Skin Cleansing
Unless you have very oily skin, use soap only on your face, or use a non-soap facial cleanser that wont strip the skins natural oils. Most bar soaps contain sodium lauryl sulfate, which strip away these oils. Organic soaps and brands, and liquid non-soap facial cleansers, use other ingredients that remove dirt and bacteria. They also retain moisture in the skins outer layers by using emollients, humectants and sustained release ceramides.
Recently Answered
- Q Why is it important to cleanse my skin to keep it healthy?
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Ben Kaminsky, DermatologyIt is important to cleanse your skin every night to remove make-up, impurities, dead skin cells, and excess oil. But a morning cleansing is also beneficial, as it removes any toxins the skin eliminates during the night and refreshes the skin,... Full Answer
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- Q Does skin absorb water during bathing?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyThe outermost layers of skin do tend to absorb water during bathing. However, water also quickly evaporates from the skin after bathing, if it is not sealed in. Using a cleanser that contains lipids, emollients or fatty acids can help prevent this... Full Answer
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- Q How can facial cleansers be bad for the environment?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyChemicals found in some facial cleansers, such as phthalates, make their way down the drain once you wash them off - and then they travel through sewage systems and drain fields and back into the environment. Some of these chemicals are harmful to humans... Full Answer
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- Q Is taking long, hot baths or showers a good idea in the winter?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyWhen it's cold out, you might be tempted to relax in a hot bath, but this can cause irritated skin harm. Hot water strips the necessary oils from your skin, and if your skin is dry, you want as much moisture as possible. You don't need to eliminate the... Full Answer
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- Q Should I steam my skin to open up the pores?
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Dr. Ellen Marmur, DermatologyDeep cleaning doesn't happen, and a pore doesn't open and close like a valve. That being said, steaming your face does increase humidity and the water content of the stratum corneum. The heat dilates blood vessels and brings more circulation to the... Full Answer
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- Q Is a body scrub something I need to use in the shower once a week?
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Dr. Ellen Marmur, Dermatology"Need" is the key word here. A body scrub can feel luxurious, smell delicious, and leave your skin smooth and moisturized. But in all honesty, a nubby washcloth and soap do just as well at exfoliating and cleansing. Often body scrubs contain both... Full Answer
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- Q Is there an alternative to harsh acids or scrubs for my body?
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Dr. Ellen Marmur, DermatologyScrubbing can aggravate rosacea or a painfully dry complexion. And because acids work by temporarily lowering the natural pH balance of the skin, they can be very irritating for someone with sensitivity. The gentlest option is lactic acid, which is... Full Answer
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- Q What type of washcloth do I need to use for my skin?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyThe type of washcloth you use may matter less than how often you change washcloths. Using a clean washcloth every time you bathe may help promote healthy skin. That's especially true if you have a skin infection or any other skin condition. For... Full Answer
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- Q How should I exfoliate safely?
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Dr. Ellen Marmur, DermatologyWhether you use a chemical or mechanical exfoliant or one that incorporates both, be careful to apply it for only a short time. An acid works immediately, so it doesn't need to be on your face for more than three or four minutes. Wash it off right away... Full Answer
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- Q What type of soap do I need to use for my skin?
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Dr. Ellen Marmur, DermatologySome bar soaps have stronger detergents than others or higher concentrations of surfactants. All of them, including liquid body washes, include at least one surfactant, preservatives, emulsifiers, moisturizing agents, and probably a fragrance. If you... Full Answer
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