Washing your face isn’t rocket science, right? Not so fast.
“It’s essential to cleanse the right way for your skin type,” says
New York City dermatologist HEIDI WALDORF. “That
way, you’ll address your skin’s unique issues and prep it to better
absorb any subsequent products you apply.” Here’s how to
wash your way to a clear, radiant, photo-ready complexion.
OILY
You’ve heard that benzoyl peroxide and
salicylic acid are great for your acne-
prone skin. But they’re not interchange-
able, says Waldorf. BP is an antibacterial
that dries out blemishes but doesn’t
eliminate oil; salicylic acid unclogs pores
and reduces grease and shine. Look
for a salicylic-based foaming cleanser,
like Clinique Acne Solutions Cleansing
Foam ($20), which will remove dirt
and makeup without stripping your skin.
(That’s super important because over-
drying leads to increased oil production.)DRY
Rinsing your face can leave skin
extra parched, so skip that step entirely.
(Yes, really!) Instead, tr y one of the
new micellar cleansing waters. These
rinse-free liquids contain oil molecules
suspended in water. Applied with
a cotton pad, they remove dirt and
makeup without dehydrating skin.
We like Caudalie Make-Up Remover
Cleansing Water ($28).HYPERPIGMENTED
While a face wash alone can’t reduce
dark spots—“It’s not on your skin long
enough,” Waldorf says—an exfoliating
formula like Eve Lom Cleanser ($80)
will slough off dead skin to help spot-
fading treatments penetrate better. Just
switch things up with a gentle wash
at night to ensure you don’t overscrub.SENSITIVE
Look for a milky cleanser with a sooth-
ing ingredient like glycerin, chamomile,
or soy (we like La Roche-Posay Toleriane
Dermo-Cleanser, $24), then apply it
gently in circular motions with your
hands, as anything textured can irritate.
Pat—don’t rub—with a soft towel, and
follow immediately with moisturizer.YOU ASKED, WE ANSWERED!
ARE OIL CLEANSERS JUST A GIMMICK?
Nope. Oil is one of the best ways
to remove makeup, says Waldorf. One
caveat: It should be reserved for those
with normal or dry skin, as it doesn’t do
much to reduce oil production. We like
Burt’s Bees Facial Cleansing Oil ($16).CAN FACIAL WIPES REPLACE CLEANSER?
If you have normal skin and don’t
wear a ton of makeup, yes, says
Waldorf. Otherwise, best to save them
for nights when you’re really tired.
We love Sephora Collection Express
Cleansing & Exfoliating Wipes ($9).CAN I USE MY ACNE FACE WASH ON
MY BACK BREAKOUTS? It’s better to use
a body wash, which is specifically
formulated for tougher skin. Alternate
between one with salicylic acid
(to exfoliate) and one with benzoyl
peroxide (to kill bacteria).THE SECRET
TO THAT
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250 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016 BRIDES.COMBEAUTY
LISA SHIN/ANDERSON HOPKINS