cleansing to rid the complexion of germs and bacteria. A mild gel or cleansing foam with chamomile is just right here. Ingredients such as witch hazel and menthol can also inhibit sebum production.

Products for optimal cleansing at Cosmacon

No matter what skin type, Cosmacon develops gentle and needs-based formulations for optimal cleansing of facial skin on request. Ask us!

Literature:

Skin Cleansing without or with Compromise: Soaps and Syndets.

Pro and Contra of Cleansing Conditioners.