Oily Skin: The selection of cleansers for oily skin should involve using products that rinse off well, both bar soaps and liquid cle...
Oily Skin:
The selection of cleansers for oily skin should involve using products
that rinse off well, both bar soaps and liquid cleansers have been
formulated for this purpose. Many of the soap gels and stronger liquid
cleansers are helpful for oily skin. Because the skin on the face, chest
and back is oilier than the rest of the body, it may be necessary to
use one product on these areas, and a more moisturizing product on the
arms, legs, hands and feet. Many of the cleansers which are appropriate
for acne-prone skin, would be suitable for oily skin.
Dry Skin:
The use of hard-milled face soaps and gentle synthetic detergents are
very appropriate for dry skin. It may be necessary to only use cleansers
on the face and body folds, when the ambient humidity is low for
example, in the winter or in the south-western United States. There are
many liquid cleansers formulated by cosmetic houses as well as products
like Cetaphil or Aquanil which are very useful. There are some new
products, which incorporate a liquid cleanser in a cleansing sheet,
these act to leave on a modicum of petrolatum after the final rinse and
have been demonstrated to be effective.
Normal Skin:
Most people can cleanse with bar soap daily. The synthetic detergent
soaps react better with hard water. Liquid cleansers and soap gels are
popular at this time, the advantages, being cleaner dispensers in the
bathroom. The cleansing sheets may be used for normal skin as well, the
petrolatum is suspended in the water by crystals that dissolve in the
last rinse leaving the skin feeling smooth and moist. People with normal
skin may enjoy using a loofah-type sponge to clean themselves, these
have been sold with some liquid cleansers.
Sensitive Skin:
People with sensitive skin can react easily to fragrance and
preservatives, and should avoid mechanical cleansers such as cleansing
grains, brushes and loofahs. Most synthetic detergents have the pH
balanced favorably for the skin and are well tolerated by sensitive
persons. A few liquid cleansers are not irritating, but many interact
with the skin because of their additional surfactants. Two
non-irritating cleansers are Cetaphil and Aquanil lotions, many of the
hard-milled soaps are well tolerated also.
Antibacterial Cleansers:
These products were introduced in the 1960' s and have been used by many
people since. They initially contained photosensitizers, which have
since been removed. Triclosan is currently the most common active
ingredient. For persons in occupations, which demand extra precautions,
these products have been helpful. However, for many dermatologists,
these products are very drying to the skin and they often contribute to
hand and body eczema. Various antibacterial cleansers are available that
are of benefit to acne patients, such as Tersaseptic.
