So what is a great cleanser?
One that not only does a great job of cleansing the skin and loosens dead skin cells but one that does not strip lipids and moisture from your skin.
Click on ALEGRIA Organic Facial Cream Cleanser to learn more.
What are lipids?
Put simply, they are the oils and fats that make up the oily parts of the skin. They diminish as we age but we can also find them in vegetable and nut oils to supplement some of their loss over time.
Why are lipids so important to the skin?
Lipids have moisture-binding properties which reduce moisture loss in the skin. Without moisture in the surface layers of the skin, the skin's elasticity, strength, appearance, barrier function and skin's immune system is compromised. Lipids diminish as we age but exposing our skin to chemicals and free radicals compromises their structure and function earlier on causing premature aging of the skin.
What impairs lipid and moisture function in the skin? Topical chemicals found in many skin care products, sun damage, smoking, poor diet and exposure to pollution can damage skin barrier lipids, collagen production and the skin's cell structure which leads to not only premature aging but other sensitive skin conditions and serious health issues.
Chemicals found in skin care cleansers that are known to strip skin barrier lipids include Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or similar Sodium Laureth Sulfate. SLS is a harsh detergent used as an engine degreaser and garage floor cleaner but also found in shampoo, soap and facial cleansers. Benzyl Peroxide is another harsh chemical found in many cleansers aimed at those with acne. Benzyl Peroxide has been linked to cancer and leads to over-drying of the skin, slows down the skin's natural ability to heal itself and disrupts the skin's natural ability to produce oils and healthy moisture. If after cleansing your face feels tight, feels stripped of its natural oils and or has lost that natural glow, it is time for a new cleanser.
By changing the cleanser to something natural yet nourishing for your skin, you'll find you'll be less reliant and frustrated trying to find that magical moisturiser that will create miracles for your skin. In these situations, if you have a poor cleanser that strips your natural oils and damages your skin cells, your new moisturizer (regardless of cost) will marginally make a difference to maintaining moisture in your skin and delaying premature aging.
What ingredients should I look for in a great cleanser?
You don't need to use harsh chemicals to clean your face and kill bacteria. As as a starter, look for a 100% natural cleanser. This will ensure that the product is free from any harsh chemicals and its adverse side effects listed above. However, the highest quality cleansers are those that are closest to 100% organic. This ensures that the raw natural ingredients sourced are grown without the use of chemicals or pesticides in soil.
Great ingredients to look out for in a great cleanser include 100% Organic Aloe Vera – this a fantastic base which is both soothing and moisturizing for the skin, anti-inflammatory oils such as Evening Primrose, Flaxseed oil (high in fatty acids) that help calm the skin from irritation and inflammation, Jojoba is also a great oil which mimics the natural producing facial oils and sebum which tricks the skin into thinking it has produced enough natural facial oil. Some essential oils that are important part of a cleansing, healing, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory regime include Lemon Myrtle, Clove Bud, Neroli and Sandlewood.
Click on ALEGRIA Organic Facial Cream Cleanser to learn more.
By using a cleanser with the above ingredients you will not only cleanse your face well, but you'll be adding wonderful nourishing ingredients feeding your skin cells, be free of toxins and adding back that wonderful healthy facial glow.
One that not only does a great job of cleansing the skin and loosens dead skin cells but one that does not strip lipids and moisture from your skin.
Click on ALEGRIA Organic Facial Cream Cleanser to learn more.
What are lipids?
Put simply, they are the oils and fats that make up the oily parts of the skin. They diminish as we age but we can also find them in vegetable and nut oils to supplement some of their loss over time.
Why are lipids so important to the skin?
Lipids have moisture-binding properties which reduce moisture loss in the skin. Without moisture in the surface layers of the skin, the skin's elasticity, strength, appearance, barrier function and skin's immune system is compromised. Lipids diminish as we age but exposing our skin to chemicals and free radicals compromises their structure and function earlier on causing premature aging of the skin.
What impairs lipid and moisture function in the skin? Topical chemicals found in many skin care products, sun damage, smoking, poor diet and exposure to pollution can damage skin barrier lipids, collagen production and the skin's cell structure which leads to not only premature aging but other sensitive skin conditions and serious health issues.
Chemicals found in skin care cleansers that are known to strip skin barrier lipids include Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or similar Sodium Laureth Sulfate. SLS is a harsh detergent used as an engine degreaser and garage floor cleaner but also found in shampoo, soap and facial cleansers. Benzyl Peroxide is another harsh chemical found in many cleansers aimed at those with acne. Benzyl Peroxide has been linked to cancer and leads to over-drying of the skin, slows down the skin's natural ability to heal itself and disrupts the skin's natural ability to produce oils and healthy moisture. If after cleansing your face feels tight, feels stripped of its natural oils and or has lost that natural glow, it is time for a new cleanser.
By changing the cleanser to something natural yet nourishing for your skin, you'll find you'll be less reliant and frustrated trying to find that magical moisturiser that will create miracles for your skin. In these situations, if you have a poor cleanser that strips your natural oils and damages your skin cells, your new moisturizer (regardless of cost) will marginally make a difference to maintaining moisture in your skin and delaying premature aging.
What ingredients should I look for in a great cleanser?
You don't need to use harsh chemicals to clean your face and kill bacteria. As as a starter, look for a 100% natural cleanser. This will ensure that the product is free from any harsh chemicals and its adverse side effects listed above. However, the highest quality cleansers are those that are closest to 100% organic. This ensures that the raw natural ingredients sourced are grown without the use of chemicals or pesticides in soil.
Great ingredients to look out for in a great cleanser include 100% Organic Aloe Vera – this a fantastic base which is both soothing and moisturizing for the skin, anti-inflammatory oils such as Evening Primrose, Flaxseed oil (high in fatty acids) that help calm the skin from irritation and inflammation, Jojoba is also a great oil which mimics the natural producing facial oils and sebum which tricks the skin into thinking it has produced enough natural facial oil. Some essential oils that are important part of a cleansing, healing, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory regime include Lemon Myrtle, Clove Bud, Neroli and Sandlewood.
Click on ALEGRIA Organic Facial Cream Cleanser to learn more.
By using a cleanser with the above ingredients you will not only cleanse your face well, but you'll be adding wonderful nourishing ingredients feeding your skin cells, be free of toxins and adding back that wonderful healthy facial glow.
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