Using Soap on Your Face is a No-No

I often ask my male and female clients what they use to wash their face. And more often than not, people admit they use the bar soap they shower with. They'll usually apply a moisturizer (and maybe a sunscreen) but many take shortcuts when they wash their face.

This is unfortunate, as cleansing your face properly is the best thing you can do to maintain healthy, glowing skin. The skin is naturally acidic and has a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. Our first defense against the environment and bacteria is that acid mantle which is made up of sebum (oily or waxy matter), sweat and natural bacteria. It's a very fine, acidic film, which helps to deter bacteria you come in contact with in your daily life. Some examples are pollution, chemicals, dust, car exhaust and viruses.

Using bar soap, antibacterial liquid soaps or detergent on your face interferes with your protective barrier and leaves your skin in an alkaline state with a pH greater than 9. Your skin may feel clean, but repeated use leaves your skin without its natural oil and defense mechanisms. You are then more susceptible to infection and skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Over time the skin becomes dry, rough, flaky and thinner. Fine lines start to appear.  Deep wrinkles are next.

So what should you do? Use a cleanser that's pH balanced and contains balancing ingredients such as antioxidants, botanicals and moisturizing ingredients. That way, as you're washing your skin, you're also giving it moisture and support. Avoid bar soap unless is it's balanced. Don't use an alcohol-based toner or alcohol-based aftershave. Stay away from deodorant soap, hand antibacterial cleansers and soap used to wash clothes.

Just follow these simple steps when washing your face:

• Splash your face with warm water.
• If you're wearing eye makeup and mascara, use an eye makeup remover.
• Apply a dime size amount of cleanser to a disposable damp cotton pad or use your hands in the shower.
• Gently, in a circular motion, move the pad or your hands over your face and neck. If it becomes soiled, use another pad. 
• Rinse with cold or warm water.

If you wear makeup, cleanse in the morning and at night. It's especially important for men to cleanse soon after a workout or they tend to breakout. Consider exfoliating your face once or twice a week. Eliminating the bar soap from your regime will keep your skin looking healthy and glowing. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen daily (even in winter) as the sun can cause as much damage as being in an alkaline state.

This post was written by Barbara Victoria Galagusz RN, Licensed Esthetician. You can see more from Barbara here.