Starting slumber with a clean slate—or face, that is—is key to better beauty sleep. Properly cleansing and removing makeup at night allows the skin to breathe, helps keep pores clear, and washes away the environmental pollutants and impurities that may contribute to oxidative damage.

In fact, sleeping in makeup means that free radicals that accumulate on the skin throughout the day linger all night; when done repeatedly, this can prematurely age the skin by encouraging the breakdown of collagen. Furthermore, when eye makeup is not removed properly, it can lead to eye irritation or potential infection.

Like most skin care products, cleansers are not one-size-fits-all. While a gentle face wash works well for most skin types, those with special skin concerns may wish to select a cleanser that provides added benefits.

Oily or acne-prone skin types should look for a foaming cleanser that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which will help to gently dislodge dead skin cells and debris from the pores. We like SkinMedica^® Purifying Foaming Wash. Avoid harsh scrubs, which can actually cause tiny lacerations in the skin and exacerbate acne.

Acne sufferers can follow the cleansing step with a toner like SkinMedica^® Purifying Toner, which contains salicylic acid to help reduce clogged pores and control breakouts.

Creamy, emollient cleansers help mature skins to retain moisture. Those plagued with dull, dry skin can also try a cleanser with alpha hydroxy acids such as SkinMedica^® AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, which helps reveal brighter, smoother and more even-toned skin.

Sensitive Skin Cleanser from SkinMedica^® provides extra-gentle cleansing for post-procedure patients or sensitive skin types, thanks to a blend of skin-soothing botanical extracts.

Remember that after cleansing, the skin should never feel tight or “squeaky-clean.” If it does, this indicates that your cleanser is too harsh and is stripping necessary oils from the skin; switch to a gentle, soap-free formula instead.

By: SkinMedica