When it comes to paying attention and taking care of the skin, the first product that pops into your mind may just be the use of a suitable moisturiser, or even an SPF to help protect us from our sunny climates.
While these products are important, the truth is that when it comes to maintaining a healthy skin, proper cleansing is probably one of the most important steps to incorporate.
When it comes to cleansing the skin, it is important to understand skin care basics as the skin itself is a complex structure.
The topmost or superficial part of the skin is called the epidermis and is comprised of different cells, including skin cells or corneocytes, melanocytes, which are the cells that produce skin colour or pigment, and Langerhans cells which play a role in immunity. Along with these different cells, the skin is comprised of different glands such as the sebaceous, or oil-producing glands, and the sweat glands. In fact, just one cm2 of skin may present with an average of 100 sweat glands and 15 sebaceous glands. While these glands themselves lie within the deeper dermal layer of the skin, they have great impact on the health of the skin. These glands open onto the surface of the skin and secrete sweat and sebum (oil) which play an important role in skin barrier health, locking in moisture and assisting to fight bacterial growth. The problem comes in when too much oil or sweat is produced, this will start to build up on the skin and in turn dirt and debris becomes trapped on the skin, leading to unfavourable skin conditions. This is where your cleanser comes in.
The ideal cleanser will be one containing active ingredients that assist to emulsify and remove excess oil, dirt, unwanted debris, make-up and micro-organisms without stripping the skin of vital moisture or harming the skin’s protective barrier in any way. It is for this reason that using a typical bar of soap to clean your skin will just not do. The pH of a healthy skin should be acidic in nature, with the ideal pH range falling somewhere between 4.5 – 5.5. As most soap bars are alkaline in nature, with a high pH value, using a soap to clean the skin causes a massive shift in pH and leads to a compromised skin barrier whilst completely stripping the skin of all its protection.
It is therefore important to choose your cleanser wisely, keeping these 3 points in mind:
- Firstly, the most important thing to consider is how much oil does your skin naturally produce i.e. how oily or dry is your skin?
- Secondly, what is the current state of your barrier health i.e is your skin already compromised in any way?
- And lastly, how sensitive is your skin; this will help determine if your skin can tolerate higher levels of actives.
With this in mind, DermaFix Cosmeceutical Skin Care has formulated a range of cleansers, helping you find that perfect match for your skin as follows:
DermaFix DermaPrep Pre-Cleanse
Properly removing make-up is vital to the whole cleansing step within your skin care routine. DermaFix DermaPrep Pre-Cleanse is an oil- and water-soluble formulation that gently cleans the skin without compromising the skin health. Emulsifying with the addition of water, this is the ideal cleanser to use, adequately removing make-up and oil impurities from the skin whilst causing any irritation or tightness. Mild enough to use around the eye-area.
DermaFix Gentle Cleansing Gel
Safe to use across all skin types, DermaFix Gentle Cleansing Gel is mild, foaming cleanser that gently lifts away surface impurities without stripping the skin of vital moisture. May be used around the eye area or even as a shaving medium for men.
DermaFix Active Cleaning Gel
This is the ideal cleanser to use on the truly oily or problematic skin type. Formulated with Salicylic Acid, an oil-soluble beta hydroxy, DermaFix Active Cleansing Gel spirals down into the pores, providing a deep cleansing action on the skin. The addition of Camphor allows for anti-inflammatory benefits whilst helping to soothe the skin, however due to the alpha and beta hydroxy content, it is not ideal for sensitive or reactive skin types.
DermaFix Hydra-Silk Cleanser
This cream cleanser is the perfect choice for anyone struggling with dry, sensitive or reactive skin. DermaFix Hydra-Silk works to repair a compromised skin barrier whilst providing anti-inflammatory and skin soothing benefits. Especially beneficial for eczema, psoriasis and rosacea sufferers.
DermaFix Brightening Cleanser
A foaming gel-based cleanser that is one of a kind. DermaFix Brightening Cleanser helps brighten the skin as it cleans, whilst assisting to prevent the formation of excessive melanin that leads to hyperpigmentation. For best results, leave on the skin for a few minutes before rinsing off.
MD Prescriptives Mandelic Cleanser
A multi-functional foaming cleanser that delicately yet deeply cleanses the skin, and is perfect for use on skin presenting with more than one concern. Formulated with Mandelic AHA, MD Prescriptives Mandelic Cleanser offers skin rejuvenation benefits for an ageing skin, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial benefits for a breakout-prone skin whilst helping to brighten a hyperpigmented skin.
No matter what your skin types or concern may be, DermaFix Cosmeceutical Skin Care has the cleanser for you. For more on these or other products within the DermaFix range, visit www.dermafix.co.za.