Why is it so important?

Cleansing prepares skin for other products. Clean skin is able to respond more to skincare products like serums and moisturisers, allowing them to penetrate more effectively and deliver results as intended.

I believe that cleansing is the ultimate step in any skincare routine, playing a crucial role in maintaining skin health and appearance.

Andiamo!

Understanding your skin

Determining your skin type

Understanding your skin type is important in order for you to make the correct choice when looking for skin care.

Bare-faced test: Wash your face and don’t apply any products. After an hour, observe how your skin looks and feels. If you see that it’s shiny, you may have oily skin. If it starts to feel tight or dry, it’s likely dry. If you note the T-zone is shiny, it’s probably a combination. If your skin feels balanced, it’s most likely normal. Also note how your skin changes during the change of seasons.

Different skin types

 

Normal skin

Characteristics: Balanced moisture, even texture, not too oily or dry.

Dry skin

Characteristics: flaky, rough patches, dull appearance, and tight feeling.

Oily skin

Characteristics: excessive sebum (oil) production, shiny appearance, enlarged pores.

Combination skin

Characteristics: Oily in some areas (usually T-zone) and dry or normal in others.

Sensitive skin

Characteristics: Prone to redness, irritation, and reactions to products.

The Science of Cleansing

What happens to your skin throughout the day?

Throughout the day, our skin is exposed to various impurities such as dirt, oil, sweat, dead skin cells, and environmental pollutants, including atmospheric challenges such as air conditioning, heaters, and UV exposure. Cleansing provides relief as it removes these substances, preventing them from clogging pores and potentially causing skin problems that we want to avoid if possible.

How cleansing affects skin health

1. Promotes cell turnover. By cleansing, you can gently exfoliate the skin, especially by using AHA cleansers and encouraging cell turnover, revealing fresher, glowing skin.

2. It helps prevent breakouts. Depending on your skin type, cleansing away excess oil and bacteria can help prevent minor breakouts and other blemishes from showing up.

3. Good hydration when cleansing; by using the correct cleansers that do not strip the skin of its natural oils, this important step will help in maintaining proper hydration when applying your moisturiser. 

4. Improves circulation. When cleansing, it is a perfect opportunity to massage your face, as this can boost blood circulation and promote a healthy, radiant complexion.

5. Helps manage specific skin conditions: for those individuals with skin concerns such as mild acne, rosacea, or excessive oiliness, correct cleansing plays an important part of managing these concerns.

6. Fights signs of ageing: Removing free radicals that attack your skin via environmental stressors, cleansing can help prevent premature ageing and maintain skin's youthful appearance.

7. Provides a clean canvas for makeup: For those of us who love wearing makeup, cleansing provides a clean base, allowing for smoother application and a clean, fresh look.

The skin's pH balance and why it matters

 Types of Cleansers

Oil-based cleansers: 

Best for: All skin types, especially dry or mature skin.

Use: Effectively removes smudge-proof makeup and sunscreen.

How it works: It dissolves oil-based impurities without stripping natural oils.

Foam cleansers: 

Best for: oily to combination skin, and individuals who love the foaming feeling.

Use: Creates a rich lather to remove excess oil and impurities.

How it works: Typically contains surfactants that deeply cleanse pores.

Gel cleansers with AHAs: 

Best for: oily or acne-prone skin and pigmented skin.

Use: Provides deep cleansing and often contains acne-fighting ingredients.

How it works: light texture that rinses clean, often leaving a refreshed feel.

Cream cleansers: 

Best for: dry or sensitive skin

Use: gently cleanses while providing hydration.

How it works: contains emollients that help maintain the skin's moisture barrier.

Cleansing balms: 
Best for: dry or mature skin; effective for removing heavy makeup.
Use: Melts into an oil when applied, then emulsifies with water.
How it works: Provides deep cleansing while nourishing the skin.

Each type of cleanser has its own strengths and is formulated to address specific skin needs or concerns. The choice of cleanser often depends on individual skin type, lifestyle factors (like makeup use), and personal preferences. 

It's important to note that some people may benefit from using different types of cleansers for morning and evening routines or as part of a cleansing method.

Final thoughts

So, remember that cleansing is not just about keeping your face clean, but it’s an important step in keeping your skin in optimum condition; this makes your skincare work better and more effectively; this is the foundation in skin maintenance for a better-looking you.