1. Why Should You Use a Facial Cleanser?

2. Why Should I Use A Facial Cleanser?
Have you asked yourself this question? Assuming you don't
know the purpose of a facial cleanser, you may wonder how
it differs from a bar of soap, or if it's essential to your
skin care routine. You're not alone. This is a common
question among those who've discovered the importance of
healthy skin and have recently begun their skin care
regimen. You want to incorporate the right products; but
does a cleanser fit the bill?
To shed some light on facial cleansers, let's take a look at the
general benefits; the difference between cleansers and
soap; the best cleansers to buy, and how/when to apply a
facial cleanser.

3. Benefits
The benefits are numerous. Their most important role is
to gently rid the skin of dirt and debris, surface
bacteria and environmental toxins. The initial effect is
soothed, relaxed skin. If used regularly, greater
changes can occur within days. Skin texture softens
and evens out, while dry skin, blemishes and wrinkles
are reduced.
Cleansers also have a balancing effect during the changing
seasons. During winter, our skin tends to dry out; in
summer, it produces excess oil. Facial cleansers work
to maintain moisture when it's cold, then reduce oil
excretions when the weather is hot.

4. Facial Cleanser Vs. Soap
The reason skin therapists recommend a facial cleanser
over a bar of soap all comes down to pH levels. The
outermost layer of our skin has a pH of about 5.5. The
outer layer is somewhat acidic to keep moisture in and
germs out. Cleansers have a pH level similar to our skin,
ranging a bit higher than 5.5. As a result, it cleans
germs without causing dryness.
A bar of soap is said to have a pH level of 9, meaning it's
very alkaline. As a result, a bar of soap will get rid of
germs, strip the skin of its moisture and create
dryness. This is the main reason facial cleansers are
better than soap bars. Soap does clean skin, but it also
removes essential moisture and strips away your acid
mantle.

5. Organic Cleansers
Now that you know the benefits of a facial cleanser, your
next move is probably to the drug store to pick up a
name brand product. This may sound like a good idea,
but first consider one thing:. Natural facial cleansers
and those you see at a drug store differ immensely.
Why is that?
The ingredients make all the difference. Most cleansers
you find at the drug store have active chemicals that
can harm your skin. Buying organic cleansers with
natural ingredients such as oatmeal, almond and
essential oils will impart a natural glow and aren't
harmful in the least.

6. How and When to Use Facial Cleansers
You should use a cleanser in your AM and PM routine. This
routine should include:
1. Facial Cleanser
2. Facial Toner
3. Moisturizer
4. Bi-weekly exfoliator
In order for it to work in all facets (reducing blackheads,
acne, oil and dry skin), you have to be consistent in the
following steps.

7. Step 1
Wash your hands before applying product to your face.
Remove make-up (during PM routine).
Step 2
Apply a small amount of cleanser between your hands
and create a lather (not all cleansers will create a
lather). Gently rub it into your skin with your
fingertips.
Step 3
In a circular motion, distribute the cleanser evenly
along your neck and all over your face, stopping at
the hairline. Rinse with cool water until cleanser is
completely removed.
Step 4
Gently dry your face with a towel, and apply facial toner
with a cotton ball, followed by a moisturizer.

8. Sources:
http://www.hylunia.com/products/face-care/facial-cleansers
http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-Should-You-Use-a-Facial-Cleanser?
&id=7745923