Saturday, March 15, 2008

Shopping for..."anti aging" skin cleanser


The expert: Dr. Alicia D. Zalka, on staff at Danbury and New Milford Hospitals in CT and an Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Yale University. She is also in private practice.

The product: “anti aging” skin cleanser

What I want: A gentle soap-free cleanser which leaves my face feeling both clean and smooth without dryness or irritation. My needs may vary from season to season.

I must have: Mild or no fragrance, granules for exfoliation; or an active ingredient like salicylic acid or glycolic acid to help slough the “old” skin cells while leaving the “new” cells smooth and, to use a cliché, “radiant.”

What I hate: Slimy-feeling cleansers, thick cleansers that you can’t squeeze out of the bottle or tube easily, and products that cost too much and don’t deliver.

Savvy shopper: Being a dermatologist I have tried literally every cleanser on the market. I recommend not spending a lot of money on a face cleanser—remember it is on your skin for at most one to three minutes and it then gets rinsed right down the drain! Look for a cleanser that is appropriate for your skin type. If you have sensitive skin that is easily irritated you must avoid alcohol, benzoyl peroxide and acids in your cleanser. The expectation of a cleanser for skin rejuvenation is two-fold: on a daily basis it should remove dull skin, leave the newer layer of cells intact and leave it protected. Take your time, ask for samples and don’t be pressured into buying a costly cleanser unless you are sure you want it or have tried it.

My pick: Clarins One Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser ($33.50, Bloomingdales).

Next best thing: Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Facial Scrub ($7.99, CVS).

as told to Laurie Squire

No comments: