How to clean your facial skin properly? By Dr. Bambili Anais

Understand the importance of cleansing the skin

Clear, well-maintained skin is the foundation of beautiful appearance and good skin health. By removing impurities, excess oil and dead skin cells, regular cleansing prevents clogged pores, reduces the risk of breakouts and other skin problems, and promotes cell turnover to prevent the appearance of blemishes. wrinkles. And yes ! Taking care of your skin and cleansing it well is the basis of a routine, whether anti-imperfections or anti-aging.

The foundations of an effective cleaning routine

To begin with, removing makeup is a crucial step, whether you wear light, heavy, waterproof makeup or not. Opt for a gentle makeup remover oil —some made with plant oils , like jojoba oil, can effectively dissolve makeup without drying out the skin. Then, double cleanse using a gel cleanser suited to your skin type to thoroughly remove impurities.

The different types of facial cleanser

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

  • Cleaning gel
Gel cleansers are facial cleansers in gel form, typically formulated to effectively remove impurities and excess oil while leaving skin feeling clean and refreshed.

They are suitable for most skin types, but some gel cleansers may be formulated specifically for oily or combination skin, containing ingredients that help regulate sebum production. Gel cleansers are often appreciated for their light and refreshing texture, ideal for daily use.

One of the advantages of cleansers is their low concentration of foaming agents, which dry out the skin, unbalance the hydro-lipid film and attack the microbiota.

  • Foaming cleanser

Foaming cleansers create a light foam when in contact with water, providing a clean, fresh feeling to the skin - but that may only be a feeling since foaming agents tend to dry out the skin.
They are effective in removing impurities and makeup.
Foaming cleansers are suitable for most skin types, but may be particularly appreciated by people with normal or oily skin.

  • Cleansing cream

Cream Cleansers are rich, 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.
Cream cleansers are often recommended for people with mature skin because they help maintain hydration and prevent loss of firmness.

  • Make-up remover oil
Makeup remover oils are specifically designed to dissolve makeup, including waterproof makeup and long-wearing products.
They are formulated with vegetable oils or light oils which transform into a milky texture on contact with water, effectively eliminating impurities without leaving greasy residue on the skin.
Cleansing oils are recommended for all skin types, but can be particularly beneficial for dry and sensitive skin, as they help hydrate and nourish the skin while cleansing it.

  • Micellar water

Micellar waters are gentle, multipurpose facial cleansers that contain micelles, small particles that attract and remove impurities and makeup from the skin.
They are formulated without soap and without rinsing, making them ideal for quick and convenient cleaning when water is not available. However, when possible, it is important to do a second cleanse in order to eliminate the impurities "spread out" by the application of micellar water.
Micellar waters are suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin , as they are gentle and non-irritating.

Daily gentle exfoliation for radiant skin

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

Adaptation of the routine according to skin type

Each skin type has specific cleansing needs. For dry skin, choose moisturizing and gentle products. For oily skin, opt for purifying cleansers that regulate excess sebum. Sensitive skin requires gentle, 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, choose biomimetic treatments and gentle exfoliating ingredients like lactic acid and salicylic acid.

Practical advice and mistakes to avoid

To optimize your cleansing routine, be sure to use lukewarm water rather than hot water, which can dry out skin. Also avoid overly abrasive cleansers and products with 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 cleaners to create abundant lather. However, they can be too harsh on the skin, leading to dryness and irritation, especially in people with sensitive or dry skin.
  • Synthetic perfumes and dyes
Synthetic fragrances and dyes are often added to cleaners for their pleasant smell and appearance. However, these ingredients can be irritating to the skin, especially for people with sensitive or allergy-prone skin. It's best to choose cleansers without added fragrances or dyes, or opt for natural, hypoallergenic options.

  • Denatured alcohols

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

  • Mineral oils

Mineral oils, such as paraffin and petroleum jelly, are petroleum-derived occlusive ingredients 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 in people with acne-prone or blemish-prone skin.

  • Aggressive cleaning agents
Some harsh cleaning agents, such as triclosan and triclocarban, are sometimes added to cleaners for their ability to remove 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 daily gentle exfoliation into your cleansing routine, you can achieve clearer, brighter, healthier-looking skin. Remember to see a dermatologist if you're experiencing persistent skin concerns, and feel free to share your own tips and experiences in the comments below.