I hate washcloths! What else can I use to clean my face?

[Rilchiam]

I use a jellyfish to wash me, as I've mentioned in another thread. To wash my face, I rub on apricot scrub with my hands, and rinse it off with cold water. Now I'm being told that the apricot scrub only does half its job if I use it without some kind of abrasive tool, to really rub it into the pores.

But I despise washcloths.

If you really want them to be effective, you have to use a spanking-clean one each time. I cringe at the thought of rubbing something on my face that's crawling with whatever it's picked up from hanging in the shower. Ugh! You rinse the dirt and oil off yourself and out of your hair, and where do you think it ends up? In that soggy, nubbly repository of soap residue and shower mold that's slowly turning gray!

I can't put a wet washcloth in the hamper; it'll get everything else moldy.

Then I always forget to add the used washcloth(s) when I'm doing a load of laundry.

So I get a row of scum-catchers hanging on the towel rack, and none in the closet. Gross.

What else can I use to good effect?

[Bad News Baboon]

ahhhhh,
a question for the 'product' junkie...



those disposable washcloths are great.

olay makes em.
dove makes em.
etc.


except that they are 5-9 bucks for 30 cloths.

(and you can get 20 washcloths at walmart for 2 bucks).

my solution is that I use a face brush: kinda like a toothbrush, except bigger and much much softer.

I dont know if you use aprcot scubber everyday. you might not want to. its kinda harsh for everyday.

[Crunchy Frog]

I'd love to help you, but I think I first need to know what you mean by using a jellyfish.

I use one of those thingies-that-I-don't-know-what-they're-properly-called. It's similar to a loofah, only it's made of material instead of a sponge. It's this stupid puffball thing on a rope. God I suck at describing this thing.

This post isn't very helpful is it?

[Rilchiam]

Originally posted by Crunchy Frog
I'd love to help you, but I think I first need to know what you mean by using a jellyfish.

I use one of those thingies-that-I-don't-know-what-they're-properly-called. It's similar to a loofah, only it's made of material instead of a sponge. It's this stupid puffball thing on a rope. God I suck at describing this thing.

This post isn't very helpful is it?

Right: the puffball-thing-on-a-rope is what I use on me. It just occurred to me that I might be able to get a smaller version for my face.

Babbon: Too harsh for everyday? Huh, didn't realize that. But I have oily skin, and it always feels soooooo good after I use apricot.

[Quasimodem]

Buf-puf with Neutragena facial soap works for my oily skin.

Quasi

[Rilchiam]

Originally posted by Quasimodem
Buf-puf with Neutragena facial soap works for my oily skin.

Neutragena sounds good, but what's Buf-puf?

Pardon my ignorance, but I'm at that age where one no longer cruises the personal-care aisles, but rather keeps buying the same stuff one's been using since teens/early 20s.

[Rilchiam]

P.S. Mr. Rilch and I got out "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown", because we couldn't wait (die-hard Schulz fans), and now I'm picturing Lucy running around in circles: "Buf-puf! Poison dog lips! Buf-puf!"

[Persephone]

Crunchy: those things are usually called puffs. Buf-Puf, IIRC, is a brand name.

But there's this football player who does a commercial for Zest soap. He refers to the puffs as "lather builders." I assume it's because "puff" isn't exactly manly. :D

[Ellen Cherry]

Ok this isn't exactly answering the question, but I solve the icky washcloth problem by using a laundry basket instead of a hamper. It sits in the bottom of the bathroom closet. When I'm done with a washcloth, I hang it to dry over the edge of the basket. So, I don't forget it when I haul the whole basket out to do laundry. I also have separate face and shower washcloths, so no icky gray ones from the bath touch my face! (Actually I use one of those scritchy, exfoliating washcloths for the bath. No danger of accidentally using that on my face. Ow!)

[Rilchiam]

Originally posted by Ellen
Ok this isn't exactly answering the question, but I solve the icky washcloth problem by using a laundry basket instead of a hamper. It sits in the bottom of the bathroom closet. When I'm done with a washcloth, I hang it to dry over the edge of the basket. So, I don't forget it when I haul the whole basket out to do laundry. I also have separate face and shower washcloths, so no icky gray ones from the bath touch my face! (Actually I use one of those scritchy, exfoliating washcloths for the bath. No danger of accidentally using that on my face. Ow!)

That sounds good! If I can't find a mini-jellyfish for my face.

Oh, and FTR, I do know how to spell baboon. Sorry!

[amarinth]

Originally posted by Rilchiam
I use a jellyfish to wash me, as I've mentioned in another thread. To wash my face, I rub on apricot scrub with my hands, and rinse it off with cold water. Now I'm being told that the apricot scrub only does half its job if I use it without some kind of abrasive tool, to really rub it into the pores.Many people who have tried to sell me cleansers have told me that apricot scrub has jagged edges, and while it does a good job of exfoliating, it also makes tiny cuts and tears in the new skin while removing the old skin.

Of course, this may not be true, and they just want to get me to buy their exfoliator which according to them has perfectly round edges and therefore will not rip and tear the delicate surface of my skin.

Anyway - to answer the OP, spa gloves. I love spa gloves. The person who came up with them should get a medal or something.

[asphodel]

I found this really cool washcloth type of thing at (IIRC)Wal-Mart. I looks like your basic washcloth (ie. same size), but it's made out of this exfoliating material that kind of looks like the bath puff material, but scratchier. It works great and I don't need to worry about mildew. It's basically mesh, so it dries quickly and it rinses out well and stays clean.

[Bad News Baboon]

well,

once you come to a certain age ;)
any exfollient, regardless of brand,is not good for everyday. The apricot one seems especially harsh, due to the for mentioned rough edges.

buff puff is kinda like a kitchen scrubber, but much much softer(yet still 'scratchy'). Phisoderm also makes one. but again, you have the problem with a dirty one laying about. (god, they MUST be germ magnets, me thinks). they also make disposible ones.

the cloth spartais talking about is very nice too.
if you cant find one at walmart, Origins sells them, too. They are made out of the same material as the spa gloves.

but, I must ask, Jelly fish?
The junkie over here (yes, if it says "new and improved..I have tried it. a marketer's dream I am) has no idea to what you are refering to.

[tapioca tundra]

What is a jellyfish?

My sister gave me some kind of
hippy earth soap. I used it a few times.

What is a cloth Sparta?

Why can't people just use water and soap anymore?!!!!!!!

[Rilchiam]

Originally posted by Anticay
What is a jellyfish?

Plastic mesh gathered into a puff shape. Doesn't accumulate shower gunk like a wash cloth, lathers up wonderfully, and very soft on the skin. Toss it in the washer but keep it out of the dryer.

Why can't people just use water and soap anymore?!!!!!!!

Because soap dries out the skin, and water isn't pure any more. Unless you have your own artesian well sunk into the Pierian spring.

[tapioca tundra]

Okay...now I realize that I'm lost here.
Since I'm a guy and don't know fancy
face-washing terminology or techniques, AND
am made slightly embarrassed for not knowing, AND
am the supreme leader of the Internet Taliban, it
is therefore the rule from here on out that all who
add to or read this topic MUST use SOAP and WATER to wash
their face.

[Bad News Baboon]

throws rotten tomato at anticay!

[lesa]

Rilchiam - if your getting to "that" age you probably need something gentler for your skin. Also, abrasive scrubs are for getting rid of dead skin, not oil. I realize they also get off the oil, but you could get a good oil removing cleanser that's not so abrasive.

I use Cetaphil now, and add baking soda. This is getting fairly popular now, since Paula Begoun (the "Cosmetics Cop") recommends it in her books. You get a little bit of Cetaphil in your hand, add baking soda, and wash with that.

Also, you can just use baking soda as an exfoliant. Wet face, rub a small amount of baking soda on your skin. Rub gently (with your hands, not a washcloth), then rinse. You'll be amazed how CLEAN your skin feels after using this.

Also baking soda is LOTS cheaper than the other stuff!

[lesa]

Oh, and I wasn't being snitty when I refered to "that" age. I passed "that" age a little while ago. Now if I get a pimple, and get too rough trying to get rid of it, I end up with a scar.

Yes, the joy of having acne and wrinkles at the same time. *Sigh*

[tapioca tundra]

I used to be a south american dictator.

the taliban is far better.

Babs, no soap for you!!!!

[Zumba The Cat]

Originally posted by Bad News Baboon
those disposable washcloths are great.

olay makes em.
dove makes em.
etc.


except that they are 5-9 bucks for 30 cloths.

The disposable washcloths are great. But I am too cheap to buy them.

I use baby wipes. I can get 500 of the generic no purfume with vitamin E and aloe for just a few dollars. I use three or four of them when I wash my face. One to get it damp, one to rub on the cleaner and one or two to wipe off the cleaner. I keep a pack in my car to wipe off my makeup before a run and to wipe off the sweat after a run.

I also keep a pack in my desk at work because they are wonderful for getting stains out of clothing. I got chocolate sauce of a silk shirt with a baby wipe. Anything that can do that has got to be able to get makeup off my face.

I love baby wipes!

[Ellen Cherry]

The Great Mommy Secret is out! Baby wipes are also great for cleaning ceil-fan blades, and miniblinds.

[gigi]

I sesond the Buf-Puf and a gentler cleanser idea. I don't have super-oily skin, but I use Buf-Puf and Suave Medicated Cleanser (like Noxzema, in the tub).

Buf Pufs are not like the "jellyfish"/lather-makers, but are an ovoid flat sponge thing. They make extra-cleansing ones as well as Daily, which I use to be more gentle. http://www.mmm.com/bufpuf/ (sorry for the teen-mag type site :) )

Apricot scrub every day sounds harsh.

[Caricci]

I am only answering this because I am perfectly lovely, but you should not use that apricot scrub daily. I don't see why using it with your hands wouldn't work, but do limit it to once a week. Even then you should use it after you've cleansed. It's purpose is to remove dead skin, not dirt, oil, make-up and the like. Your skin feels great after though, doesn't it?

The daily wash cloths are expensive - $6.99 for 30. However, I got a package of 90 (1 box, 2 refills) at Sam's Club for $13.00. Not bad! This was the Olay brand, bwt.

Apricot with a buf-puf sounds like surgery to me.

[monster]

I recommend just using your hands. lesa is on the right track when she says that you should use a gentle cleanser everyday to remove makeup/dirt/yukky day stuff. If you want to exfoliate, there are tons of products that exfoliate without the scrubbies in them. Paula Begoun has a great webstite that helps plan a cleansing routine. It is at http://www.cosmeticscop.com. I have oily skin and have developed a fairly good routine that isn't one of those long, 1/2 hour facial routines. E-mail me if you'd like further info!

[Bad News Baboon]

anticay.....

I'll see you in the PIT!!!!

[tapioca tundra]

fraid I don't know what the pit is Babs.

I must admit to checking out your site.
I have a site but won't let it be known.
You see, some people hate me. Even
people who like the site hate me.

I noticed you don't give out the email addy.
Fine.

[papergirl]

IANAD, but I am a soapmaker, and I have lots of customers with picky/oily/dry/whatever skin, so maybe this will help.

I don't use a washcloth at all...I use soap and my hands. I don't get terribly dirty, so that's all I need, usually. If I'm really nasty-working-in-the-garden-grimy, I use a salt scrub, which you can make out of very fine sea salt mixed with any kind of oil that strikes your fancy. (I use almond or avocado.) That's a body-only type thing, though; salt would be too harsh for your face. (You can also use brown sugar instead of salt; it's very much the thing right now, and people are paying WAY too much for it.)

For oily skin, you might try a good handcrafted honey-oatmeal soap. Any health food store would have it, or do a seach for "handcrafted soap" and you'll find a million soapmakers online. Honey-oatmeal is the best all around soap there is, imo. Then once or twice a week, use a ground oatmeal/clay mask, and you'll be in business.

If you overstimulate your oily skin, it'll produce more oil. The oatmeal/clay mask-scrub is gentler and will do more for reducing oil. (You can make this too...buy regular oatmeal, blenderize it to powder, and mix it with a bit of green clay from the health food store. Maybe 3 parts oatmeal to 1 part clay--play around with proportions. Add a bit of water, smooth on face, let dry, then rinse gently with warm water.)

HTH
~karol

[Rilchiam]

Okay, I heed y'all's advice not to use the apricot every day. monster, thank you for the link, but it said "Under construction". Thank you also to gigi.

I've decided to go with Buf-puf (poison dog lips!) and Neutrogena for the time being.

I should explain how I got hooked on apricot, though. In my early 20s, I worked at Mickey D's, and as Pammipoo and others can tell you, your skin just gets slick from all the grease in the air. To combat this, I washed with apricot every shift, without fail, on my break and immediately after clocking out, and my skin was baby's-butt-smooth. Of course those were different circumstances...

Until a few years ago, I also used to use a clay mask every weekend (well, most weekends), but I somehow got out of the habit. I should go back to that. And maybe those plastic strips; you know, the ones that lift everything out of your pores.

[Rilchiam]

Originally posted by bodypoet
Honey-oatmeal is the best all around soap there is, imo. Then once or twice a week, use a ground oatmeal/clay mask, and you'll be in business.

I see!

If you overstimulate your oily skin, it'll produce more oil.

Well, I'll be damned; that must have been the problem all along.

Also, lesa, I didn't miss what you said about baking soda; just forgot to acknowledge it.

[Bad News Baboon]

Originally posted by Anticay

I noticed you don't give out the email addy.
Fine.

uhuh.
neither do you, I see.

[tapioca tundra]

'lo Babs,

maybe says he
my job/religion doesn't allow me to
communicate via the internet~~~!!


When all else fails
to pass the test
SOAP and WATER
proves the best
~~
SOAP and WATER
at day's end
a penny's earned
don't pay a trend

[monster]

Originally posted by Rilchiam

Until a few years ago, I also used to use a clay mask every weekend (well, most weekends), but I somehow got out of the habit. I should go back to that. And maybe those plastic strips; you know, the ones that lift everything out of your pores.

Sorry about that site being under construction. I have her book that reviews products if you'd like me to look up anything in particular. I also have to mention that you probably shouldn't use those strips. It is the absolute coolest thing to see how gross they are after you rip them off, but according to Paula (this woman is really helpful) they are horribly damaging to your skin.

Your best bet is to continue to wash your face (using the Buf-puf and Neutrogena if that works well for you). Then, use toner to get off the stubborn stuff. I need it in particular around my jawline because I never quite get it clean enough. Don't use toner with alcohol, or if it makes your skin "tingle". These are unnecessary additives. Then, you further clease your pores by using the exfolient. I switch between Paula's 2 % Beta Hydroxy and Clinique's Total Turnaround cream. These exfolients are what clean out your pores so you won't need to rip out the yukkies with the strips.

Then, once a week or so, I use an oil-controlling mask. It is like Milk of Magnesia (yes, THAT one) instead of clay. I also use a Benzoil Peroxide product every day to avoid getting pimples in my "problem" spots.

Sorry for getting long-winded, but following Paula's advice has really made a difference in my skin and I just wanted to share it with you.

[Rilchiam]

Originally posted by monster
I also have to mention that you probably shouldn't use those strips. It is the absolute coolest thing to see how gross they are after you rip them off, but according to Paula (this woman is really helpful) they are horribly damaging to your skin.

Sigh. Okay, I guess anything neat is bad for you. Less expense, though.

Your best bet is to continue to wash your face (using the Buf-puf and Neutrogena if that works well for you).

I just got those today. All good advice: thank you!

[slackergirl]

You might want to check out an alpha or beta hydroxy moisturizer. It takes a week or two of regular use to get them really working well, but a good quality acid product will do all your exfoliating without any mechanical stress to increase oil output. Since I switched I stopped getting blackheads on my nose. I haven't used a scrub on my face in a couple of years now.

If you have sensitive skin a beta is probably a better choice. Oil of olay makes a good one that is also SPF 15. For alphas I like Pond's Prevent and Correct line. They are both available in the grocery stores here. Neutrogena's products also work well, but I think they smell weird.

If you haven't used them before, don't be afraid of the "acid" in the name. They work at a very low level to turn over skin cells, and they also act as humectants, pulling water out of the air to keep your skin moist. It's a good deal no matter how you slice it.