Cleansing is one of the most basic and yet important steps in any skincare routine. It removes make-up, pollution, sunscreen and surface dirt that can cause your skin to look less than its best. Breakouts, dullness and skin misbehaviour may be the result of insufficient cleansing.
Performed correctly, cleansing leaves the face completely free of impurities. The only thing that should be found on the towel when you’re finished is water.
To achieve this goal, though, this skincare step requires some attention. You need water and an appropriate cleanser. Your hair should be pushed back from your face so you can easily access your whole face and your sleeves rolled up to avoid getting wet.
I also highly recommend a cleansing cloth, rather than just using your hands. This not only helps to ramp up the efficacy of your cleanser, but helps you know when your face is clean before you reach for your towel. If your cloth comes away with remnants of the day still on it, you know you’re not quite finished with your task.
In the evening, I recommend a double cleanse. The first cleanse removes make-up and sunscreen and the second cleanse has an opportunity to clean your skin, not just what you have put on top of it that morning. Personally, I like to use two different cleansers, but you can use the same one twice if you want to double cleanse.
I love to start with a good cleansing oil or balm and here again, I advocate their use particularly if you have ever suffered from dirty towel syndrome. An oil-based cleanser is key to destroying make-up, even stubborn mascara and lipstick. And it’s appropriate for all skin types, even those with oily skin. Yes, I know this sounds counter-intuitive, but it really works!
In addition to efficiency, cleansing oil is so soothing when it’s applied to the skin and you begin massaging it in. Add to this the joy of emulsifying the cleanser when you add water to change the texture and appearance of it. The end result: satisfaction and truly clean skin.
After my first cleanse, I enjoy a cream cleanser for the second step. I’m currently enjoying a rotation of Beauty Pie’s Japanfusion, Avene’s Gentle Milk Cleanser and Estee Lauder’s Perfectly Clean.
Looking to jumpstart a double cleanse routine? You cannot go wrong with this one from Pixi, which contains both balm and cream cleansers.
In the morning, I do just one cleanse. I know there are people that don’t subscribe to the idea of a morning cleanse. However, for me, if you really want to give your skin the best opportunity to be clean and clear, washing it in the morning, particularly if you are using active ingredients overnight, is really important.
This is a perfect opportunity to use the cream cleanser again (I love Japanfusion in the morning). And I also think the Alex Steinherr Micellar Cleansing Gel is great value morning cleanse.
So if you want to keep your towels looking fresh, consider your cleansing routine.
And if you want to talk about the cleanser you’re using, please just let me know.