Facial cleansing

Facial cleansing is an important part of your daily skincare routine. Throughout the day, your skin is exposed to various environmental stressors. Dust, dirt, and excess sebum must be removed. Otherwise, pores can become clogged, resulting in blemishes like blackheads or pimples. Our outer protective layer performs a number of important functions, including regulating body temperature. It fends off external influences such as pathogens or UV radiation and serves as a sensory organ.

Dry skin, in particular, is unable to perform these functions to their full extent. It loses moisture and thus becomes more permeable. The causes for this are complex. Many people will confirm that this problem occurs more frequently in winter. The activity of the sebaceous glands is reduced at low temperatures, causing them to produce fewer protective lipids. The dry air also increases moisture loss. Other skin types are affected year-round. It would be beyond the scope of this article to list all the possible causes. The most common, however, include hormonal changes, poor or malnutrition, genetic predisposition, the use of unsuitable cosmetics, nicotine and alcohol consumption, or even the use of certain medications. In addition, skin automatically tends to become dry with age because sebum production decreases.

In any case, it's important to cleanse your face as gently as possible. After all, skin is often brittle, cracked, or rough. This also leaves it feeling tight, and itching is common. This makes it even more susceptible to external influences. Therefore, the mildest possible products are needed to protect the damaged protective barrier. Dermaplan has developed a concept specifically for this need together with dermatologists. The entire range is free from allergenic and harmful ingredients. It contains no emulsifiers, which would only further stress the skin. Dermaplan also avoids perfumes and fragrances, silicones, preservatives, mineral oils, dyes, animal ingredients, and PEGs (polyethylene glycols).

It's particularly stressful when atopic dermatitis or psoriasis appears on the face. Because these skin problems are visible to everyone, they can also have a psychological impact on those affected. Unfortunately, the face, along with the hands, is the area of ​​the body most exposed to environmental influences. Atopic dermatitis then primarily develops around the eyes, on the forehead, on the cheeks, behind the ears, and on the scalp.

Psoriasis, also known by its more common name, affects the nostrils, around the eyebrows, cheeks, eyelids, forehead, and even in and on the ears. Unlike in other parts of the body, the so-called plaques – the areas affected by skin changes – are smaller but just as red. Itching caused by inflamed skin is typical of both atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Unfortunately, those affected find it extremely difficult to resist scratching. This leads to damage to the already compromised protective barrier, making it even more vulnerable and permeable to viruses, bacteria, and microorganisms. As a result, the skin's appearance worsens further, and itching can become more severe. With the right care and cleansing, this vicious cycle can be broken.

However, caution is advised when cleansing the skin, as improper procedures can deprive it of even more moisture and sebum. Therefore, the water used should not be too hot, as this would otherwise unduly damage the skin's acid mantle. Instead of aggressive soaps, cleansing lotions with moisturizing properties are a better choice. To avoid irritation, make sure that a clarifying facial toner does not contain alcohol. Dermaplan's facial cleansing products meet precisely these requirements.

For gentle facial cleansing, we recommend Dermaplan Wash Balance. It's a wash lotion that can be used not only for generally dry skin, but also for those with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. It's suitable for sensitive skin barriers prone to irritation. It offers gentle cleansing and also has replenishing and moisturizing properties—precisely needed for damaged skin. Upon application, you'll immediately notice that Dermaplan Wash Balance doesn't foam. This indicates that it doesn't contain harmful emulsifiers. This doesn't affect the thorough cleansing effect itself.

The facial cleansing category also includes several tonics tailored to different skin types. Dermaplan Tonic Basic is designed for normal to combination skin. As one of two key ingredients, sage extract provides an antibacterial effect and soothes the skin. Aloe vera also has a calming effect, moisturizing, regenerating, and nourishing properties. It also provides deep pore cleansing, removing excess oil and bacteria.

Oily skin prone to blemishes is best treated with Dermaplan Tonic Clear. The fruit acid it contains promotes the removal of calluses and inhibits the proliferation of bacteria in the sebaceous gland opening. Antibacterial and soothing sage extract is also present in this product. Overall, pores appear finer and the skin appears clearer. Treat particularly sensitive skin prone to dryness with Dermaplan Tonic Sensitive. Urea, panthenol, and allantoin are combined to moisturize the affected areas while also thoroughly cleansing them. Dermaplan After Shave offers the best treatment after shaving. This is precisely when the skin is most stressed and prone to irritation. The antibacterial and moisturizing properties provide optimal care and benefit from the product's cooling effect.

All DERMAPLAN facial cleansing products are available in our online shop and in your pharmacy.

Dry skin and skin affected by conditions like psoriasis or atopic dermatitis are particularly sensitive to external irritants. Washing is also part of this, as contact with water alone dehydrates the skin. Therefore, cleansing shouldn't be done too often—once in the morning and once in the evening is perfectly sufficient.

Dry, sensitive facial skin is characterized by a compromised acid mantle. It is therefore particularly vulnerable and requires a mild, pH-neutral cleanser. Furthermore, the product should avoid harmful ingredients such as emulsifiers or allergens to avoid further aggravating irritation. Cleansers with moisturizing properties support facial skin's ability to retain moisture and regenerate.

Those who choose a facial toner should first and foremost ensure that it does not contain alcohol. This could cause the skin to dry out even more and become irritated. Antibacterial and soothing properties are important criteria for a cleansing product. A cleansing lotion should have a replenishing and moisturizing effect. The list of ingredients should not include ingredients such as perfumes, fragrances, emulsifiers, and preservatives, as these would also irritate sensitive skin.

The temperature of the water is particularly important for sensitive skin. It shouldn't be too hot, as this will increase the risk of drying out. Generally speaking, you shouldn't rub too vigorously when cleansing with a washcloth. This unnecessarily irritates the surface, causing it to lose too many cells. Patting gently is better – the same applies to drying off. Waiting too long to apply moisturizer after cleansing is another mistake. The sooner you do this, the more your skin can absorb the product. Washing your skin too often may actually worsen its condition, as it loses even more moisture.