Can a facial cleanser cause breakouts?

The short answer is yes and here is why.

Can facial cleanser cause breakouts

Who does not like a fresh face to start or end the day? From the lathering to the refreshing sensation of water on your face, washing your face is empowering. But this simple act can be damaging to your skin.

All cleansers contain molecules called surfactants. These cleansing and foam-forming agents bind to oil and dirt, dissolving grim in water, and washing it away. The outer layer of every skin is made of protein-rich cells (corneocytes) held together in a complex fatty layer made up of ceramides, cholesterol and other fatty acids. Though the skin is pretty resistant, harsh surfactants can disturb this delicate balance and lead to irritations and breakouts. Here are three reasons why:

1. Harsh surfactants dissolve oil and grime but also the fatty layer and proteins, compromising the skin integrity.

2. Even with a good rinse, harsh surfactant forms strong bonds with the proteins and even can get stuck between cells causing irritation and inflammation.

3. Harsh surfactants often basic can change your skin's PH (acidic), compromising its ability to repair itself, causing irritation, inflammation and the growth of certain bacteria.

So bottom line, it is important to choose the right surfactant-containing cleanser to reap the benefit. Here are a few tips for selecting the right cleansers:

1. Avoid cleaners containing surfactants like “sodium XXate” – sodium laurate, sodium cocoate, sodium tallowate) or sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). Milder surfactants include sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB), sodium cocoyl isethionate, alkyl sulfosuccinates (“XX succinate” in an ingredients list) and alkyl sarcosinates.

2. Choose cleansers that contain moisturizing ingredients like oils like sunflower oil and mineral oil, fatty acids like stearic acid and humectants like glycerin and sorbitol.

3. Use cold water because hot water increases the ability of surfactants to penetrate the skin.

4. Use less cleanser and minimize washing time. The less cleanser and the quicker it is, the better it is.

5. Use a toner after washing your face to remove excess surfactant. Our Mango Papaya Brightening Toner is formulated with witch-hazel, a mild astringent and vitamin C to restore the skin PH and dissolve unwanted residues on your skin. Try it today and shop now.