Tips to Cleanse Your Skin Properly

You probably already know that it’s important to wash off your makeup before going to bed, and that keeping your skin clean helps it look youthful and free of blemishes.

But deciding which skincare products to use, particularly cleansers, can be a challenge. You might figure it out through trial and error. For example, a cleanser that clears up blemishes or acne might make your skin feel tight and dry.

If you’re not sure if the cleanser you use is the best for your face, the following tips can provide some assistance. The experts at Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique can also provide you with a personalized evaluation. This will determine the correct combination of skincare products uniquely suited to your skin’s needs.

What Skin Type Are You?

The key to choosing the right cleanser is figuring out what type of skin you have. There are four basic types:

1. Normal
2. Oily
3. Dry
4. Sensitive

It’s also possible to have combination skin. This means that your skin is oily in some places and dry in others, or that parts of it are sensitive and other areas aren’t.

Each skin type reacts differently to certain ingredients. So once you’ve figured out your basic skin type, you can start looking at cleansers.

What’s the Right Cleanser for Your Skin Type?

It’s typically recommended that people with oily skin choose a cleanser that is oil-free. If your skin is oily and you have pimples or acne, the right facial cleanser for you might contain salicylic acid, which helps clear up blemishes. A Purifying SkinMedica Cleanser might be a good fit for you.

If you have sensitive skin, a gentle cleanser may be ideal. Gentle cleansers usually don’t contain soap, detergents, or strong ingredients like salicylic acid. While they won’t irritate delicate skin, they also don’t cleanse the skin as deeply either. In many cases, a gentle cleanser isn’t strong enough to remove makeup or sunscreen from your skin. If you use a very mild cleanser, you  might need to start your cleansing routine with an oil-based makeup remover. Or finish it with a toner to make sure your face is really clean.

If you have very dry skin, a cleansing balm can also be an ideal stand-alone cleanser. A cold cream or cleansing balm is also a good way to remove makeup before using a gentle cleanser. The balm doesn’t rinse your skin’s natural oils away or disrupt its natural protective barrier. If the cleanser you have been using leaves your skin feeling tight, flaky or looking red, it might be a good idea to switch to a cleansing balm to see if you notice a difference. When using a balm, it’s recommended that you use a soft cloth to wipe or rinse it off. If your skin feels too oily after using the balm, you can finish up with a toner or a second gentle cleanser.

How to Cleanse the Skin

When and how you wash your face is as important as the cleanser used. It’s usually recommended to wash your face at least twice a day, once in the morning and once at night before bed. The morning cleansing rinses away the dirt and debris that have collected on your face overnight. Cleansing at night removes makeup and any dirt that collects during the day.

You might find that using two different cleansers, one in the morning and one at night, gives you the best results. For example, a strong cleanser with salicylic acid in the morning may dry out your skin too much. If this happens, switch to a gentler product, saving the stronger product for the end of the day.

Contact Mirror Mirror and Book a Free Consultation

Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique offers a variety of skincare products. To find out which one is most appropriate for you and to learn more about what you can expect, book a consultation at our practice today. If you would like to schedule a complimentary consultation, please contact a patient coordinator at our office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at 281-810-9083. You can also reach us by email.

Every treatment is monitored by Dr. Paul Vitenas. He has practiced in the Houston area since 1990. He has been named one of Houston’s Top Doctors and America’s Top Plastic Surgeons. He’s also been awarded Houston’s Most Compassionate Doctor and a Top Doctor for Women.

The office of Mirror Mirror is conveniently located in the heart of Houston. If you are not a local, we can schedule an online consultation. We can also assist with travel and financing arrangements. We think you will see the reflection of something great at Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique.