It's time to kick the bar scene

OK, so I realize a lot of people already know that bar soap is bad for their skin. However, I have had a recent slew of clients that use bar soap on their face, and they were absolutely astonished when I pleaded with them to never use it again! So this post is for them and just a reminder for those who already know. When I hear a client tell me their face is uncontrollably oily my first questions is always, "What are you using to cleanse your skin?" And more often than not the answer is bar soap. The reason bar soap is causing this increase in oil is due to the fact that it strips the skin of all the natural oils needed to keep itself hydrated and balanced. Immediately after cleansing, the skin may feel dry and tight, then later it will begin overproducing oil in order to rehydrate and restore balance. Over stripping the skin isn't just bad for oily skin tho, it can cause irreversible damage to all skin types. Natural oils form a protective barrier on the surface of the skin called the acid mantle; this thin acidic layer protects against bacteria and viruses entering the body through the skin.  Also, the skin needs natural, healthy oils to hold moisture inside. When moisture is lost through the skin, the skin becomes dehydrated forming a crepey texture that, if not treated, becomes permanent and may also lead to premature aging.  

Now, what should you use? Well, I'll be honest, I am not a believer in overspending on a cleanser. The fact is cleansers usually only remain on the skin for less than a minute. What you need is something gentle, that will still remove all traces of dirt and makeup. There are literally hundreds of well-formulated cleansers out there, for a reasonable enough price. If you are oily you will appreciate a  foaming or gel cleanser, while someone on the drier side may use more of a milky, creamy and possibly sulfate free cleanser. Oil cleansers are also becoming more and more popular, these are good for all skin types, yes EVEN oily skin. They are particularly great for removing makeup (including eye makeup). If you are oily or breakout prone, oil cleansers are a nice pre-cleanse to remove makeup and then you can use your gently foaming cleanser as a second cleanse to get a nice deep clean.

If you're intent on using up that last sliver of bar soap, please I beg of you, keep it far from your face! And next time you're tempted by that 98 cent price tag on that 4 pack of bar soap, remember you don't have to spend a fortune to get a good cleanser and the health of your skin is truly priceless.