Are You Cleansing Properly?

Cleaning seems like such a simple and menial task. Something we have done since we were all around the age of thirteen. But, did you know that by simply influencing your way of cleansing can make a big difference in the overall appearance of how your skin looks and feels? To a lot of people, cleansing may consist of washing with nothing more than soap and water. But in reality, cleansing the right way, with the proper products and tools can virtually change your skin. I recently started adding more time onto my nightly routine, which feels more like a holistic ritual to me, now. In doing so, I have noticed such a drastic change in my skin. If you want, glow-y fresh dewy skin. It all starts with cleaning properly.

Water can only remove a small percentage of dirt and oil on the surface of your skin, which highlights and adds emphasis on the importance of cleansing. The ingredients in cleansers react with water to form an emulsion on the skin which remove pollutants, oil, toxins and dead skin that can lead to a drab looking complexion. If not cleansing properly, our skin can't take in the full benefits of products like serums and replenishing creams.

Let's start with the basics.
There are three main types of cleansers.

Gels: Ideal for oil and breakout prone skin. Also for those who wear a lot of heavy face makeup. Gel washes off leaving almost no product behind. Gives a complexion that squeaky clean, tightened feeling.

Oils: Best for dry skin. Cleaning oils leave the skin soft. Gives a complexion a very hydrated finish.

Lotions/Creams/Milks: These can leave a film on the skin, which makes them more ideal for dry and mature skin. If these are used in your daily routine, you need to be using an exfoliant at least twice a week, if not daily immediately following cleansing.


With a diverse range of cleansing devices, cloths and pads at our disposal, it's sometimes confusing to know what to wash your skin with. Most estheticians and agree that anything that offers mild exfoliation is superior to using just your fingers. When you use a cloth, or Clarisonic it helps to dislodge dead skin and purify the outermost part of the complexion.

I encourage you to take the proper steps in cleansing. Spend more time with your face in the evening. Not only does it feel great, but you will reap the benefits of healthy skin.

1. Temperature. By adjusting the water to warm, you are softening your skin allowing for maximum product penetration and exfoliation to occur. If your water is too hot it can burn the skin and cause broken capillaries. If your water is too cold, it can prevent your pores from opening up to receive a full cleanse. Splash your face with warm water three to eight times prior to applying any cleanser.

2. Cleanse. Cleanse in curcular motions without scrubbing for a minimum of thirty seconds. If you want to use something like a Clarisonic at this point, I encourage you to do so. Then, let your cleanser sit on your skin for one to two minutes. (a very important, skipped step by many)

3. Removal. Rinse your face thoroughly. Use a washcloth saturated with water to remove excess cleanser from the skin. If any cleansing residue is left on the surface of the skin, it can dry out or cause irritation.

4. Dry. Pat your face with a towel. Don't rub your face while trying to dry it. By doing this, you can potentially cause dry patches, tears in the skin and irritation.


I recommend you limit your cleansing to twice a day. If your skin is more dry, try only once a day and splash with water and a hydrating toner in the morning.


My Top 10 Cleansers:

FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN:
DermaQuest Anti-Bacterial Enzyme Cleanser
Harnn Water Lily Detoxifying Face Wash


FOR SENSITIVE SKIN:
Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Cream


FOR COMBINATION SKIN:
Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash
Aubrey Organics Blue Green Algae Facial Cleansing Lotion (Organic/natural) (this is what I use currently)

FOR NORMAL SKIN:
Lily.B Rose Hip Infused Cleanse (Organic/natural)
Laura Mercier One-Step Cleanser


FOR DRY/MATURE SKIN:
Duchess Marden Damascena Creme Cleanser (Organic/natural)
Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Decleor Aroma Cleanse Cleansing Milk



What to use for normal skin: Since it doesn't fall under the category of dry or oily skin it needs to be treated differently. It usually tends to respond best to gentle cleansers that are pH balanced. Using a cleanser with too high of a pH will dry out the skin and break down the protective acid mantle.

For mature skin: Exfoliation is key. Use a cleanser with alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic and lactic acid. They help remove dead skin cells smoothing the surface of the skin. Milk and cream cleansers are also another option because they are soothing.

For acne-prone skin: Skin should be cleansed with a cleanser containing tea tree, salicylic, phytic, lactic or glycolic acid and even products with small amounts of benzoyl peroxide. You don't want to over dry or irritate acne-prone skin so make sure to use a cleanser containing something soothing as well, like lavender or chamomile.

For dry skin: Opt for a hydrating cleanser with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to soften and hydrate. Also wash with milk cleansers or those with more of a cream-based consistency.

For combination skin: This skin-type requires a completely different routine in terms of cleansing since it encompasses some oily qualities and some dry qualities. Go for a cleanser that is detoxifying and exfoliating. Tea tree oil is a great ingredient for this skin because it wakes the skin and rids it of bacteria.




I hope this taught you a little something you can add into your daily routine! If not that, I hope it inspired you to take a little more time for yourself at night so that you can wake up ready to brave the day as your best you!
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask them! Also, comment/subscribe/follow my blog. Let me know what you want to read! I'm working on a few other blogs and maybe getting a video camera too to start making videos. Since I am blogging for you I would like to blog things you want to read. Leave your suggestions, please!


Wishing my face were clean right at this very moment,
Jessica.