Cleanse: Step one of our regimen. Why we do it and what do we use?

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Cleansing for acne prone skin: The goal of cleansing for acne-prone skin is to gently remove surface dirt, sweat, and excessive skin lipids with over-drying or irritating the skin. Ideal cleansers for acne prone skin are non-comedogenic, non-acnegenic, non-irritating, and non-allergenic. The common myth that if you vigorously scrub your face numerous times throughout the day with soap and water it can decrease the oiliness  of your complexion--is just that, a myth. This only leads to inflammation, irritation, and aggravation of the skin. Acne cleansers should be cream, gentle, and without irritating or abrasive chemicals. Especially if the next step in the regimen is a harsh, topical-acne product.

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Cleansing for rosacea prone skin: The goal of cleansing for rosacea-prone skin is to use very mild cleansing agents that do not cause irritation. The skin of a patient with rosacea is extremely sensitive to chemical irritants and in most cases, these need to be diluted extensively. Cleansing while keeping the skin barrier intact in rosacea prone skin is one of the main goals of treatment.

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Cleansing in photo-aged skin: Excessive, long-term exposure to sunlight damages the skin, and is known to cause premature aging and skin cancer. Since patients with this type of damage to their skin already have a compromised skin surface, lipid-free cleansing agents containing humectants and emollients can also help in reducing the severity of some of the symptoms associated with photo-aged skin.

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Cleansing in sensitive skin: Dermatologists and cosmetic scientists define “sensitive skin” as that which exhibits contact irritant or allergic reactions more readily than the average population. This can be related to numerous things including compromised barrier function, increased immune responsiveness, and heightened neuro-sensory input. Patients who have sensitive skin should use mild cleansing agents such as cream facial cleansers. These can be used synergistically with topical therapies.

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Cleansing to exfoliate: The goal of using a cleanser to exfoliate is to clear the skin of environmental pollution, sebum buildup, and dead skin cells.  BHAs, or beta hydroxy/salicylic acids and AHA, or alpha hydroxy acids, can penetrate the deeper layers of skin, producing an exfoliating reaction. Glycolic acid is the work- horse of exfoliation and can even regenerate collagen, thickens the skin, and evens skin tone. Since this penetrates so deeply you will have the most dramatic results, sometimes causing irritation and dryness.

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Cleansing to hydrate:  Hyaluronic Acid helps reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles, retaining moisture to the skin, which creates a plumping effect.

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 Are you confused yet? This is why we are here to help! Let our years of dermatology experience guide you to a perfectly curated regimen individualized to your skin care needs!