Getting your cleansing right is the most important part of your skin routine. It doesn’t matter how expensive a serum or moisturiser you buy if the blank canvas isn’t clean nothing will sit right on the top. When cleansing becomes a routine you soon begin to notice a difference. Once in the morning and twice in the evening if you are wearing SPF and make-up or both. Remember when cleansing your face to include your neck and decollate (chest).
Water temperature plays an important component to our cleanse process, always cleanse your face at the sink and not in the shower, the water we wash our bodies with is far to scorching for the face. Sticking your face under a blasting shower hose every day is no good for your skin, yes steam increases and dilates your blood vessels that increase circulation, yes steam hydrates the skin by helping increase oil production, but if you think you’re doing your pores good, or softening your blackheads think again.. Your pores need time to recover imagine putting your face in the oven every morning would you do it NO! Too much steam can aggravate sensitive skin and isn’t good for Rosacea and eczema suffers, even triggering facial flushing. If our water is to hot we are also more likely to make inflammatory acne look worse because redness and inflammation will intensify. The cooler the water the better use flannels or cloths this avoids giving the floor a wash while splashing water on the face and the flannel even has an added benefit of exfoliating the skin removing all the flaky bits.
Your morning cleansing will set you and your skin on the right path for the day. Use your favourite cleanser removing with your flannel, once clean don’t dry it with a towel allow the water to absorb in to the skin and lead straight into your toner preferably a toner containing PHA (polyhydroxy acid). PHA acid is proven to be super hydrating. Say goodbye to flaky, sensitised skin that can sometimes arise after using exfoliating acids. Over time, it helps to create a perfected skin surface which is not only better at absorbing active ingredients like vitamin C and A, but also creates a better base for make-up.
Is double cleansing a myth? Can you strip the skin? If you have dry tight skin, should you stick to one cleanse?
There is so much chat around double cleansing shall we shan’t we, yes absolutely we must! So many clients ask why should I double cleanse – By double cleansing, you’re helping to lift and clear away all the dirt, make-up and sebum from your face taking off the day. Your second cleanse then is able to clean the skin once everything else is removed. If we just cleansed once all that would happen is removal of product, and you would still be left with residue upon the skin. It is always best to use an oil based cleanser or a micellar water to remove your make-up. An oil based cleanser is particularly effective at doing this, as they are great at dissolving all types of make-up and sun cream formula. Once this is done you can either continue to wash with the same cleanser of change to another preferred cleanser for your second cleanse.
Of course over washing your face can lead to dry, sensitive and irritated skin but you will not harm the skin by double cleansing. Try sticking to cleansers that are oil based and water based and most importantly make sure the cleanser is right for you. No one product suits everyone. As with all new skin routines results aren’t always instant but over a couple of weeks you are bound to notice a brighter complexion, clearer skin due to less breakouts, or skin that you feel is more balanced and finally within your control.
If your skin is dry and tight choose a cleanser that is nourishing. In winter your skin may not react as well to harsher cleansers or foaming formulations. You may like to switch to a gentle balm, milk or cream, especially for your evening/double cleanse. Cleansing balms, which usually involve a quick massage routine and removal with a face cloth and warm water, can feel especially comforting when the cold begins to bite. They grip perfectly to oil but are still super nourishing, they even take you make-up off!
Where is it best to use: micellar water, balm, gels, oils and cream formulas?
Micellar Water – Use this cleanser to take your make-up off in the evening. Make sure you choose a different cleanser (oil, balm, cream, foaming) to complete 2nd cleanse and morning routine. Micellar Water does not clean your face, but is great for taking make-up off.
Cleansing Balm – Perfect partner for Combination, Dry and oily skin types. The products are moisturising and nourishing. Emma Hardy - Moringa cleansing balm and cloth is an amazing product and smells divine this is perfect for your morning and evening cleanse. Massage a small amount of cleansing balm onto dry skin. Soak the accompanying cleansing cloth in warm water, and use the microfiber side to gently remove the cleanser using Emma Hardie’s ‘lines not circles’ technique. Repeat using the exfoliating muslin side.
Gel Cleanser – Particularly effective on Acne and oily skin contains ingredients that restore your skins pH balance. Gel cleaners are safe for sensitised skin also. Great cleanser for double cleanse because it removes make-up and restores hydration. Helpful for acneic skin as they usually contain tea tree oil, this is great at helping to fight acne because it has antiseptic properties that helps kill bacteria. Sk:n Vitamin Rich Gel Cleanser For Oily Skin lightweight gel formulation uses a blend of Glycolic and Salicylic Acids to exfoliate and decongest. Dead cells are swept away, to reveal fresher, brighter skin. Evening Primrose Oil soothes and hydrates, to ensure skin is left clean and comfortable.
Oil Cleanser – My absolute favourite oil base cleansers are perfect for everyone and for your morning and double evening cleanse. So if you can only have one this is the way to go!
An oil based cleanser is exactly what it sounds like; it’s a cleanser made up of an expert blend of skin-nourishing oils. Oil based cleansers gently dissolve make up, grip excess sebum and sunscreen from the skin as well as deeply penetrating the pores to dissolve the ‘bad’ oils and bacteria, as well as infusing the skin with essential vitamins. Medik8 Lipid balance cleansing oil transforms with water into a milky emulsion that dissolves impurities and waterproof make-up to reveal radiant, refreshed skin. The nourishing formula features essential lipids that soothe, smooth and condition, while vitamin E hydrates and protects. Moringa Seed Extract counters the build-up of daily pollutants.
