By Kate Elliot, Esthetician
While the skincare world has been booming with popularity and everyone is after that natural glow, a fundamental part of healthy skin seems to be left out of the conversation: cleansing. A quick splash with some soap and water or even a makeup wipe or two seems to be the extent of many people’s cleansing routines and while using targeted serums and creams is great, they are nothing without a thorough cleanse to start your routine.
Things you should know before cleansing.
IMPORTANCE OF CLEANSING
It’s easy to see why face cleansing gets brushed under the rug. We often can’t see the dirt and impurities that get built up on the skin throughout our day and when you live a busy lifestyle, the idea of just falling into bed or using a makeup wipe can be very tempting. But first, consider what your skin goes through on a daily basis. Depending on where you live and your lifestyle, over the course of a day your skin can accumulate sweat, oil, makeup, pollution, dirt and even dead skin. If not properly cleansed off, these impurities can contribute to an array of problems.
While having some of your natural sebum on your skin is healthy, the accumulation of too much oil and dead skin will increase your chance of developing clogged or enlarged pores and even contribute to unwanted texture and a dull complexion. The pollution and free radicals that we encounter in our lives are also huge contributing factors to accelerated aging. And when we don’t take the time and effort to thoroughly cleanse our skin, that layer of impurities is making it a lot more difficult for the products used afterward to penetrate properly and we won’t see their desired effect. Taking the extra couple of minutes to cleanse your skin will show drastic improvements in the health and look of your skin day after day.
WHAT IS DOUBLE CLEANSING?
The term ‘double cleansing” has been thrown around a lot these days and it’s not just another beauty fad. It’s the only way you should be cleansing your skin at night. Double cleansing refers to the use of two cleansers to ensure your skin is thoroughly clean. The first cleanse is typically done with something that will emulsify makeup, sunscreen, oil, and dirt with something like a cleansing balm, oil, milk, or even micellar water. Danucera’s Cerabalm is a great multi-purpose cleansing balm for a thorough double cleanse. Its emollient, nourishing oils gently break down grime to keep the skin soft and hydrated. This first step in face cleansing ensures that all of the surface debris and makeup are removed. Now that your day is washed away, you can properly cleanse your skin and clean your pores with a cleanser suited to your skin type or concern. When you are done, your skin should have no traces of makeup and will be soft, supple, and ready to absorb the rest of your skincare routine to the best of its ability. Double cleansing is especially great for people who sweat a lot, wear makeup or sunscreen, or work in an environment with lots of pollution and dirt. But, you mustn’t overdo it. Leave the double cleanse for the nighttime and stick with a single, gentle cleanse in the morning.
THE BEST METHOD
So far, we have established that cleansing is non-negotiable, but how you do it still seems up for debate. Hands, brushes, ultrasonic scrubbers; there are so many face cleansing methods and devices it can be hard to choose. But one tried and true method that will never go out of style is the washcloth. Cleansing brushes and silicon scrubbers can be very abrasive for daily use and bristle brushes can harbor a lot of bacteria if not cared for correctly. Using a washcloth allows for gentle physical exfoliation to get rid of pore-clogging dead skin, dirt and makeup without causing irritation or stripping. If you are more sensitive, you can opt for a muslin fabric for a more gentle approach. The Danucera Dual Washcloth gives you the best of both worlds. Use the terrycloth side for a more exfoliating experience, and the muslin side to gently buff the skin. But one important thing to keep in mind is that you should use a clean washcloth for each cleanse to ensure there is no bacteria buildup. Using a fragrance-free detergent is also helpful for those with ultra-sensitive skin.
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
To simplify, here’s a step-by-step guide to a proper double cleanse with a washcloth.
Step 1: With your first cleanser of choice, whether that be a cleansing balm, oil or milk, apply the recommended amount to your hands and massage it onto dry skin in small circles. Work into all areas of the face, neck and décolleté.
Step 2: Wet your hands and begin to emulsify the cleanser and break down your makeup.
Step 3: Gently remove the product with a warm, wet washcloth and pat dry with a clean towel.
Step 4: Take your second cleanser and apply it to your face, neck and décolleté. Depending on the type of cleanser, you can add water to emulsify here. Take your time and use face massage stone to massage the skin to ensure you are getting all the benefits of the ingredients of your cleanser.
Step 5: Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
It’s as simple as that! Once you see and feel the benefits of a good cleanse, there will be no turning back. Cleansing isn’t something to overlook. Resist the urge to crawl into bed and throw away those makeup wipes! Your skin will thank you.
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