Skin Care Myths about Cleansing- Debunked

Reality: Overzealous face washing and cleansing, whether more than twice a day or with products that leave your skin as tight as a drum, can actually cause damage, says Cheryl Karcher, a dermatologist in America. “The water-cleanser combo can strip skin of its natural oils and compromise its barrier, which can set you up for irritation and dehydration,” she says. Therefore you should avoid cleansers that contain harsh surfactants, which rid skin of too much oil and leave it so dry that it feels taut—and might just squeak if you dragged a finger across it. Some common surfactants include sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), and ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS). Instead of these, look for gentler cleaning agents, such as sodium laureth sulfate which will help cleanse the pores without stripping the oils.