I was recently asked this question:

“Dear Dr. Perricone,

Could you please elaborate on how to cleanse your skin properly?”

- Perricone Faithful User

While this seems like the most basic of all questions—and one that everyone knows the answer to, the reverse is actually true.

First a few basics.

What not to do

To avoid irritation, stay away from scrubbing grains, abrasive pads, washcloths, alcohol-based toners and astringents.  These can disturb the normal skin ph and produce aging inflammation and dryness. Don’t over wash the skin.

What to do

Cleansing in the morning and before bedtime will keep the skin fresh and comfortable.  Use warm and not hot water.  The very best way to cleanse the skin is in the shower, as this will ensure that all of the cleanser is thoroughly rinsed from the skin.  I like to pump the cleanser directly onto a small all-natural sea sponge.  This lathers up well.   Massage onto damp skin in gentle, circular motion. Rinse thoroughly and gently pat face dry.

What to look for in a cleanser

All cleansers need to accomplish the following goals:

• Remove surface impurities
• Quickly dissolves even the most stubborn make up, including eye makeup
• Be non-drying and non-irritating for even the most sensitive skin
• Leave skin clean, hydrated and refreshed

If you have very sensitive skin, I recommend that you choose a mild, non-detergent cleanser containing olive oil polyphenols, particular hydroxytyrosol.  This olive oil polyphenol has superior antioxidant properties and is highly effective in even the smallest concentrations.

If you have large pores and puffiness choose a cleanser with alpha lipoic acid and DMAE.  These nutrients will not just help skin feel thoroughly refreshed and clean; they will reveal a brighter, smoother surface, contributing to a radiant look to the skin. Alpha lipoic acid will do a wonderful job shrinking pores that may have become enlarged from overactive oil glands. DMAE redefines skin’s texture by improving the appearance of overall tone.

Another excellent ingredient in a cleanser is Vitamin C Ester (VCE).  It is even more effective when combined with DMAE.  VCE is a powerful antioxidant that is fat-soluble, making it highly skin-compatible, unlike its water-soluble cousin, Ascorbic Acid.  Vitamin C Ester will help improve firmness and elasticity to the skin, while diminishing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration.

Cleansing skin thoroughly is the ideal way to begin an effective anti-aging skin regimen.  By eliminating surface debris, dead skin cells and makeup, skin feels younger and looks positively glowing.  Treat your skin to cleansers that are non-drying and gentle, yet possess the ability to thoroughly cleanse, thereby properly preparing the skin for treatment and moisturizing.

This style of gentle yet through cleansing will remove stale oil, dirt and dead dry cells without damaging or drying the skin.

Does this make you re-think the way you have been cleansing your skin?