No-rinse Facial Cleansers

If you want to cut the "rinse" step right out of your daily skin care routine, there are a number of products to consider. Remember that just-cleansed skin should feel supple and moistened, never dry [source: Mayo Clinic]. Also, keep in mind that a healthy skin care regimen includes a moisturizing step -- preferably with a product that contains an SPF of 15 or higher. Here are a few types of no-rinse cleansers to consider.

Creams and lotions are usually soap-free, which is a plus for sensitive skin. Instead, they contain water and a cleansing ingredient. Massage a small amount over your face, then use a tissue or cloth to wipe away the excess. An added bonus: Skipping the rinse can leave a thin layer of moisturizer behind on your skin [source: Lefell].

Astringents usually contain certain alcohols and fragrance. Applied with a cotton ball or pad, they can leave your skin feeling cool and clean. However, some alcohol can be harsh and drying, and it should be used sparingly. Products made mainly of this ingredient -- or of similar ones, such as witch hazel -- can dry out even normal skin. Remember, the idea is to clean and soothe, not to strip and chap. Keep in mind, however, that not all alcohols are bad. Fatty alcohols such as cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol are actually used in many moisturizing skin care products.

Has your long day turned into a night on the town? If so, cleansing towelettes might be a refreshing -- albeit temporary -- solution for you. You probably wouldn't want to permanently swap your daily cleanser for a pack of cosmetic wet-naps, these towelettes can give your face (and spirits) a lift. As always, look for a product that doesn't contain irritating alcohols, fragrances or extracts.

If you think a no-rinse cleanser might be the right choice for you, keep reading to learn some of the pros and cons of this facial cleansing option.

If you're feeling wary of a cleanser that doesn't rinse away, there may be a few good reasons to give the one-step wash a second look.

First off, one benefit of no-rinse cleansers might be their convenience. Who wouldn't like to cut a step out of his or her daily care routine? If you're on the go, the no-rinse option can be a time and energy saver. However, if you've already got multiple steps in your skin-care regimen, then knocking off the rinse step -- or replacing it with a wipe-off step -- might not save very much time after all.

Another advantage has to do with what's in your water. If you're in an area that has hard water -- which can keep traditional cleansers from working properly and leave behind a residue -- or if you're vacationing in a place where you think the water quality is questionable, no-rinse cleansers just might be for you. They allow you to limit your face time with the faucet and apply a cleanser that wipes off with a cotton pad or muslin cloth instead.

A benefit for all skin types is that many no-rinse products tend to both hydrate and protect, whereas the regular soap and water routine -- if you're using a harsh or strong soap -- can strip your skin of its moisture, leaving your skin prone to dryness and flaking. And since dry areas are more vulnerable to infection and other problems, it's important to keep skin supple. Another motivator to maintain your skin's moisture balance: Dry skin tends to age faster [source: Lefell].

Many no-rinse cleansers may especially be an advantage for people with sensitive skin. Because they don't usually involve an exfoliating component or the need for a washcloth, these products can help prevent irritation and are particularly well suited for sensitive skin. If your skin is oily or prone to breakouts from a buildup of dead skin cells, though, this might not be the option for you.

At the end (and the beginning) of the day, no matter how long your skin care routine takes you to complete, great skin requires TLC. And what works for one person might not work for all -- or all of the time. To find out more about which no-rinse cleansers might suit your skin best, visit some of the links and articles on the next page.