To Soap or Not to Soap, That Is the Question

The Importance of Proper Skin Cleansing

One of the most important steps in any skin care regimen is proper cleansing. If you do not cleanse properly, the rest of your skin care regimen will suffer. The benefits of proper cleansing are to flush out impurities, prevent breakouts, provide an antiseptic effect, remove dead skin cells and encourage new, fresh growth.

SKIN CARE TIP: Never go to bed with your makeup on! The mix of the day's debris, dirt, and make up may clog your pores and choke the skin from breathing. Your skin needs to renew and rejuvenate while you are sleeping. Clogged pores can cause eruptions, infections, breakouts, blackheads, pimples, irritation, redness. Remember, cleansing is an essential skin care step, even if you don't wear makeup. It is like brushing your teeth, it should be done morning and evening, every day. Also, you should exfoliate your skin 1-2 times per week with a high quality masque or scrub. Look for organic products because they are more gentle on your skin.

To Soap or Not to Soap, that is the question...

Choosing the right cleanser is very important. I recommend avoiding soap because of its high pH (alkaline). Most soaps are well over 7, and some as high as 10. A high pH (alkaline) soap will dry and age your skin, making it look lifeless. The skin's surface is mildly acidic, having a pH of around 5. Soaps with a high pH will not only dry the skin but also eliminate its acid mantle (coating on the surface).

The Proper Way To Cleanse Your Face

Moisten your face with warm water. Place a small amount of cleanser on the palm of your wet hand - about the size of a dime,rub the amount onto your fingertips and apply to the following areas, forehead, side of the face, under your eyes, your chin, down to your neck and decolette, using upward strokes, gently massaging into the skin. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry with a clean cotton towel.

SKIN CARE TIP I don't recommended using tissue to remove the cleanser as it contains tiny wood fibers that can be harsh on sensitive skin. Tissues can also leave small amounts of residue on the skin.

Proper cleansing will ensure that skin is ready for the next step in your natural skin care regimen and everyone notices healthy skin. Healthy skin is clean skin!

Maria is a Homeopathic Doctor and the founder and owner of Essona Organics, a company dedicated to providing high quality organic skin care, nutritional supplements, fragrances, aromatherapy blends, music therapy and beauty devices. Videos, articles and skin care tips at the Essona Organics website. Want to know your skin type? Take a free skin evaluation athttp://www.essona.com