Deep cleansing, strictly a myth?

As the skin is meant to be a barrier, you would not want any cleansing product to penetrate too deeply - nor do they. The word 'deep' - applied to cleansers - is strictly a marketing term. It may actually mean that you're getting a bit too rough on your skin!

What manufacturers mean by 'deep' is `searching'. Exfoliators or facial scrubs remove surface dead-skin cells - so do face masks. You can exfoliate with grains or with creams with granules, with abrasive sponges, alcohol- containing tonics, even with your face flannel. The beauty products may claim to stimulate, but dermatologists say they irritate.

In fact, skin specialists say they see more patients who are suffering the effects of overdoing cleansing rather than because they have not cleansed enough. Burning and stinging is a usual complaint because the skin has been made more sensitive by stripping off the surface protective film.

It is all a matter of degree. When you buff off surface dead-skin cells, your skin often looks cleaner and healthier - probably because of blood rushing to the surface. Take the safer route and use exfoliators now and again, not too often, especially if you have a sensitive skin.

Apply exfoliating cleansers to the face with your fingers, rubbing in little circles, avoiding eyes and lips, and paying special attention to more greasy parts such as the forehead, nose, the sides of cheeks nearest the nose, and the chin. Rinse thoroughly.

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