I have been experiencing clients who do not wash their faces….at all. During my consultation one of the first questions I ask is: What are you cleansing with and how often? Water is not a cleaning agent.
So, I thought it would be a good opportunity to highlight all things cleansing.
Removing every trace of dirt, sweat and makeup allows the skin to breathe, repair and renew itself. Having a spotless surface also helps your other skin care products to penetrate your skin more deeply and perform their tasks more efficiently. As the first step in your skin care ritual, it’s important to highlight this part before even thinking about your serums and anti-aging creams. Prepping the skin is key to ensure the products, post cleanings, are penetrating.
Types of cleansers:
Gel – Generally designed for deep cleansing, they are effective at decongesting clogged pores, removing excess oil and killing acne-causing bacteria, thanks to their antiseptic and exfoliating properties. Ideal for oily or acne prone skin conditions.
Cream – Cream cleansers are usually thick, creamy and contain moisturizing ingredients like botanical oils. They gently cleanse your skin without stripping it of its natural oils. Cream cleansers can also come in the form of “milk” or “lotion.” Ideal for normal, sensitive to dry skin conditions.
Foam – Foam cleansers are lightweight cleansers that start out as cream or gel and burst into a rich, foamy lather. This type of cleanser removes excess oil as effectively as gel cleansers. Ideal for oily or combination skin conditions.
Oil – Washing your skin with oil may sound like a recipe for breakouts, especially if you have oily skin, but most experts disagree. An oil cleanser is a gentle way of removing pore-clogging debris—including waterproof makeup—without drying your skin. Oil attracts oil. Ideal for oily or combo skin conditions.
Clay – Known for their absorbing power, clay cleansers purify your skin by drawing out excess oil and toxins from your pores. Ideal for oily, combo or congestion.
Powder – Powder cleansers are nothing new, but they certainly are more popular than years past. These cleansers—powdery soft when dry—disintegrates into a creamy concoction upon contact with water, thoroughly cleansing your skin while providing gentle exfoliation. Unlike traditional physical exfoliants like beads and scrubs, powder cleansers glide smoothly on your skin, so you can use them every day even on sensitive skin. Ideal for all skin types and travel.
Bar – The new generation of bars contain very little soap, others have none at all—are just as skin-friendly and luxurious as their liquid counterparts. They also offer more skin-friendly pH levels in addition to nutrient-rich, highly moisturizing ingredients, such as glycerin and essential oils. Extra points for being a greener choice than liquid soaps because the packaging materials—primarily paper and cardboard—break down more easily in landfills than plastic packaging. Ideal for all skin conditions and of course, travel.
I always recommend a double cleanse every evening . First cleanse with a oil based product to remove make-up, sunblock and debris. Second cleanse with product appropriate for your skin condition your esthetician recommends for a minimum of 2-3 minutes!