Why is gentle cleansing important?
While cleansing removes dirt, bacteria, oils, dead skin cells, sweat, and other debris from the skin's surface the use of soap and some cleansers can strip the natural oils from your skin, leaving the skin tight and uncomfortable. In some cases this may affect the integrity of the skin. As a result there is a possibility of infection entering the body and causing inflammation. It is therefore important to cleanse gently. Cetaphil® is one of the gentlest non-soap cleanser. (21 Day Cumulative Irritancy Study, Cantor Research Laboratories, Inc. 2008 Galderama Data on File).
Why do you need a cleanser and moisturiser that don’t block your pores (ie – are non-comedogenic)?
When your pores are blocked, acne bacteria can multiply deep inside causing a pimple to form. Cetaphil® Cleansers along with Cetaphil® Moisturisers have been designed to be non-comedogenic (will not block pores).
Where can I use Cetaphil® Cleansers and Moisturisers?
Cetaphil® products are suitable for all over body use for gentle cleansing and moisturising.
Where can I buy Cetaphil® products?
Cetaphil® Cleansers and Moisturisers can be purchased from any pharmacy or Priceline store in Australia.
What determines the gentleness of a non-soap cleanser?
There are several factors that can influence the gentleness of a cleanser. These are the surfactants and their concentration, the product’s pH, preservatives and added fragrances.
What is a surfactant and how do they influence gentleness?
Surfactants are used in all soaps and cleansers to help in their cleaning role. The number of different surfactants used as well as their quantities / concentrations can influence gentleness. Cetaphil® Cleansers contain only a minimum quantity of the surfactant, sodium lauryl sulfate.
Does a cleanser need to be pH neutral to be gentle?
Yes. As the skin is slightly acidic, the cleansers used should be pH balanced. Soaps on the other hand are alkaline and as such can strip the skin of its important acid mantle. Cetaphil® is pH balanced and cleanses gently.
Does a cleanser need to foam and lather to cleanse?
No. A cleanser does not need to foam and lather in order to cleanse the skin. Indeed, the amount of foaming and lathering usually indicates higher concentrations of surfactants which can be more drying to the skin.
My skin is healthy – what steps can I take to maintain it in peak condition?
It is important that you look after your healthy skin. Looking after your skin is not difficult, time consuming or expensive. Simple but gentle cleansing with a non-soap cleanser followed by the use of a quality moisturiser is the key to healthy and vibrant skin. Also use a broad spectrum sun screen.