Choosing a facial cleanser

Experts say a good facial cleanser should rinse off easily without clogging pores, and make your skin feel clean and remove makeup without the need for scrubbing. It shouldn't irritate, burn or dry your skin, or leave a greasy residue behind. Reviews indicate that drugstore brands are just as good as those at the department store – often containing the same or similar ingredients, though cosmetics companies would like you to believe that you have to pay more for quality skin care.

Overall, experts say consumers should look for basic water-soluble cleansers that remove all traces of dirt and oil without stripping the skin of moisture. Dry and sensitive skin types require fragrance-free formulas that use gentle detergents, such as cocamidopropyl betaine, and emollient ingredients like glycerin and jojoba oil. Those who prefer a natural option should look for organic ingredients and limited preservatives. Here are some other things experts say about selecting a facial cleanser:

  • Avoid heavily fragranced products, because the ingredients used to perfume a product can cause skin irritation.
  • Know that a skin cleanser will not prevent or reverse signs of aging -- no matter what an advertiser promises.
  • Read the ingredient label. Standard detergent ingredients are common in skin cleansers and generally will not harm the skin. However, two such ingredients – sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate – can be potentially irritating. Users with sensitive skin should avoid products that list these as primary ingredients. Be aware that almost all drugstore brands contain one of those two ingredients, but those with sensitive skin will not want to see it leading the list.
  • Be wary of the "natural" claim. There are two reasons: First, not all plant ingredients are effective or beneficial and some compounds, such as mint or menthol, can actually irritate the skin; and second, many companies -- such as Aveeno and Origins, for example -- market products as "natural" even though they contain chemical ingredients.
  • Don't wash your face more than twice a day. Anything more can strip the skin of natural oils that retain moisture. Beauty expert Rona Berg, author of "Beauty: The New Basics," says people with dry and sensitive skin may only need to use a facial cleanser at night and then simply rinse with lukewarm water in the morning.

Choosing a facial cleanser

Experts say a good facial cleanser should rinse off easily without clogging pores, and make your skin feel clean and remove makeup without the need for scrubbing. It shouldn't irritate, burn or dry your skin, or leave a greasy residue behind. Reviews indicate that drugstore brands are just as good as those at the department store – often containing the same or similar ingredients, though cosmetics companies would like you to believe that you have to pay more for quality skin care.

Overall, experts say consumers should look for basic water-soluble cleansers that remove all traces of dirt and oil without stripping the skin of moisture. Dry and sensitive skin types require fragrance-free formulas that use gentle detergents, such as cocamidopropyl betaine, and emollient ingredients like glycerin and jojoba oil. Those who prefer a natural option should look for organic ingredients and limited preservatives. Here are some other things experts say about selecting a facial cleanser:

  • Avoid heavily fragranced products, because the ingredients used to perfume a product can cause skin irritation.
  • Know that a skin cleanser will not prevent or reverse signs of aging -- no matter what an advertiser promises.
  • Read the ingredient label. Standard detergent ingredients are common in skin cleansers and generally will not harm the skin. However, two such ingredients – sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate – can be potentially irritating. Users with sensitive skin should avoid products that list these as primary ingredients. Be aware that almost all drugstore brands contain one of those two ingredients, but those with sensitive skin will not want to see it leading the list.
  • Be wary of the "natural" claim. There are two reasons: First, not all plant ingredients are effective or beneficial and some compounds, such as mint or menthol, can actually irritate the skin; and second, many companies -- such as Aveeno and Origins, for example -- market products as "natural" even though they contain chemical ingredients.
  • Don't wash your face more than twice a day. Anything more can strip the skin of natural oils that retain moisture. Beauty expert Rona Berg, author of "Beauty: The New Basics," says people with dry and sensitive skin may only need to use a facial cleanser at night and then simply rinse with lukewarm water in the morning.

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