Skin Cleansers

By Jennifer Abney Anchor

When it comes to skin care, which products work and which aren't worth your money? News 5's Jennifer Abney went shopping with a dermatologist and gets answers in part one of her special series Smart and Savvy Skin Solutions. Skin Cleansers

Published: Mon, May 12, 2008 - 6:57 am Last Updated: Mon, July 28, 2008 - 10:49 pm

Jennifer Abney

You see the products on the health and beauty aisle and on the infomercials that promise younger and healthier skin. But, what really works and which ones are just scams? Dermatologist, Dr. Heather Haley from Fairhope agreed to go shopping with us at a local discount store. We are revealing which over the counter products are worth your money.

First up, we checked out the toner and astringent products. We asked Dr. Haley what we should look for in these types of products.

"First of all toner is not doing a whole lot for your skin, because good skin doesn't need toner", said Dr. Haley, "If you have oily skin that's when you a toner." Dr. Haley says to avoid alcohol as an ingredient and look for an acid, like an alpha hydroxy acid.

She does like the foaming cleansers by Neutrogena.

"Don't go for the front, you want to turn it over and go for the active ingredient," said Dr. Haley, "You see salicilic acid, that is going to exfoliate your skin and control your oil."

There are several types of acids you will see as ingredients in skin products. Dr. Haley says it's important to understand the difference.

"Glycolic acid is for anti-aging, salicilic acid we like for acne and breakouts and lactic acid - it's for the body not the face, it's a little stronger and harsher," said Dr. Haley.

She says these acids can be found in both over the counter and prescription strength products, and there is a big difference between to the two. But, not everyone needs a prescription strength to have great looking skin.

"Over the counter products will give you a 2% concentration," she said, "when you go to a medical grade you start at 10% and go up to 20%, if you are just starting out I think 2% is just fine."

And, Dr. Haley says remember putting a 2 % product on 5 times does not make it 10% strong.

We also asked Dr. Haley what she thought about those popular warming cleansers.

"They are not doing anything, they just feel good," she said.

We also had a chance to ask one of Dr. Haley's patients about her biggest skin concerns.

"I have a problem with my pores, I would like them to be a little smaller if possible," said Suzy Radcliff.

We found one that will help with pore size and more.

"I like this cleanser by Neutrogena (pore refining cleanser)," said Dr. Haley, "It's got your alpha hydroxy acid, if you turn over and look at the active ingredient you will see that is has a salicylic acid and a glycolic acid which is great for anti aging and acne."

Dr. Haley is also a big fan of the over the counter brand of products called Aqua Glycolic.

Dr. Heather Haley will be on WKRG News 5 Friday morning in the 6am hour. If you have a skin care question email it to
mornings@wkrg.com and she just may answer it on the air!

Smart and Savvy Skin Solutions Part 2: Fighting Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Smart and Savvy Skin Solutions Part 3: Moisturizers

Smart and Savvy Skin Solutions Part 4: Sunscreens