Does your skin feel tight after facewash? Blame it on harsh cleansers with a cocktail of harmful chemicals

Harsh cleansers, armed with potent chemicals, can disrupt the skin's natural harmony

You've seen those ads where a woman's skin glows in the morning sun after using a face wash. Did you wish your skin could feel as alive and soft, but ended up with dry skin after cleansing?

Every day, our skin has to endure various harmful elements: dirt, makeup, and other substances that water alone cannot wash away. These impurities need special ingredients to dissolve them and make them easy to rinse off with water. That's why we need cleansers.

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Cleansers contain special ingredients like emulsifiers, detergents, surfactants, or soaps that effectively clean our skin. As we aim to achieve healthy and radiant skin, we often face the challenge of finding the right balance between effective cleansing and avoiding any discomfort or irritation to our skin.

Using harsh cleansers can take a toll on your skin, leading to a range of uncomfortable issues. Soon after washing, you may notice a sensation of tightness as the water evaporates swiftly from your skin's surface. These cleansers can also strip your skin of its natural moisture, leaving it dry, flaky, and rough, especially in cold, dry conditions.

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Skin irritation, characterised by redness and itching, is another common side effect, often resulting from damage to the skin's protective barrier. In some cases, the presence of fragrances, preservatives, or dyes in these harsh cleansers can trigger allergic reactions, manifesting as rashes and discomfort.

A recent study discovered that the skin, the extraordinary outer layer, communicates with us in subtle ways, conveying sensations like tightness. Researchers at Stanford University in the US recently made remarkable strides in deciphering this silent language. Their work not only explains how skincare products impact skin health but also sheds light on the emotions they stir. Reinhold Dauskardt, a Professor at Stanford, calls this research a monumental leap, as it reveals not just the effects of products on skin health but also their impact on our skin's perception.

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Why do harsh cleansers tighten the skin?

Harsh cleansers, armed with potent chemicals, can disrupt the skin's natural harmony. They affect vital components like proteins and lipids, often leading to dryness, irritation, and that uncomfortable sensation of tightness after cleansing. In contrast, gentle cleansers minimise interactions with these crucial skin components, making them less likely to cause irritation and skin damage.

The role of pH levels and skin swelling:

The pH level of a cleanser significantly influences its effect on our skin. High pH solutions can lead to skin swelling and lipid disruption. Experts recommend cleansers with a pH closer to our skin's natural pH of 5.5, as they tend to be gentler on the skin and reduce the risk of discomfort.

Tips for a skin-friendly cleansing

A good quality cleanser helps to maintain the skin's natural moisture, ensuring it remains supple and comfortable, rather than dry or aggravated.

• Opt for gentle cleansers with mild ingredients.
• Choose pH-balanced cleansers closer to a pH of 5.5 to maintain the skin's natural balance.
• Look for cleansers containing mildness enhancers and moisturising agents like lipids, occlusives, and humectants to reduce damage and support a healthy skin barrier.