I decided to write about the importance of cleansing, because in my job I often come across people that don't cleanse properly or skip the evening cleanse altogether. Shocking! Especially, if you're investing your time and money to have a facial, effects of which will be destroyed within days, simply by skipping this basic step in your home care routine. Many skin problems, i.e.: congestion, spots, irritation, puffiness and dark circles around the eyes, could be avoided by just cleansing properly. I think it is THE most important, basic step to have beautiful, healthy, glowing complexion. Using creams (however good or expensive) and having facials is redundant if you don't cleanse.
Excuses???
I have heard then all:
- ....I don't wear make-up (what about sebum, dust and dirt?)
- ....I am to tired to do it (That's just being lazy. Keep a pack of cleansing wipes by the bed for those late nights.)
- ....I forget (?!)
- ....I don't need it, my skin looks OK without it. (But for how long will it stay like this?)
It is really simple and doesn't take long, but the benefits will be worth those extra 5 minutes of your time!
How to cleanse?
Regardless of skin type, you should always GENTLY cleanse. Look for water-soluble cleansers. Ask for samples at beauty counters. Good products should be able to remove your make-up (even most of eye make-up) without either leaving a greasy residue nor making your skin feel tight and dry. If you wear make-up I recommend milk/cream type cleansers. Always start with applying the product onto a dry skin and massaging gently over the face, eyes and neck to dissolve make-up. Rinse with water and repeat the process. I do think, that you get better results and ensure you get every last bit of make-up and dirt off, when you cleanse twice. I am a big fan of always using water to rinse your skin. The ONLY time I would recommend using cleansing wipes is when you're travelling or get home very late from a night out. I don't believe you need to spend a lot of money on a cleanser. Considering that it is rinsed of the skin pretty quickly, there's no need for it to contain fancy and expensive ingredients.
Cleansing myths
There are some myths and misconceptions about cleansing, i.e.:
- deep cleansing - there's no such thing as being able to deep cleanse your skin. You can't open and get inside the pores to clean them.
- squeaky clean skin - there is nothing worse than cleansing your skin to the point of being "squeaky clean". The tight feeling that you might get, is due to the product being to aggressive and drying the skin out. It will not reduce the amount of sebum your skin produces.
- sensitive skin can't use water - I come across sensitive skins with lots of blackheads, congestion and uneven texture, purely because of not using water to rinse when cleansing. Massage appropriate cleanser gently using your fingertips, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, than blot the skin dry using soft, clean face towel. The only time when water can be problematic is when it's too hot.
Ingredients and products to avoid
- Bar soaps and bar cleansers. Regardless of manufacturers advice, that they are safe to use on the face. The ingredients in those products, that make them a "bar" form, can clog pores and leave residue that will make your skin look dull.
- Over-stripping and irritating ingredients, i.e.: sodium lauryl sulfate (not be confused with sodium laureth sulfate). Over-stripping is easy to notice, as the product will make your skin feel tight and dry.
- Irritating ingredients. Most of the time they are easy to find, as the products will be advertised to be cooling, refreshing, deep cleansing or having tingling sensation. These are:
* Eucalyptus
* Menthol
* Lavender
* Mint
* Peppermint
Such a simple thing, but so much to say :) I will write a separate post about my favourite cleansers and cleansing the eye area.
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