Skin Care Myth: Skin should feel squeaky clean after you wash your face.

Fact:

Squeaky clean skin is generally the outcome of using a cleanser that is highly alkaline or formulated with harsh or abrasive cleansing ingredients. The skin is acidic by nature, sitting between 4.5 and 6.0 on the pH scale; therefore, the pH of a cleanser should also be slightly acidic. When a cleanser is too alkaline, or above 7.0 on the pH scale, the natural oils are stripped, leaving the skin feeling tight and dry. The best course of action is to choose a cleanser that is pH balanced for the skin and formulated with mild cleansing agents. Additional support ingredients may include low percentage alpha hydroxy acids to encourage cellular turnover, nourishing essential oils, free radical-quenching antioxidants or antibacterial components, depending upon the skin condition being treated.