How do I clean my skin properly?
The quest for healthy, radiant skin requires proper skin cleansing. This essential routine not only helps to keep skin looking fresh, but also helps to prevent various skin problems. In this article, we'll explore in detail how to perform effective skin cleansing, focusing on the importance of understanding different skin types, using fruit acids, extracting blackheads, choosing the right moisturizer, and much more.
Why clean your skin?
- Elimination of impurities and toxins
The skin is constantly exposed to an environment filled with pollutants, dust and fine particles. These impurities can accumulate on the skin's surface, clogging pores and hindering the skin's natural regeneration process. Skin cleansing acts as a protective shield, removing these impurities to allow the skin to breathe and function at its optimum potential.
- Preventing skin problems
Regular skin cleansing makes a significant contribution to the prevention of various skin problems. The build-up of sebum, dead cells and bacteria can lead to conditions such as acne, blackheads and pimples. By cleansing the skin, we reduce the risk of these problems, promoting clear, radiant skin.
- Regulation of sebum production
For those with skin prone to excessive sebum production, cleansing the skin is a crucial step. Excess sebum can clog pores, leading to skin problems such as acne and blackheads. Regular cleansing helps regulate sebum production, maintaining a healthy balance and preventing unwanted breakouts.
- Stimulate blood circulation
The process of cleansing facial skin often involves gentle massaging. These circular movements stimulate blood circulation, boosting the supply of oxygen and essential nutrients to skin cells. Improved blood circulation contributes to more radiant skin and increased cell regeneration.
- Preparing skin to absorb skincare products
Thorough skin cleansing creates a clean, receptive canvas, ready to absorb the benefits of skincare products. Whether applying a moisturizing serum or a nourishing cream, clean skin maximizes the effectiveness of products, ensuring optimal hydration and lasting results for clear, smooth skin.
- Preventing premature aging
The natural aging process can be accelerated by the accumulation of free radicals and toxins on the skin's surface. By eliminating these unwanted elements, skin cleansing helps prevent premature aging, promoting healthy, youthful-looking skin.
- Eliminate blackheads, microcysts or closed comedones
Blackheads, also known as open comedones, are the result of the accumulation of sebum and dead cells in the pores.
Closed comedones, also known as whiteheads, are one of the skin lesions associated with acne. They form when the skin's hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells, oil (sebum) and sometimes bacteria. Unlike open comedones, or blackheads, closed comedones have a small opening on the skin surface that is often difficult to see with the naked eye. Because of this small opening, sebum and skin cells obstructing the follicle remain below the skin surface, creating a small white bump.
Microcysts, on the other hand, are small skin lesions located beneath the skin's surface. They form when hair follicles become clogged with sebum, dead skin cells and sometimes bacteria, creating a small bump under the skin. They usually have no visible opening on the skin surface.
These imperfections can be removed using gentle methods to avoid damaging the skin. In the case of blackheads, the use of steam to open the pores before extraction can facilitate the process. However, it is crucial to do this with care to avoid irritation.
How often should I wash my face?
Every day, morning and night!
Proper cleansing removes impurities, allowing the skin to breathe and renew itself. On the other hand, washing the face every day with tap water and soap, followed by vigorous drying and without the application of moisturizing cream, weakens the epidermal barrier. To remedy this, the recommended solution is to adopt a gentle approach to facial cleansing, using suitable products as part of a complete skincare routine.
How do I wash my face?
Washing your face is a crucial step in your skincare routine, designed to remove impurities, excess sebum and make-up residue. Here's a step-by-step guide to effective face washing:
- Choose the right cleaner
Select a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type. Cleansing gels, foams or lotions are suitable for most skin types.
- Prepare your face
Wet your face with lukewarm water to open the pores. Avoid water that's too hot, as it can dry out the skin.
- Apply Cleaner
Apply a small amount of cleanser to clean hands. Gently spread over your face, avoiding the eye area.
- Massage gently
Use gentle circular movements with fingertips. Concentrate on the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), where pores tend to be more visible.
- Focus on problem areas
If you have blackheads or acne-prone areas, pay special attention to these areas without rubbing excessively.
- Rinse thoroughly
Use lukewarm water to rinse the cleanser from your face. Make sure any product residue is completely removed.
- Dry gently
Gently pat your face dry with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing vigorously, as this can irritate the skin.
- Apply a moisturizing cream
After thorough cleansing, the application of a moisturizing cream is essential to maintain the skin's moisture balance. Even oily skin requires adequate hydration to prevent excessive sebum production. Choose a moisturizing cream suited to your skin type to ensure clean, clear and well-nourished skin.
What should I use to wash my face?
- Cleansing oils and make-up removers
They are suitable for sensitive and dry skin, as they can be used without cotton and therefore without rubbing.
An essential aspect of effective skin cleansing is the use of fruit acids. Glycolic acid and salicylic acid are notable examples, renowned for their ability to deeply exfoliate skin and remove dead cells. Regular exfoliation refines skin texture and reduces dullness. Products containing these acids are often included in cleansers and masks to offer gentle yet effective exfoliation, suitable for all skin types.
- Micellar water
Micellar water has gained in popularity as a must-have skin cleanser. Its light, non-greasy formula makes it ideal for removing make-up and deep cleansing without aggressing the skin. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, micellar water offers a gentle alternative to traditional cleansers. Regular use helps keep skin clean and refreshed. Please note! Micellar water is not a make-up remover.
What active ingredients should you use to exfoliate your face?
For smooth, exfoliated skin, nothing beats salicylic acid, fruit enzymes and probiotics. As for niacinamide, it will help soothe your skin, reduce inflammation and balance sebum production, completing the exfoliating action.
If you're creating your skin cleanser at home, it's essential to choose the right ingredients. Start by incorporating a gentle exfoliating agent such as brown sugar or apricot kernel powder to gently remove dead skin cells. Next, add a liquid base such as sweet almond oil or jojoba oil to moisturize and nourish the skin. Also incorporate soothing ingredients such as aloe vera to reduce any potential irritation.
