What does cleansing your skin actually do? While washing your face might seem like one of the most basic elements of any skincare routine, getting it right (or wrong) can actually make or break the health of your skin. How you wash your face lays the foundation for your entire skincare regimen. Cleansing the skin removes sweat, oil, dirt and other pollutants that your skin naturally collects throughout the day and night. There isn’t much point in having a skin care routine if your products don’t get a chance to penetrate your skin. Morning skin care routines are all about prevention and protection. Your face is going to be exposed to the outside environment, so necessary steps include moisturiser and sunscreen after you have cleansed. Start your morning off with a cleanser that is right for your skin which will remove the grime and residue that’s built up overnight.
Well cleansed skin is more able to drink in vital nutrients from other products that you apply to your face for eg: serums and moisturisers.
Cleansing is arguably the most important step in any skincare routine. You probably know that not washing your face can lead to clogged pores and pimples, but did you know that it also accelerates aging? Free radicals from air pollution collect on the skin throughout the day and, if not washed away, break down the skin’s natural elastin and collagen, creating fine lines and wrinkles.
When cleansing, make sure that you massage the cleanser into your skin for at least 30-60 seconds to allow the active ingredients to absorb into the skin and lift away any excess dirt and grime. Use the pads of your fingertips & work in gentle circular movements to work the cleanser into your skin before washing off with luke warm water. You can then follow with your toner, serums, moisturiser and sunscreen what ever is applicable to you.
Establishing your your daily cleansing regime is essential, sometimes you just need to penetrate deeper. This is where a weekly enzyme peel can work wonders. The peel will work as a stronger exfoliator and deep cleanser, working harder than your daily cleanser to remove dead skin cells and increase cell turnover to reveal bright and evenly toned skin. Try the Zo Enzymatic Peel at home for £55 which is left on for 1 to 3 hours before rinsing off if desired. This peel has multiple benefits for your skin. If you would like more details on this please ring or email us on the details below.
Ditch the makeup wipes! Makeup wipes don’t do a great job of cleaning the skin, they scratch the skin and don’t penetrate it. The extra couple of minutes it takes to cleanse properly is most definitely worth it and you will certainly see a difference. Make up wipes smear around whatever makeup, dirt, and dead skin is on the face, plus they can contain irritating ingredients. If your skin needs it, you can double cleanse by following up with a gel cleanser to ensure that all traces of residue get swept away. Some people fear double cleansing has the potential to strip the skin of natural oils and as a result impair their skin barrier function, however this shouldn’t stop you from doing it. If you’re wearing a full face of make-up each day, work in a polluted area or have oily/combination skin, double-cleansing should be an essential part of your evening routine. The first cleanse removes makeup, pollutants and dirt from the day. The second cleanse removes dead skin cells, meaning the products you apply afterwards can work all the more effectively.
| It’s always best to choose a cleanser that is suited to your age. Young skin needs balancing, but not over stimulating. Mature skin needs to be nourished with ingredients to rejuvenate and repair. Skin changes with age and needs to be treated accordingly. Using a cleanser which incorporates salicylic acid, will not only address the need for daily exfoliation but will also help your skin increase cell turnover and curb excess oil production, revealing a brighter complexion. Foam Cleansers: Foaming cleansers foam and aren’t creamy in texture, you add water, work your hands in a circular motion and the cleanser foams up. This type of cleanser can get deep into the pores to effectively remove impurities and excess oil. That’s why these cleansers are especially great for oily, acne-prone and combination skin types. Gel Cleansers: These gel-textured cleansers are typically water-based and are well-tolerated among most skin types. They are able to cleanse without causing irritation or dryness. Cream Cleansers: These non-foaming cleansers are typically gentle and moisturising. They are wonderful for adding hydration and softness to the skin, they tend to be very mild and sometimes don’t even require water for use. These types of cleansers are good for sensitive, dry and mature skin types. Oil based cleansers: Oil dissolves oil and this is why oil-based cleansers are so excellent at dissolving excess oils in your own skin. They sink deep into the pores to melt dirt and grime, |
| Understanding your skin type is important before investing in a cleanser, seek our professional advice if you are unsure what your skin type is. Simply using soap and water is not adequate enough for dealing with sebum and other pollutants on your skins surface. |
