Facial cleansing is important because the face has so many sebaceous glands that secrete oil.  In addition, some of us apply cosmetics that create a film on the skin and trap pollutants from the environment. Before cleansing that oil and grime, people need to understand how delicate the skin is on the face.

The outer layer of the epidermis (the stratum corneum), is responsible for the barrier qualities of the skin and has fewer layers on the face than most other parts of the body thus making facial skin thinner and more easily damaged. Also, the epidermis houses a layer of lipids (or fats) that make the skin soft and supple and play a major protective role. Cleansing should never be so vigorous that it removes these barriers that protect the skin and should never, ever be painful.  A kinder, gentler approach will reduce irritation, dryness and flakiness.

TIP:  Whatever skincare routine performed on your face should be done to the neck.  We pay a lot of attention to our face, but many of us ignore the skin on our neck. While the skin on our face is glowing, cleansed and moisturized, the skin on our neck can often look dull and a little darker.  So make sure the skin on your neck is treated like the skin on your face.