Shereene Idriss shares three tips for using exfoliating cleansers with active ingredients. Massage the cleanser in and let it sit 30 seconds to a minute. Check the ingredient list because PHAs often contain AHAs like glycolic acid, which can irritate sensitive skin. Skip the eye area to avoid stinging.
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I just finished my nighttime skincare routine using products I have never used before. Tested out this particular not sponsored by this company New cleanser by differin that has 5% polyhydroxy acids. There are three important learnings. Number one, with an active cleanser you cannot just wash your face and wash your money down the drain. You gotta massage the actives on your skin and let it sit for anywhere from 30 seconds ish to a minute. Follow the directions and if you're trying to get the benefits, make sure to get some facetime with your face. You don't need five minutes, a few seconds will do. Number two, when you're looking at a cleanser with actives and you see 5% polyhydroxy acid, that doesn't necessarily mean it's the only active in the cleanser. This is a pha cleanser but it does have AHAs. It has glycolic acid and mandelic acid in it. So if you're sensitive, beware, always check the ingredient list. And number three, these types of cleansers are not meant to be washing your face with around your eyes because it does sting. I did not go around my eyes but it even burns a tiny bit over here. Just an FYI PSA from my back.
