When choosing a skin cleanser, two groups of important circumstances must be taken into account. One of them concerns the type of skin, since the components included, for example, & nbsp; in a cleansing gel or toner for sensitive skin will be significantly different from the active ingredients in cleansing products for problem skin.
Another group of important circumstances – these are the possibilities of combining components, since the aggressiveness of some can easily be offset by the calming effect of other ingredients of the product. Read about the principles of choosing a skin cleanser at estet-portal.com.
How to evaluate the potential of a surfactant in a skin cleanser
Surfactants are one of the key components of a cleanser because they contain hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules that can dissolve and emulsify virtually any type of contaminant on the skin. The composition of surfactants can be different – some of them foam vigorously and actively cleanse, but are quite aggressive towards the skin, others have a milder effect, but their cleansing properties are weaker.
Today, you can choose skin cleansing products in which surfactants are combined with each other – and then the concentration of components that are harsh for the skin decreases, the irritating effect softens, but at the same time the product lathers well and cleanses the skin.
This could be, for example, a combination of lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate and betaine.
Another version of a mild skin cleanser – containing amino acids, such as monosodium cocoyl glutamate and sodium lauroyl. They perfectly lather, clean without damaging the skin and even moisturize it additionally.
Skin cleansers that are marketed as natural usually contain oatmeal or soapwort extracts. These extracts are rich in proteins and have lathering properties. However, to create foam, synthetic surfactants are still added to such products.
Additional components of the skin cleanser
The aggressive properties of surfactants in a skin cleanser can be greatly mitigated or even completely neutralized by additional ingredients of different properties.
- Moisturizing ingredients. They help to retain moisture on the surface of the skin and prevent the feeling of tightness after washing. The molecules of these components bind to the scales of the stratum corneum, soften it and prevent brittleness and cracking. Most often, glycerin is introduced as a moisturizing component in skin cleansers, and it can also be mineral oil, aloe gel, proteins, stearyl alcohol, propylene glycol, dimethicone.
- Soothing components. Usually these are herbal extracts that can block the inflammation caused by the irritating properties of surfactants, eliminate itching and flaking. It can be extracts of calendula, white willow, sea buckthorn, plantain. Algae extracts and Dead Sea minerals give a good calming effect.
How to choose the right skin cleanser for the problem you are dealing with
If you have to choose a cleanser for sensitive delicate skin, it is very important that it gives a soft, non-irritating foam. It is better if such a product is packed in a container with a vacuum dispenser in order to completely minimize any risk of irritating effects. As part of such a tool, usually & nbsp; glycosides and amino acids, betaines are combined, and lactic or glycolic acid is included to achieve the desired pH level. Allantoin, collagen, glycerin are introduced as additives.
As a cleanser for problem skin, harder components with sulfates are selected, since in this case a good cleansing of the skin from sebaceous secretions is necessary. But such gels and foams necessarily include extracts of soothing plants – chamomile, sage, lemon balm, rosemary, which also have the properties of mild antiseptics.
Complete skin cleansing followed by an alcohol-free tonic with a slightly acidic reaction – it will remove detergent residues from the skin and restore the acid balance of the skin. In the conditions of the cosmetologist's office, to prepare the patient's skin for procedures, it is necessary to thoroughly cleanse the skin. To do this, two preparations are mixed - a water-based gel containing allantoin and an oil-based agent, with the addition of a small amount of water and mixing, an excellent cleansing emulsion is obtained. It works gently and is suitable for any skin type, does not foam and allows you to remove impurities and make-up of absolutely any type.
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