Since I have been working in the beauty industry and specialising in skin care, I have noticed that people tend to get a bit confused about the products available on the market. Not only is the vast range of brands and scientific descriptions a bit baffling, it is also apparent that people get a bit lost when looking beyond basic exfoliation and moisturising. Even with these two products, it can be a minefield choosing one that suits your skin.
If you are scratching your head about what all of these different products do and how to go about selecting them and using them effectively, then don’t worry… you really are not alone! I bought my partner a set for Christmas and he still asks me every day which one he should be using and at what time. The following series of blogs are written with him, and many of you, in mind.
In the blog series, we will look at the basic products available on the market that you should be considering implementing into your daily routine. For the first in the series of blogs, we will look at cleansers and how these are an important part of your daily routine.
Part 1 – Cleansers
Most dermatologists agree that you should use a cleanser in the morning and the evening. I noticed that my other half was washing his face with shower gel every day. This can have an effect of drying out your skin by drawing out the natural oils and washing them away. A cleanser in general will clean away bacteria, dirt and pollutants from your skin. It is kinder and less aggressive to your skin. As with all of these though, different skin types require different cleansers. For example, someone who is prone to breakouts may use a cleanser that contains salicylic acid and find it only leads to further breakouts. This is because when skin is dried out, it increases oil production which could make breakouts even more regular. This was the same issue that my partner was experiencing with his ‘shower gel ritual’.
By finding the correct type of cleanser for your daily routine, you will find that your skin is much more manageable and will end up saving time, effort and money further down the line. If you are not aware of your skin type, you are well advised to have a skin assessment. A good skin assessment should come with the advice of which products and ingredients are most suitable to your skin. I will make no apology for pointing out at this stage that at L Beauty Studio, we offer a free initial skin assessment and consultation.
Before looking at the different types of cleansers available, it is important to remind you about the 5 main skin types. Everybody will fit into one of these main categories. The types are; Oily skin, Dry skin, Sensitive skin, Normal skin and Combination skin. Within this series of blogs, we will refer to these skin types when discussing the types of products you should use. When choosing a cleanser, you should do so taking careful consideration about your skin type. Below is a brief guide as to what to look for your specific type of skin.
Oily Skin
Indicators: Large, visible pores and a greasy sheen that develops quickly
What to Look for: An oil-control face wash that digs deep to purify pores (ones with charcoal are highly effective). Choose one that helps regulate oil production without leaving your face feeling dry. A formula that balances pH will also slow the growth of bacteria and help prevent breakouts.
Dry Skin
Indicators: Your skin is often itchy, flaky, or generally tight.
What to Look for: A cleanser that clears away grime and impurities without stripping skin of its natural oils. A hydrating solution should do the trick. Look for soap-free formulas wherever possible.
Sensitive Skin
Indicators: Your skin is often red—especially after shaving or cleaning. You are probably prone to irritation.
What to Look for: Cleansers with dense foams and soothing ingredients like aloe vera, willow bark, and witch hazel. Balancing pH is also important as skin can get dry or irritated when not balanced.
Normal Skin
Indicators: An even skin tone with no flaking, redness, or sheen, and only the occasional breakout.
What to Look for: Honestly, just about anything. Just make sure whatever you choose is non-drying. Anything hydrating is always going to be a bonus.
Combination Skin
Indicators: An oily T-Zone (your forehead, nose, and chin) alongside drier skin on your cheeks.
What to Look for: A formula that balances a thorough clean with a healthy dose of hydration. Like a cleanser for dry skin, it should clear away oil and grime without stripping skin of moisture. The ideal is a face wash that protects skin’s lipid barrier, locking in natural moisture while cleansing surface oil.
Some tips for using cleansers;
· Start with clean hands: You don’t want to introduce more dirt and bacteria to your face.
· Use warm water: Water temperature is important, but not for the reason you may think. Pores don’t open or close in response to hot or cold water. In reality hot water dilates blood vessels, which can irritate or dry out your skin and cold water is less effective at loosening dirt. For this reason, you should not wash your face in the shower – it is better to wait and wash your face separately afterwards.
· Gently massage your skin in circular motions and in the right areas: After rinsing your face, apply your preferred cleaning product and massage in small, circular motions. Pay special attention to your T-zone, where there tends to be more oil and areas where you sweat, like along your hairline.
· Pat your face dry: Be gentle. Use a clean, soft towel to pat your face dry, and don’t focus on getting every drop of moisture off because you will end up scrubbing too hard!
Summary:
Your skin is your first line of defence in your body’s immune system and your face is exposed to bacteria and dirt every single day. in addition, your skin naturally produces Sebum (naturally produced oils) every day. So the purpose of washing your face is to clear all of that up and maintain healthier, good-looking skin. You can waste a considerable amount of money on treatments to look younger and healthier as you age, but if you are not preparing and maintaining daily, it will be very ineffective. Underneath your skin are sebaceous glands that excrete sebum which has many functions. It binds to dead skin cells and travels out via your hair follicles and through your pores as a way to protect your skin and as a way to deliver antioxidants, like vitamin E, to the skin’s surface. The delivery of vitamin E through sebum plays a role in maintaining skin health. If your pores are clogged from a mixture of sebum and outside pollutants, the process backs up and builds up, potentially along with bacteria. The result? Whiteheads, blackheads, blemishes, and acne. So, for those of us who have oilier skin, sweat a lot or wear makeup – we have to wash our faces well. Every day!
** FOR A FREE, NO OBLIGATION SKIN CONSULTATION, PLEASE CONTACT US THROUGH OUR WEBSITE… WWW.LBEAUTYSTUDIO.CO.UK **
Next time we will be looking at Exfoliators, which one to choose, when to use them and how to get the most out of them.
