How a Gentle Facial Cleanser Can Improve Your Anti-Aging Routine

When you think of anti-aging skincare, creams, serums, and spot treatments likely come to mind. However, your cleansing habits have a huge impact on your skin’s appearance and health, which means they play an important role in your skincare routine. To further protect your skin from signs of aging, you’ll need to use a gentle facial cleanser the right way.

The Importance of Daily Cleansing

Most skin experts recommend washing your face twice a day: once in the morning and again before bed. Those with dryer skin types may be able to get away with a morning rinse but everyone should cleanse at night to remove makeup, dirt, oil, and bacteria. Otherwise, leftover particles can build up or settle into your pores and lead to dryness, irritation, breakouts, and inflammation.

The Dangers of Harsh Cleansers and Techniques

Daily face-washing is important but overwashing or using harsh products can have an adverse effect on your complexion. When the ingredients are too strong for your skin type or if you cleanse more often than your skin truly needs, you can experience dryness and irritation, which can lead to more wrinkles and sagging skin. Using a gentle facial cleanser the right way ensures your skin stays refreshed and hydrated.

Choosing the Right Gentle Facial Cleanser

When shopping for a new facewash, start by considering your individual skin type and needs. Look for products that are formulated to be gentle on your skin without stripping it of its natural oils. You may want to keep a few options like these on hand so you can customize each cleansing session based on your current needs.

For Plump, Firm Skin

While other cleansers might strip your skin of its protective barrier, ELEMIS Gentle Foaming Facial Wash actually works to replenish the lipid barrier on your face and neck. This means your skin looks and feels plump and hydrated with regular use. As a result, your skin can be better protected from the elements as well.

For Gentle Exfoliation

You may not think of a glycolic cleanser as being gentle on your skin. However, IMAGE Skincare Ageless Total Facial Cleanser provides just enough of this powerhouse ingredient to gently exfoliate as it cleanses, revealing skin that’s refreshed and positively glowing.

For an Extra Dose of Hydration

Some harsher cleansers can leave your skin feeling tight and uncomfortable. If dryness is an issue for you, try a moisturizing cleanser, such as Julep Love Your Bare Face Creme-to-Foam Cleanser. It’s pH balanced and crafted with ceramides to restore and protect your skin’s natural moisture barrier.

For a Nutrient-Dense Cleanse

If you want a facewash that does more than simply sweep away dirt and oil, try Perricone MD High Potency Classics Nutritive Cleanser. This gentle facial cleanser is packed with nutrients to enhance your complexion, including:

• Alpha hydroxy acids
• Alpha lipoic acids
• Hydrating copper complex

It’s also free from parabens and phthalates and is 100% vegan.

Other Helpful Tips for Gentle Cleansing

Choosing the right facewash is only the beginning when it comes to protecting your skin from signs of aging. Ensure your technique is up to par as well by following these simple but helpful cleansing tips.

Mind Your Water Temperature

Hot water may feel relaxing at the end of a long day but it can also irritate your skin and dry it out. When washing your face, use lukewarm water that’s just a step above cool. It should be comfortable to the touch and not hot against your skin.

Dry With Care

Rubbing your face with a towel can damage your skin, breaking down connective tissue and stretching your pores. Be sure to dry by gently patting your face instead of rubbing it. Use a soft clean towel and dab just enough to remove most of the water from your face and neck.

Follow Up With a Good Dose of Moisture

Even when you use a gentle facial cleanser, you should still apply a healthy moisturizer after every use to maintain proper moisture balance. Freshly washed skin is also more apt to absorb those powerful anti-aging ingredients. This means it’s the perfect time to apply serums, spot treatments, and intensive moisturizers.

Cleansing is an important step in your anti-aging skincare routine. Choose a gentle facial cleanser and use it properly for youthful results and healthier skin. For even more information, read this article from WebMD on anti-aging skincare essentials.