How to properly cleanse your face? By Dr. Bambili Anais

Understanding the Importance of Skin Cleansing

A clean and well-maintained skin is the foundation of a beautiful appearance and good skin health. By eliminating impurities, excess sebum, and dead skin cells, regular cleansing prevents clogged pores, reduces the risk of breakouts and other skin problems, and promotes cell renewal to prevent the appearance of wrinkles. And yes! Taking care of your skin and cleansing it properly is the basis of any routine, whether it's for anti-blemish or anti-aging.

The Foundations of an Effective Cleansing Routine

To begin, makeup removal is a crucial step, whether you wear light, heavy, waterproof, or no makeup. Opt for a gentle cleansing oil - some based on vegetable oils, like jojoba oil, can effectively dissolve makeup without drying out the skin. Then, proceed with double cleansing using a cleansing gel suited to your skin type to deeply remove impurities.

Different Types of Facial Cleansers

There are several types of facial cleansers, each with its own characteristics and benefits. Here's an explanation of the main types of facial cleansers:

 

• Cleansing Gel

Cleansing gels are face cleansers in gel form, usually designed to effectively remove impurities and excess oil, leaving the skin clean and refreshed.

 

They are suitable for most skin types, but some cleansing gels can be specifically formulated for oily or combination skin, containing ingredients that help regulate sebum production. Cleansing gels are often favored for their light and refreshing texture, ideal for daily use.

One of the advantages of cleansers is their low concentration of foaming agents, which can dry out the skin, disrupt its protective barrier, and harm the skin's natural microbiome.

• Foaming Cleanser

Foaming cleansers create a light lather when they come into contact with water, giving the skin a clean and fresh feeling – though this feeling can sometimes be misleading, as foaming agents tend to dry out the skin.
They are effective at removing impurities and makeup.
Foaming cleansers are suitable for most skin types, but may be particularly favored by those with normal or oily skin.

• Cleansing Cream

Cleansing creams are rich and nourishing facial cleansers, formulated to deeply cleanse while hydrating the skin.
They are ideal for dry and sensitive skin, as their creamy texture helps prevent dryness and soothe irritation.
Cleansing creams are often recommended for people with mature skin, as they help maintain hydration and prevent loss of firmness.

 

• Cleansing Oil

Cleansing oils are specifically designed to dissolve makeup, including waterproof makeup and long-lasting products.
They are formulated with plant-based or light oils that transform into a milky texture when they come into contact with water, effectively removing impurities without leaving a greasy residue on the skin.
Cleansing oils are recommended for all skin types, but can be especially beneficial for dry and sensitive skin, as they help to hydrate and nourish the skin while cleansing it.

 

• Micellar Water

Micellar waters are gentle and versatile facial cleansers that contain micelles, which are tiny particles that attract and remove impurities and makeup from the skin.
They are formulated without soap and don't require rinsing, making them ideal for a quick and convenient cleanse when water isn't available. However, when possible, it's important to do a second cleanse to remove any impurities "spread" by the micellar water application.
Micellar waters are suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, as they are gentle and non-irritating.

 

Gentle Daily Exfoliation for Radiant Skin

Exfoliation is a key step to maintaining radiant skin. Opt for gentle daily exfoliation morning and evening with products containing salicylic acid, gluconolactone, probiotics, or other mild balancing agents. These ingredients help unclog pores, reduce imperfections, and brighten dull complexions, while minimizing irritation.

 

Adapting Your Routine to Your Skin Type

Each skin type has specific cleansing needs. For dry skin, choose hydrating and gentle products. For oily skin, opt for purifying cleansers that regulate excess sebum. Sensitive skin requires mild and non-irritating products, while combination skin can benefit from a combination of products tailored to each area of the face.

No matter your skin type, prioritize biomimetic skincare and gentle exfoliating ingredients like lactic acid and salicylic acid.

Practical Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

To optimize your cleansing routine, be sure to use lukewarm water rather than hot water, which can dry out the skin. Also, avoid overly abrasive cleansers and products containing harsh ingredients, which can irritate the skin.

Here are some ingredients to avoid in facial cleansers:

• Sulfates

Sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), are foaming agents commonly used in cleansers to create a rich lather. However, they can be too harsh for the skin, leading to dryness and irritation, especially for those with sensitive or dry skin.

• Synthetic Fragrances and Dyes

Synthetic fragrances and colorants are often added to cleansers for their pleasant scent and appearance. However, these ingredients can be irritating to the skin, especially for those with sensitive or allergy-prone skin. It's best to choose cleansers without added fragrance or colorant, or to opt for natural and hypoallergenic options.

 

• Denatured Alcohols

Denatured alcohols, such as ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol, are often added to cleansers for their disinfecting and purifying properties. However, they can be too drying for the skin, leading to dehydration and irritation, especially for those with dry skin or sensitive skin.

 

• Mineral Oils

Mineral oils, such as paraffin and petrolatum, are occlusive ingredients derived from petroleum, often used in cleansers for their ability to form a protective barrier on the skin. However, these ingredients can clog pores and lead to breakouts, especially for those with acne-prone or blemish-prone skin.

• Harsh Cleansing Agents

Some harsh cleansing agents, such as triclosan and triclocarban, are sometimes added to cleansers for their ability to eliminate bacteria and impurities. However, these ingredients can disrupt the skin's natural balance and cause irritation, especially with prolonged use.

 

Finally, don't forget to moisturize your skin after cleansing to maintain its moisture balance.

By following these simple steps and incorporating gentle daily exfoliation into your cleansing routine, you can achieve clearer, brighter, and healthier-looking skin. Remember to consult a dermatologist if you experience persistent skin problems, and feel free to share your own tips and experiences in the comments below.