A proper cleaning of the skin is essential because multiple layers like skincare, makeup base, UV protection, foundations, or concealers that are applied during the day requires more than one step of cleansing to truly remove everything. For a double-cleansing technique that leaves skin truly clean, it is good to use lightweight cleansing oil. Not only they are becoming a hot trend but an oil-based cleanser can get rid of the surface dirt – airborne particles, dust, makeup, sebum, dried sweat, dead bacteria, and residue from moisturizers and sunscreens.
The two-step process alternates the use of an oil and a foam cleanser. The cleansing oil is more effective in removing oil-based makeup and sunscreen, whereas the cleansing foam, as a second cleanser, washes away dirt, dust, and pollution that accumulates on the skin throughout the day.
Following are some guidelines for the double-cleaning ritual
- Work your cleansing oil in upwards circular motions for no less than 1 minute to cleanse deep into the pores focusing on any congested areas with smaller circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm tap water. You may finish with a cool rinse mineral water with essential magnesium, such as Vichy, La Roche Posay or Avene.
- Using a foaming cleanser that’s free of sodium lauryl/laureth sulfates. Healthy skin is slightly acidic and SLSs are highly alkaline, which remove too much natural fatty acid from sebum entering the skin’s surface, thus leaving it tight, dry, vulnerable to bacterial attacks. For this second step, you should choose a formula based on what suits your skin type and skincare needs.
- After you are done with cleansing, gently pat your face with a facial towel. Don’t rub as this may cause unnecessary pressure and increase irritation. Be as gentle as possible.
If a cleanser, used alone or in a double-cleansing ritual, leaves your skin feeling dry, it is removing too much of the skin own oil (sebum). If it leaves your skin feeling greasy and sticky, either it is not removing enough oil or it contains heavy emollient and film-forming ingredients that clog pores. Ideally, an effective facial cleanser washes the daily amount of dirt, oxidized sebum, and dead skin cells of your face while leaving behind enough of the skin own oil to naturally moisturize your skin.
It is a good practice to read the ingredient label to avoid some harmful synthetic chemicals that can be your potential enemies to your skin. You can refer here for the 100 toxic cosmetic ingredients currently used in skincare, haircare, makeup, and fragrance as a reference.
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