SKIN CLEANSING

Cleansing is a fundamental step of any skin care and the alpha and omega of healthy skin. You may be thinking to yourself: why on earth does the cosmetics industry give so much lip service to a step that is so very simple, universal and straightforward?

Why do we “hype” cleansing up so much?

Because the very simplicity of this step can be a trap that keeps you locked in a vicious cycle of oily, dry, sensitive or even atopic skin.

The primary purpose and goal of cleansing the skin is to remove impurities, make up, excess oil, environmental grime, sweat and other substances that the skin of the face encounters throughout the day from the epidermis. This is precisely where the chapter on discovering the ideal cleansing treatment begins, because beautiful skin does not happen on accident.

It is important to remember that the skin will not forgive us if we choose the wrong cleansing product, even if we continue to give it the best possible care.

Artificial foaming agents, alcohol and related surfactants can damage the skin’s hydrolipidic layer, which causes skin problems and imbalances.

Double facial cleansing

… is particularly welcome, especially if you use make up and SPF products on a daily basis. The result of doubling this step is a thoroughly cleansed skin, completely free of make-up residue, SPF and impurities that can otherwise clog pores and cause blackheads, pimples or even acne. When the skin is not cleansed properly, it can look dull and tired, so it is truly important to allow it to breathe freely.

The first step in the double cleansing process is an oil- or butter-based cleaning agent; some people swear by vegetable oils such as almond, jojoba or hempseed oil, while others prefer vegetable butters such as shea, mango or coconut – the choice is entirely up to you. An oil-based product is designed to dissolve make up, SPF and other traces left on your skin by your everyday routine. After a short facial massage, proceed to the second step, which includes a gentle cleansing gel to remove the last remaining traces of impurities and prepare your face for further care. In case you use make up that is not waterproof, you can use the Purifying Face Cleanser in both cleansing steps, just make sure to use lukewarm water and rinse thoroughly.

Evening cleansing

… is the most important step of all. It should not be skipped, as skin imperfections can start appearing very soon after. A few minutes a day can make all the difference when it comes to clear, healthy and uniform complexion. If you’re thinking: I don’t wear make-up, so there’s nothing wrong if I skip the evening cleansing – you’re mistaken. If you were to look at your skin through a magnifying glass and see everything that lands on your face throughout the day, you would instantly change your mind. It is extremely important to keep evening cleansing a part of your ritual, even if you skip a serum or a cream every once in a while.

Morning cleansing

… is less crucial, especially if your skin is on the drier side. However, this does not mean that we do not recommend refreshing it anyway! Some people swear by a splash of cold water for invigoration, refreshment and better circulation – besides, it awakens both the body and the spirit.

If your skin is combination and oily, though, we still recommend cleansing it in the morning with a cleansing gel and lukewarm water to remove any oil that may have accumulated on the epidermis during the night, as well as sweat and dust particles that could potentially cause new pimples.

Exfoliating scrubs for clearer skin

Exfoliation can be great for supporting faster skin cell turnover. It can greatly improve your complexion, but it is important to do it carefully and gently, as we can quickly damage the epidermis. You can choose between mechanical and acid peels. Mechanical peels are based on small particles that we gently massage into the skin with circular motions; you can prepare your own with coffee grains or semolina mixed with vegetable oil. On the other hand, chemical peels may sound harsh, but they are one of the most popular ways of facial exfoliating. At home, you can try using one of the fruit acids – lemon and orange juice are perfect for this! Alternatively, you can experiment with lactic acid found in yoghurt too.

If you want to try a combination of both, apply a mixture of yoghurt with a few drops of lemon juice on your face, let it sit for around 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with plenty of lukewarm water.

What about purifying masks?

If you want to give your skin an extra boost during the cleansing process, you can also use cleansing masks. Prepare a clay mask once a week to further cleanse and replenish your skin with minerals. Clay also has a remarkable capacity for absorption or ion exchange. Sun-dried clay is considered to be the highest quality.

It is best to adapt the type of clay to the condition of the skin, so it is recommended to use green or pink clay on combination and oily skin, while dry skin may prefer white clay or kaolin.

Make a homogenous mixture of clay and a little water or hydrolate – make sure to always use a wooden or plastic spoon – and then apply it evenly to clean, dry skin. Leave on for about 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Pay attention not to let the clay dry out on your face, as this will prevent it from achieving its positive cleansing effects.

What comes after the skin is clean and fresh?

Clean skin is most in need of intense moisturisation and support to restore a healthy hydrolipidic layer. Toning that restores the skin’s ideal pH and moisture combined with antioxidants are excellent companions in this endeavour. Moisturising Bright Essence was designed precisely with this in mind and the skin simply loves it!

Promoting cleanliness with every touch

If we want clean skin, then we should make sure to only press a clean phone screen against it, to keep all our make-up brushes clean, to say a firm no to expired make-up products, to change face towels and pillowcases regularly and, most importantly – to touch our faces with dirty hands as little as possible!

Make cleansing your skin a pleasure

Above it all, it is important to make cleansing your skin a ritual that not only cleans your skin, but also removes the weight of the day behind you and leaves you feeling refreshed and invigorated in the morning for a lighter, more positive start to a new one.

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Nataly Komova

Nutritionist, Registered Dietitian at 32ndstreetvapors.com

Nutritionist, Registered Dietitian – Bluffton University, MS

In today’s world, people’s eating and exercise patterns have changed, and it is often lifestyle that is the cause of many diet-related illnesses. I believe that each of us is unique – what works for one does not help another. What is more, it can even be harmful. I am interested in food psychology, which studies a person’s relationship with their body and food, explains our choices and desires for specific products, the difficulty of maintaining optimal body weight, as well as the influence of various internal and external factors on appetite.

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