One of the most important things you should be doing for your skincare routine is cleansing. All the experts will attest to this as well. You will need to choose the appropriate cleanser that is well suited for your specific skin type. After you have selected a good cleanser, you can start layering other skin products that will additionally benefit your skin.
The purpose of a cleanser is to clean your skin and remove impurities. Your skin should not feel taut or tight after using a cleanser. If it does feel this way, you can potentially be harming your skin instead of helping it. You should never use face wipes unless you are off the grid camping and don’t have access to water or if you’re too tired and inebriated to properly use something else. Meaning that it’s only ok to use it on very rare occasions. Regular use of soap and water to cleanse your skin is also a no, no. This combo should be avoided when possible.
There is a delicate microscopic ecosystem that is alive and living on your skin’s surface. These microorganisms include keratinised cornified cells, microbiome, cholesterols, sebaceous secretions, ceramides, and lamellar lipids. These help your skin, which is why you shouldn’t disrupt or interfere by using a harmful cleanser on your face. If you use or overuse these harsh cleansers, this will result in dehydrated skin as well as abnormal trans epidermal water loss. It can also cause flakiness, dryness, tightness, blemishes, and loss of texture.
The layer of your skin exposed to the elements is known as stratum corneum. It is specifically designed to regulate and protect the other layers of skin that are deeper. The outer layer helps to keep toxins from the environment out as well as impurities and keep moisture in. You are at risk of severely compromising your skin and its barrier if you are using bad quality cleansing formulas or ones that have bad ingredients or if you are not correctly cleansing.
If you get a well formulated cleanser, that has a good pH balance, and right for your skin type, you are making a perfect environment to help nurture moisturizers and serums to better help you and give you better results. We here at Beauty ‘N Fashion are going to go over the basics of cleansing your skin.
When To Cleanse
Throughout the day, there are tiny dirt particles that get stuck to your skin. You also have dead skin cells that build up on the surface of your face. This is why cleaning your face before you go to bed is essential for your daily skincare routine. It helps to remove all these impurities and allows it to repair itself properly at night while you sleep.
We also recommend a morning cleansing routine. This is especially essential if you have acne or oily skin. If you have dry skin, you can get away with using lukewarm water to splash on your face or misting it. In order to optimize serum penetration or vitamin absorption, you need to look for products with active ingredients and apply them after you have cleansed your skin. When using the proper cleanser for your particular skin type, your skin will be able to handle a morning cleansing routine.
Double Cleansing
Double cleansing is when you cleanse your skin twice a day. This involves using two products to wash your face: an oil-based cleanser, then a water-based cleanser. Using the oil-based cleanser pulls out all oil-based impurities like SPF, pollutants, sebum, and makeup. Using the water-based cleanser pulls out things like dirt and sweat.
To consistently get rid of any and all impurities lingering on your skin’s surface, such as excess oil, makeup, dead skin, and toxins, you should do double cleansing. This is especially important if you live in highly polluted areas like a city. You should also double cleansing if you use a lot of sunscreen or makeup.
Double Cleansing Benefits
Helps to clear up acne and prevent flare-ups, along with preventing a build-up of bacteria and sebum. You can tell if you have a sebum build-up because it will cause an infection that leads to acne. If you are a heavy make-up wearer, prone to oily skin, or suffer from acne, using oil-based cleanser will greatly help you remove these things and clear up your skin. If you are looking to prevent sebum related breakouts, double cleansing is highly recommended.
It can also improve skincare product efficiency. An evening double cleanse will help to prep your skin and allow better penetration for other products because your pores are clean.
For dry skin, use two gentle products instead of one harsh one. This is especially true if you also have sensitive skin. The two-step process is extra beneficial for people with dry skin since it doesn’t strip away from the top layer of your skin and leaves a little moisture behind.
There are products out there that are calming and cleansing balms. You can use these for your first step in your two-step cleansing process. They are typically suitable for all skin types. It is important to massage the balm into your face for an entire minute. Then you can add water and rinse away using lukewarm water. Doing this is going to help minimize drying out your skin and any irritation. This is especially important for anyone suffering from rosacea or sensitivity. Once fully rinsed off, continue to your second cleanser. Doing these things will help you to cleanse deeper and remove pesky residues stuck to your skin.
Picking The Perfect Cleanser
Dry and Normal Skin Types
Use a gentle water-based cleanser low in surfactants so it will not take away your skin’s natural oils. This is good if you have dry skin that is dry and if you have concerns with ageing. Look for a cleanser that has a neutral pH so that it won’t dry out your skin further.
Combination and Oily Acne Prone Skin
Look for a product that contains ingredients that are anti-inflammatory so that they will aid in stopping breakouts and calming hormonal acne. Make sure it also contains gently cleansing properties as well as moisturizing elements. It is extra important that you avoid stripping your skin of natural oils. Do this by staying away from products that are high foaming, harsh surfactants. If you use this, it will disrupt your natural oil production and you will eventually have problems with your skin.
Rosacea and Sensitive Skin
When looking for products, pick ones that have mild formulas and are fragrance-free. There are certain certified organic oils that help to promote elasticity and nourish skin.
For extra sensitive skin, you should avoid double cleansing if you are suffering from cystic acne or have a rosacea breakout. This overstimulates your skin and will actually end up doing more harm than good. You want to soothe your skin, instead of overly cleanse and further irritate your skin conditions.
