Facial Cleansing - Choosing the Best Cleanser for your Face - Removing Eye Makeup

Proper cleansing gets your face clean without irritating it and may also improve your skin, depending on the product you choose. As with allover body cleansing, the most important element is using a facial cleanser that is suitable for your skin type.

Choosing A Cleanser

There is a huge selection of cleansers available, from soaps and non-soap cleansing bars to creams and foaming lotions. Some are rinsed off with water; others are wiped off with tissues or cotton pads.

• The right product for you is one that cleans without leaving your skin either tight and dry or greasy afterward. It may take some effort to find, but it's worth persevering, because the right cleanser can make all the difference.

• Do not over cleanse your face. For most people, cleansing morning and evening - is enough. If your skin is very dry and you wear little makeup, wash your face at night and simply rinse it in the morning.

Types Of Facial Cleanser

Most facial cleansers work in much the same way and contain some type of fat or oil as well as detergents to lift away dirt, grease, and makeup. The ratio of oil to detergent varies according to the type of skin for which the product is intended. Cleansers made for oily skin usually have a higher detergent content, while those for dry skin usually contain more oil or fat.

Soap

Characteristics:

Probably still the most popular cleanser. In the past, many soaps were harsh and drying, but these days soaps for a full range of skin types.

Skin type:

Soaps labeled gentle and mild suit most skins, but choose hypoallergenic soap if your skin is sensitive. Super-fatted soaps and those with added moisturizers are best for dry skin, and transparent glycerin soaps for oily skin.

Cleansing creams

Characteristics:

Most contain a form of oil that helps to dissolve skin oil and loosen dirt. They are designed to be applied to the skin and wiped off without rinsing.

Skin type:

Especially suitable for very dry or sensitive skins.

Facial Washes

Characteristics:

Come in the form of gels, lotions, or creams and are designed like soap to be lathered with water and then rinsed off.

Skin Type:

Formulated for different skin types. Can be helpful for dry skin, because they leave it feeling clean without any tightness.

Cleansing Bars

Characteristics:

Non-soap bars that remove dirt without stripping away natural oils. They are used like soaps: you work up a lather and then rinse off.

Skin Type:

Recommended if you find ordinary soap too drying.

Antibacterial Cleansers

Characteristics:

Eliminate bacteria that is normally present on the skin, helping to reduce the chances of spots breaking out.

Skin Type:

For oily skin that is prone to blemishes. They can be harsh and drying, so only use on acne- or spot-prone skin.

Removing Eye Makeup

• Always use a product designed for the job. Ordinary cleansers are usually inadequate or cannot be used safely around the eye area.

• Removers come as liquids, creams, gels, and impregnated pads. Some are formulated to remove waterproof makeup, such as mascara. Others are recommended for contact-lens wearers. Check that the product you choose is right for your needs.

• The usual way to remove eye makeup is to soak a cotton ball or pad with the remover and wipe it gently across the eyelids and eyelashes. This dissolves the makeup, which comes off on the pad.

• You may need to repeat this three or four times until all traces of makeup are gone. The skin in the eye area is very delicate, so avoid pulling or rubbing.