Coming Clean The Facial Story-Beauty
- By:Robert Baird Baird
To remove dirt, excess oil, perspiration, and makeup, most women of color should cleanse the face twice a day. The tools you select for washing are important. Think gentle. First, choose a mild, nonirritating cleanser. Avoid cleansers that contain abrasive granules for exfoliation. These harsh particles don't clean out pores and they can aggravate and irritate the skin, causing redness, or worse, darkening of the skin or hyperpigmentation. If you have acne, scrubbing with the granules can actually dramatically worsen an acne outbreak. Also, steer clear of acne puffs, loofah sponges, or rough washcloths. They will only irritate the skin.
Many Women of color make the mistake of overcleaning-cleaning the face too often or too roughly. But most skin problems (acne, dark marks, clogged pores) are not caused by dirt, so there's no need to use harsh products or rough cleansing techniques. Also, our pigmented skin requires gentle care to avoid skin irritation that can trigger problems such as discoloration or even keloid scarring. Gentle cleansing with your fingertips or a soft cotton washcloth will do.
Beyond this general advice directed to all women of color, I suggest the following additional tips for women with different skin types. Remember, for many women of color, skin type tends to vary with the change of seasons. It's likely that most of you will change your cleansing ritual several times a year. Many will utilize the advice for oily skin in the hot and humid summer months of July and August and the advice for dry skin in the dry winter months of December and January. So remember, you may need to adjust your cleansing ritual and the products you use accordingly.
For Oily Skin. Wash your face two or three times a day to reduce excess oil. Avoid washing more than three times a day because this practice may irritate the skin, promoting low grade inflammation of the skin and the subsequent development of dark patches. Wash early in the morning, immediately after work or school, and again just before bed. When washing, gently massage the face with a warm cleansing solution for one and a half to two minutes to dislodge the excess oil and skin debris. Use an antibacterial soap or a gel or foaming cleanser designed for oily skin (Cetaphil antibacterial soap, Avon Porefection cleanser, MD Forte Glycare Cleansing Gel) during the late spring, summer, and early fall months to remove excess oiliness, and a milder glycerin based or oil balancing soap or cleanser (Cetaphil for oily skin, Neutrogena Facial Cleansing Bar, Purpose soap, Basis All Clear Bar, pHisoderm Skin Cleansing Bar) in the winter and early spring months. Also, since oil on the forehead and temples can come from your hair, make some adjustment in your haircare regimen. Try washing your hair at least once a week and wear it pulled or brushed back from the face. Avoid applying hair oils or pomades on the scalp near the forehead. They'll seep into the skin and produce more oil and shine.
About the author:
Learn about dermatology advice. Also get information on makeup beauty and infant skin disorders.