There is a correct way to cleanse and your skin is going to glow once you adopt a few simple habits into your cleansing routine. You ask me to recommend products for blemishes, dullness and ageing but the real secret is in how you cleanse your skin. I have already preached about the importance of cleansing HERE. Today I want to add in a few techniques and why your skin will thank you.
Use Your Products The Right Way….
Starting with a cleansing balm or oil is step one. They are a vital first step in dissolving makeup, spf, dirt and oil. These are concentrated, creamy cleansing products (so you only need a little bit) that do not strip or dry out the skin. What makes them so effective at breaking down makeup and dirt is the natural oils in their formula and these oils dissolve excess oil on the skin that can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
Start with clean, dry hands and warm the product between the palms of your hands. Massage the oil/balm onto dry skin. You need to start with dry skin so the oil in the product connects with the oil on the skin. As you massage the product will melt and help to dissolve the makeup on your face. The next step is one that is often missed but it is critical. Wet your hands and massage over your face. You will see the balm/oil start to emulsify. Once you add water the surfactants release the surface tension on the skin, which then lifts and removes the makeup and allows it to rinse off ***. Using a warm (never hot) rinse off the product and step 1 is complete!
***The science behind this is too vast to go into in this article as there are different types (hydrophilic, lipophilic, hydrophobic) and categories (Anionic, Amphoteric, Cationic, Nonionic). Keep an eye on my Instagram HERE for my upcoming Skin Ingredient Series.
Your second step will include a foaming cleanser suited to your skin type. This will remove stubborn, pore-clogging, dulling, ageing and acne-causing impurities that can remain on the skin even after washing your face once. This time you will start with wet hands and a wet face. Do not rush this step. Spend a minimum of 60 seconds massaging in the foam cleanser to ensure you get all of those impurities.
The Correct Way To Cleanse Your Skin Calls For Good Technique….
You don’t need fancy tools when cleaning your face. Washed hands and the right movements will help de-puff and boost circulation. Adopting facial massage has many benefits such as boosting circulation, stimulating lymphatic drainage, lifts and plumps the skin and improves product absorption. Create a slip with your cleanser (never drag or pull on your skin) and begin by using your finger tips to massage your cleanser in circular motions including your neck and chest with firm but gentle pressure.
Activate your lymphatic system by using sweeping motions along your jaw line, massaging under your ears and down your neck. Next you will use circular motions to massage the perimeter of your face, along the sides of your jaw and up over your cheekbones. Always massage upwards and never pull your skin down. Then you can use your fingers to press above the eyebrow and smooth upwards. Press fingers gently on inner corner of the eye and sweep outwards towards your temples. Finish by massaging from your chest up along your neck using vertical strokes.
And there you have the perfect cleansing routine and the correct way to cleanse your skin! You can shop some of my tried and tested cleansers in the widget below. Let me know what you think!
Louise x