SKINCARE BASICS: HOW TO CLEANSE YOUR FACE

3/8/2023

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Cleansing your skin properly is the foundation to any good skincare routine. Nothing beats healthy, clean skin. By implementing proper techniques, you can achieve your skin care goals.

Having imperfections on the skin happens from time to time. It’s just a part of life. Most people try to cover their imperfections with makeup, instead of examining their skincare routine more closely. Think of your face as a canvas, and makeup as the paint. If you don’t have a good clean canvas, then you won’t be able to create a masterpiece.

Cleansing is the first step in creating that canvas. Surprisingly, many people don’t know how to cleanse their skin correctly. But, I’ll share some of my secrets on how to cleanse your face.

HOW TO CLEANSE YOUR FACE PROPERLY

First and foremost, it’s important to choose a cleanser that is pH balanced and non-abrasive to the skin. Please do not use a bar of soap, because the pH levels are not suited for the face. Make sure that you choose a cleanser that is well-suited to your skin type.

Types of Cleansers

Cream: Cream cleansers are excellent for extremely dry skin, sensitive skin, mature skin, and skin conditions such as rosacea. It can be used to remove most types of makeup, except waterproof.
Oil: Oil based cleansers can be used on any skin type. They are great for removing heavy residue left over from long-wear makeup.
Gel: Gel cleansers are a good choice for anyone with normal to combination skin, oily skin, and acne prone skin. A good gel cleanser can be used to remove light makeup.
Foam/Mousse: Foaming cleansers are very gentle. They can be used on oily, acne prone, or teenage skin. Foaming cleansers work to remove excess oil and dirt embedded on the surface of your skin.

*Beware of cleansers that contain alcohol, as that can irritate and dry out the skin.*

THE 60 SECOND RULE: HOW LONG SHOULD I CLEANSE FOR?

The amount of time you cleanse your face for is equally as important as choosing the right cleanser. You should follow the 60 second skincare rule. When I started following the 60 second rule, I almost immediately noticed a change in my skin.

Basically, the 60 second rule is cleansing your face for no less than 60 seconds. By cleansing your face for 60 seconds, that gives the ingredients in your cleanser time to actually work. This assists in breaking down the oil and dirt on your skin, removing dead skin cells, dissolving excess sebum, and softening the skin as well. This will help to improve your skin’s texture and even out skin tone.

DOUBLE CLEANSING: WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO DOUBLE CLEANSE YOUR FACE?

Double cleansing is the art of cleansing your face twice with two different cleansers. It was once primarily a Korean beauty technique, which they adopted from the Japanese. It finally got introduced to the Western World by skincare professionals. Today, the double cleansing method is being by just about everyone who has a serious skincare regime.

The important thing to remember when double cleansing, is to use two cleansers. If you use the same cleanser twice that won’t do much. Traditionally, it’s advised to use an oil based cleanser (to effectively remove dirt and makeup) followed by a water based one.

Rules are meant to broken, and you don’t have to use an oiled based cleanser if it’s not suited for your skin type. You can replace the oil based cleanser with a cleansing balm or micellar water instead.

Sensitive and extremely dry skin types can benefit from using micellar water for the first part of their double cleanse routine. Micellar water is very gentle. It is made from purified water, mild surfactants to cleanse the skin, and moisturizers such as glycerin.

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HOW TO DOUBLE CLEANSE YOUR SKIN

Apply your oil based cleanser or cleansing balm on the palm of your hand, and gently massage it into your skin using your finger tips. Massage your skin using gentle circular motions to break up any makeup, oil or dirt on the surface of your skin. Remember to apply the 60 second rule.

Massaging is very therapeutic for the skin. It helps to increase circulation and blood flow to the face. Lightly massaging the face in circular motions will help to break up oil, dirt, sunscreen, makeup and pollutants accumulated throughout the day.

Take your time going around the eye area, as the skin is extremely delicate. Oil based cleansers can be used to remove eye makeup. Make sure that the cleanser is fragrance free to avoid any irritation of the eyes.

Rinse your face abundantly with lukewarm water to get rid of any traces of makeup. Never use hot water on your skin. Hot water can irritate the skin, and accelerate the aging process. To keep the skin firm and youthful, always use cold water in the morning and lukewarm water in the evening (to help open the pores for better product absorption).

While your skin is still damp, apply your second cleanser. Massage your face using light circular movements for another 60 seconds. Rinse your face with lukewarm water, and gently pat your skin dry with a soft clean towel.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU DOUBLE CLEANSE?

Double cleansing should be done at least once a day, preferably at night. But you can double cleanse twice daily (though not necessary). I like to double cleanse both morning and night. I use micellar water in the morning instead of an oil based cleanser to gently remove any excess oil that has accumulated during the night.

I would suggest testing out the double cleanse method, and seeing whats work best for your skin. Whatever you decide, you should not go above the recommended amount. Over cleansing your skin can lead to dryness, sensitivity and irritation.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DOUBLE CLEANSING?

Double Cleansing is effective at removing every trace of makeup. If you wear heavy makeup or wear makeup for long periods of time, double cleansing is the best option for you.
Aids in brightening and reviving dull complexions.
Double cleansing helps to rid the the skin of pollutants accumulated on the skin during the day. Research shows that pollution and environmental toxins can accelerate the aging process. Whilst here isn’t any scientific evidence to support the claim that double cleansing has any anti-aging benefits, it is safe to assume that there is an indirect benefit.
It prevents the buildup of sebum and bacteria that can cause acne.
Double cleansing helps your other skincare products penetrate better and improves their efficacy.

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