The power of cleansing
There is no question about it: cleansing is the most basic and essential step of your beauty routine.
Do you want to achieve a healthy, clear and radiant skin? While a quick swipe of a face wipe or micellar water might seem sufficient, trust me, it won’t cut it. From makeup and sweat to particles in the environment, your skin inevitably faces many external aggressors. If not cleansed properly, dirt and pollution accumulate at the surface of your skin and could potentially contribute to breakouts, dehydration and ageing, not to mention damaging your skin barrier function.
Nailing the basics before acing the advanced is one of the most important rule in this life and it’s the same with your skincare routine. Taking the time to remove your makeup properly and cleanse your face is the the key to your best skin. Do you want to know why?
It maintains a clear skin
Sebum and excessive oil can mix with any residing build-up leftover on your skin. This may cause enlarged pores and create a blockage of skin follicles, trapping sebum and allowing bacteria to penetrate into the skin, which leads to inflammation, acne, and a blotchy and lacklustre complexion.
It boosts hydration
Dehydrated skin looks and feels rough, wrinkled and aged. Cleansing helps manage pH levels of the skin, enabling sufficient water and product retention, for proper skin hydration.
It fights ageing
Pollution and environmental toxins can accelerate the ageing process. Cleansing your skin is the best way to get rid of all unwanted particles and to stimulate the internal processes, which fight ageing, including wrinkles, lack of tone, pigmentation and dullness.
Now let’s see what are the most important rules of cleansing:
Get the temperature right
Make sure you always use warm water, not hot or cold. A common myth is that hot water opens pores and cold water closes them. Well, it is all false. Hot water can strip the skin of essential oils and cold water won’t have the softening affects needed to remove all residue. Switching water temperatures from hot to cold will only put your skin into shock, so it’s best to rinse with lukewarm water.
Double cleanse
Some people fear that double cleansing might be too drying, but if you’re wearing a full face of heavy makeup, work in a polluted area or have oily/combination skin, double cleansing should be an essential step in your routine. The first cleanse removes makeup, dirt and pollutants. The second round will work down deep to reach into pores to remove any surface grime that the first round may have left behind. It can also remove dead skin cells, so the products you apply afterwards can work more effectively.
Choose the right cleanser for your skin
Although it may be tempting to get that squeaky-clean feel when things like harsch soaps are used, these can disturb the barrier function of the skin, disrupting the acid mantle, stripping away your skin’s good oils and triggering the skin to increase oil production. Whether you have dehydrated, oily, combination or sensitive skin, it is so important to choose a cleanser that targets your concerns. All Biologique Recherche cleansers have milky texture and a balanced pH to help maintain your skin’s natural balance. With the help of our skin experts, you can find the perfect match for your Skin Instant.
Considering all the above, if there’s one skincare practice you should absolutely do make a habit of, it’s religiously cleansing your face.