Rub it in for at least a minute before rinsing.
That’s the advice from renowned dermatologist Dr. David Bank in the January 2008 issue of Health magazine. Apparently, using cleansers for less time doesn’t let the beneficial ingredients bind to the skin at their full capacity.
I’ve often questioned the efficacy of a cleanser (how effective can it be if it gets washed off?!), and have chosen inexpensive gentle cleansers without anti-aging ingredients, like Cetaphil. Now that I know the secret is to rub it in for a minute, I’m going to be there with a new anti-aging cleanser loaded with ingredients and a timer! 🙂
Some of my (new) favorite cleanser choices:
NV Perricone Olive Oil Cleanser ($48.00, Amazon.com). Quite expensive, I must admit. However, it contains DMAE (to firm the skin) and olive oil (as an antioxidant, and to hydrate).
Revale Skin Cleanser with CoffeeBerry ($40.00, Amazon.com). Contains coffeeberry, which has been shown to be the most potent antioxidant via ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) score. Fights future antioxidant damage, and has also been shown to slightly reduce fine lines and wrinkles with continued use.
Fresh Soy Cleanser Makeup Remover ($38.00, Beauty.com). Contains three different forms of beneficial soy extract, including soybean oil, soy protein, and soy germ extract. Soybean has been shown to firm and hydrate skin by increasing both collagen and hyaluronic acid production, and to also reduce the number of hair follicles in skin samples. Exciting indeed!
Olay Regenerist Micro-Exfoliating Wet Cleansing Cloths ($7.19, Drugstore.com). Contains niacinamide to even skin tone and hydrate, vitamins C and E to stimulate collagen production and boost photoprotection, dimethicone to hydrate, and a nice low price to boot. My only complaint? The word “exfoliating” in the name – expect improved skin, though no exfoliation.
Aveeno Clear Complexion Cleansing Bar ($3.29, Drugstore.com). This cleanser contains salicyclic acid rather than benzoyl peroxide, so it won’t induce free radical production. Rather, it will exfoliate the skin and make it easier for other ingredients in your toner or moisturizer to penetrate the skin. One caveat: It may make skin a bit dry, so don’t use it without a moisturizer at all! 🙂