Anyone who suffered from acne as a child became accustomed to parental requests asking that they cleanse their face several times a day. It was thought that oily skin, in addition to dirt and other contaminants lingering on the skin’s surface caused acne. While there is some merit to these notions, they are not entirely true. Acne is initially triggered by an abnormal skin desquamation cycle. The skin does not properly shed its outer layers, and instead the dead skin makes its way into pores.
If dead skin is to blame, why is it such a bad idea to continually wash your face to help remove it? For one, our skin is sensitive. Every time you wet and dry it, you strip it of sebum. Sebum is what helps the skin preserve its moisture. Whenever the skin is dry and irritated, it is more acne-prone. The protectant layer of the skin known as the acid mantle is unable to function properly when irritation is rampant.
Acidic imbalances can also prove troublesome in treating acne. Soaps are often a main source of disruption. The outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum (also known as the acid mantle) requires acidic conditions for optimal performance. A quick cleansing with a regular soap bar can drastically effect pH levels. Soap is very basic, or alkaline. It can cause an imbalance for up to 24 hours. Evidently, the acid mantle is never really allowed to fully restore itself since most of us continue to use harsh products within that window.
Excessive washing worsens acne. You need to buy gentle products, and should not cleanse your skin more than two times a day. A good combination of topical medications is also necessary. However, these will not perform to expectations if your skin is irritated.
If your intent in cleansing is to remove oil, you should purchase oil-blotting sheets. These thin tissues can be transported discretely and are ready at a moment’s notice. They will quickly absorb oil from your skin without the added irritation that cleansing induces. Make sure your hands are relatively clean before using these.
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