It's not simply a matter of lather, rinse, repeat. There's an art to it
You think you know what to do when it comes to cleansing, but as it turns out, most of us are going in a bit blind for the first step in our skincare routine. And the results can be, well, showing. Studies have found that cleansing incorrectly day and night can lead to clogged pores, an impaired skin barrier, dry and oily skin and overall congestion. The list really goes on – but I won’t scare you any further. If, you like to usually rush the whole process, grab the closest cleanser and curse yourself for not stocking up on your favourite at the latest sale, then welcome. Bare minimum is a thing of the past – we’re talking minimum 60 seconds for each cleanse, and that’s just to start off. As per a skincare guru, the right process and the differences between all of the cleansers – and which might be right for you.
Let’s lather up.
How to cleanse properly
Always start with clean hands. This ensures that your cleanser focuses on the dirt and oil of your face rather than your hands.
Select the right cleanser for your skin.
Massage your cleanser across your skin with a medium to firm pressure, focusing on areas of texture, roughness and congestion for a minimum of 60-seconds. This ensures that your cleanser has enough time to actually cleanse the skin as well focusing on areas that require more attention.
Extend your cleanse to two minutes for those who also want the added benefit of stimulating lymph and blood flow to the skin. This is especially great in the morning to ‘wake up’ your complexion.
Rinse clean. Repeat if needed.
Whilst two minutes may seem to be an extensive amount of time to wash your face, especially when you’re in a rush / have children bellowing at you / the breakfast is near-burning, it’s important that you dedicate the time to your skin. Not only to wash away impurities, but also to ensure that all those potions and elixirs that will later be lathered on will actually sink in.
Take a moment for this musical rendition to walk you through it. Who doesn’t love a tune.
Difference between cleansers
The best cleanser for you is the one that adequately cleanses your skin without interfering with its balance or barrier. It may sound simple but finding the right cleanser can be quite the task.
It’s also important to note that we sometimes do recommend switching up your cleanser according to the season. Generally speaking, we opt for a foaming cleanser throughout periods of high SPF reapplication, perspiration and gunk build up (summer months), and a gentler option throughout periods of cool winds, heating and frosty temperatures (brrr, winter). A good way to know if you are using the incorrect cleanser, is if your skin feels sensitised, tight, red or irritated after use. This may be a sign you need to switch to something a little gentler. Alternatively, if your skin still feels oily or like your cleanser isn’t effectively getting rid of the days residue on your face, it might be time to switch to something a little more exfoliating or foaming
Here are the differences between cleansers, and which might suit your skin best.
Oil cleanser: Generally dissolve when added to water. These can be best for delicate and sensitive skin, as well as when used as a first cleanse to remove makeup.
Cream cleanser: Often favourited by mature skins or skin that do not like a foaming cleanser as they find them too drying. Creams are often best for dryer, sensitive and fragile skins.
Foaming cleanser: Best for skin that are producing oil throughout the day that need to be subdued to assist in penetration of active skincare and for skin that are prone to blackheads, sebaceous filaments, congestion and breakouts.
Exfoliating cleanser: Whilst JV personally prefers an exfoliating product over an exfoliating cleanser, this two-in-one option is best for thickened, breakout-prone skin, but certainly not for a sensitive or reactive skin type.
Adapted from: Women's Health
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