Skincare routines are our modern-day self-love ritual.
Whether you follow a rigorous 10-step routine or follow a more ‘skinalism’ (skin minimalism) approach, it’s important to get the first step in any skincare routine right: cleansing.
A daily deep cleanse allows you to remove any SPF, makeup, bacteria or pollution that builds up on your skin throughout the day. Without an effective cleansing routine, this build-up of grime on the skin can lead to breakouts, ageing and pigmentation - all big no’s from us!
So, to help you bring it back to basics and nail your cleansing routine, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to cleansing.
Choosing the right cleanser
When choosing a cleanser it’s important to consider that different cleansers work best for different skin types. Gel cleansers, like our Organic Gel Cleanser, typically give a deeper cleanse, removing excess oil and acne-causing bacteria. We’ve designed our Gel Cleanser to be non-stripping and suitable for all skin types.
But don’t worry, if you’re not sure which type of cleanser is right for you, just consult the table below!
Get your water temp just right
Not sure of the perfect temperature you should be cleansing your skin with?
Water that is too hot can actually cause inflammation and irritation, tripping the skin of its natural oils, and damaging your skin’s natural protective barrier. On the other hand, cold water simply doesn’t prepare and soften the skin enough to completely remove any makeup or pollution residue.
The sweet spot? Lukewarm water. Warm water works best for cleansing as it loosens the pores, allowing you to get in deeper and remove anything on the skin whilst not disturbing the skin's natural oils.
Double cleanse
Double cleansing is a good habit for everyone, but if you’re wearing makeup, are frequently at the gym, have oily or combination skin, or work in a polluted area, double-cleansing should be an essential part of your skincare routine.
Double cleansing involves using a cleansing oil, balm or micellar water to break down make-up, SPF and sebum on the surface of your skin first, then following it with a deeper water-based cleanse to remove sweat, bacteria and old skin cells.
The first cleanse removes makeup, pollutants and dirt from the day. The second cleanse removes dead skin cells, meaning the products you apply afterwards can work all the more effectively. A clean canvas for the rest of your skincare routine.
Take your time cleansing
We often rush our way through our skincare routine to get on to the next thing. At the end of the day, we think it’s so important to take some time to slow down and really nurture yourself. Taking at least a minute to massage your cleanser will not only ensure that you’re removing all of the grime from your skin but it will also help to improve your circulation, and de-puff your face all while giving yourself a lovely lymphatic drainage massage!