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Seasonal Skincare tips from the expert - Spring
By Dr.Linda Franks.
Spring is a time of renewal, of cleansing in the truest sense. Why not seize
the opportunity to do a little "spring cleaning" yourself? Take a look at how you clean your face - is it time for a change?
Is there a wrong way to cleanse your face?
"Yes. While the deodorant soap in the shower may be tempting because it's there, it's probably the worst thing you can use on your face. The answer is based on simple chemistry. We all have some degree of oil on our skin. When you wash your face, many times you are stripping it of its pH balance. Skin can best be classified as an acid. Soap, on the other hand, is a base. By combining the acidity of the skin with the alkaline properties of the soap, you create a reaction that can dry the skin. The stronger the soap, the more disruption to protective lipids and proteins on the skin."
The best way to cleanse your face is with a
non-soap gentle cleanser.
"Most standard body soaps are too drying for the face. Gentle cleansers tend to be closer to the natural pH of the skin (4.5 and 5.5). Dermatologists recommend cleansing your face twice a day (morning and evening) with a gentle, soap-free cleanser. Don't forget to cleanse your neck - it's as visible as your face."
Spring cleaning? Don't forget your makeup drawer.
"There are no regulations that require cosmetic manufacturers to print expiration dates on the labels of cosmetic products. Most cosmetics have a shelf life of no longer than 6 months once opened, after which they can spoil. A few standard product life spans include: one year for foundation and lipstick; three months for mascara; and two years for powder and shadows. Moisturizers, foundations, etc., tend to have a shelf life of about 1 year after opening if stored properly. Products with SPF tend to lose their effectiveness after one season. Store your cosmetics and facial care products outside of the bathroom. Humidity can also affect a product's longevity. It's also important to wash make-up brushes and sponges regularly since they can harbor dirt and germs that will aggravate sensitive skin."
By Dr.Linda Franks.
Spring is a time of renewal, of cleansing in the truest sense. Why not seize
the opportunity to do a little "spring cleaning" yourself? Take a look at how you clean your face - is it time for a change?
Is there a wrong way to cleanse your face?
"Yes. While the deodorant soap in the shower may be tempting because it's there, it's probably the worst thing you can use on your face. The answer is based on simple chemistry. We all have some degree of oil on our skin. When you wash your face, many times you are stripping it of its pH balance. Skin can best be classified as an acid. Soap, on the other hand, is a base. By combining the acidity of the skin with the alkaline properties of the soap, you create a reaction that can dry the skin. The stronger the soap, the more disruption to protective lipids and proteins on the skin."
The best way to cleanse your face is with a
non-soap gentle cleanser.
"Most standard body soaps are too drying for the face. Gentle cleansers tend to be closer to the natural pH of the skin (4.5 and 5.5). Dermatologists recommend cleansing your face twice a day (morning and evening) with a gentle, soap-free cleanser. Don't forget to cleanse your neck - it's as visible as your face."
Spring cleaning? Don't forget your makeup drawer.
"There are no regulations that require cosmetic manufacturers to print expiration dates on the labels of cosmetic products. Most cosmetics have a shelf life of no longer than 6 months once opened, after which they can spoil. A few standard product life spans include: one year for foundation and lipstick; three months for mascara; and two years for powder and shadows. Moisturizers, foundations, etc., tend to have a shelf life of about 1 year after opening if stored properly. Products with SPF tend to lose their effectiveness after one season. Store your cosmetics and facial care products outside of the bathroom. Humidity can also affect a product's longevity. It's also important to wash make-up brushes and sponges regularly since they can harbor dirt and germs that will aggravate sensitive skin."
