Often when our skin is looking dull despite an elaborate skincare routine with high quality products, the culprit can be your cleansing method. Imagine spending money on expensive serums only to have their benefits blocked by a face full of lingering makeup or sunscreen. Cleansing is arguably the most important step of any skincare regimen, because of its ability to remove surface debris and gently exfoliate the epidermis in the process.
Whether it's a gel, cream, or balm, a good cleanser is like a facial in a bottle. It leaves your skin fresh for the day or night to come. It can also boost the efficacy of the products you apply after. Newly cleansed and damp skin will absorb ingredients deeper than dry skin because there will be fewer dead skin cells acting as a barrier. Serums, acids, moisturizers should only be applied after a proper cleanse. This will ensure you're getting your money's worth out of them,
The following are the basic tenants of cleansing and will help you get the most out of your cleansing routine.
Take your time
I know many of us would love to skip cleansing all together, but don't do it! Instead, think of cleansing as your first and last self care check in for the day. I like to set a towel down to catch droplets, then apply a small amount of cleanser in my palms. Most cream cleansers can be applied directly to dry skin with dry hands, massaging into skin to allow the lipids to pick up any oils from your skin. Dampen hands with water as needed to emulsify the cleanser. Take your time to reach all the corners of your face, including into the hairline, which is an often overlooked spot for congestion to appear.
Don't ditch your décolleté
It might not have occurred to your, but your neck and chest should be getting some attention from that fancy cleanser you're using. These areas are subjected to sun, sweat, detergents, and can get congested same as your face. Extend your cleanse down to your chest every time. Your décolleté will appear brighter and less congested, I promise.
Don't skimp on your AM cleanse
Yes, you should be cleansing twice a day. Imagine that all of the products you apply at night - retinols, serums, and moisturizers still sitting on your skin come morning. Using a gentle cleanser in the AM can cut the oils still lingering on your face from your night care products, and it will also fortify your skin with moisture for the day to come if you use a cream or milk cleanser.
Daily Scrubbing? No way.
Hate to say it, but it's time to stop scrubbing your face. The goal of cleansing should be to remove any debris from the skin gently. Then skin on our face is thinner than the rest of our body, and therefore more prone to redness, sensitivity, and capillary damage. Scrubs are too likely to cause micro-lacerations, be too abrasive, and cause redness. Skin conditions such as acne and rosacea should never scrub, as it can worsen the symptoms.
If you feel that you are the exception, more tolerant, thicker skin can use a product like "cleansing grains", a powder exfoliant that can be added in small amounts to a cleanser to polish dead skin gently, or help remove heavy makeup. Otherwise, best to just avoid it and opt for chemical exfoliation like fruit acids or enzymes.
Biologique Recherche, Lait U
evanhealy, Tea Tree Gel Cleanser
Luzern, Pure Cleansing Creme