Cleansing 101
Cleansing is one skincare step often misunderstood.
It is a common misconception that cleansing involves some water, a quick wash with soap and you are good to go. Worse yet, some people still rely on face wipes as their cleanser, which is a big no-no! At ORA we do not believe in over-complicating skincare but we do believe a thorough cleanse is the first, and one of the most important steps in your routine. Figuring out the correct method of “cleansing” is worth it and will result in clearer, healthier skin, we promise!
Why Cleanse?
No matter your skin type, texture or condition, cleansing is one of the most important steps in any skincare regime. A proper cleanse will lift any make up, oil and grime that has built up on the skin’s surface throughout the day.Removing makeup, dirt, and impurities from the day will help prepare the skin for the application of your targeted serums and creams. Clean skin allows better penetration, which ultimately leads to better skin health.Cleansers can also be an important step in targeting skin issues such as acne, rough texture or ageing. Salicylic acid based cleansers can be crucial in the treatment of acne or breakout prone skin, while alpha hydroxy acid cleansers support the skin in its overnight regeneration and renewal processes.
To double cleanse or not?
At ORA, we are big believers in the night time “double cleanse”. A double cleanse involves removing any make up or excess oil with a specific product such as a cleansing mitt, pre cleanse balm or good quality micellar water. Our favourites include “The ordinary squalene cleanser, Clinique pre cleanse balm or La Roche posay micellar water”.The second step of your double cleanse involves using an “active cleanser”. This step thoroughly cleanses the facial skin and may offer a mild degree of exfoliation also.
What cleanser to use?
Choosing your active cleanser will depend majorly on your skin type and concerns.Dry, sensitive skin types should opt for cream based cleansers to avoid any irritation.Oily skin types would instead benefit from a gel based cleanser. Gel based cleansers are more effective at lifting any excessive oil or sebum on the surface of an oily skin type. Acne prone skin will benefit from the addition of a salicylic acid based cleanser into their routine. Salicylic acid is an “oil soluble” molecule which has the ability to penetrate and decongest. It is also an anti-inflammatory so will reduce inflammation associated with acne breakouts. Glycolic acid based cleansers are a great addition to most skincare regimes, especially an anti-ageing regime. Glycolic acid cleansers effectively exfoliate the skin, delivering a clear and bright complexion.
How to cleanse?
Follow these simple steps and you will be cleansing like a pro in no time.
1.
Remove hair from around your face using a hair band.
2.
If cleaning in evening, commence with your pre-cleanse, removing make up and all impurities from the day.3.
Dampen your skin with lukewarm water.4.
Then apply the recommended amount of cleanser to the palm of your hand. The recommended amount will usually be stated on the bottle and can differ slightly depending on the product.5.
Massage the cleanser into the face and neck using circular motions. Be especially gentle around the delicate eye area. Spend at least 45-60 seconds massaging the product into the skin.6.
Rinse the skin and gently pat dry with a clean, soft face cloth/cotton.7.
If cleansing in morning, follow with serum, antioxidant and sunscreen.8.
If cleansing in evening, follow with your evening products (as recommended to you by your ORA doctor)When to cleanse?
Another common misconception is that you only have to cleanse at night. A morning cleanse can be a very effective way of removing excessive oil, decreasing puffiness and preparing your skin for the application of anti-oxidants and sunscreen. A morning and evening cleanse will suit and benefit the majority of skin types. Over-cleansing can be an issue for dry or sensitive skin types. Simple mistakes such as adding a third daily cleanse in the shower or overusing harsh cleansers, can strip the skin of it’s essential oils. This leads to irritation and sensitisation of the skin so do be careful to avoid this. At ORA, we don’t advise cleansing your face in the shower unless the temperature is dialled down. The normal temperature of your shower may be too hot for the delicate areas of the face. If this is the case, give your skin a cleanse just before getting into the shower.
Cleansing Mistakes:
Relying on face wipes.
Never, ever reach for face wipes, no matter how tempting it may be. They are full of aggravating surfactants and emulsifiers and will not effectively cleanse the skin. If you need a quick fix, opt for a good quality micellar water to remove impurities.Duration of cleanse.
As we said previously, try to spend at least 45-60 seconds massaging your cleanser into your skin. This allows the cleanser to effectively remove all oil and dirt from the face and neck.Using harsh cleansers.
Foaming or gritty cleansers can be especially stripping and harmful to the skin. Sodium lauryl sulphate is a common foaming agent found in cleansers which can be too harsh for most skin types. Fragrances in cleansers are unnecessary ingredients also.Neglecting the neck.
So many of us are guilty of this. Do not neglect your neck area. Your neck may not require a double cleanse but never overlook it completely. The skin on your neck is also prone to debris build up and will benefit from a daily cleanse. Work in upwards motion on the neck to stimulate circulation and encourage this area to tighten and lift.Over-exfoliating.
The use of glycolic, lactic or mandelic acid in cleansers can result in clearer, brighter and tighter skin. One sign of over exfoliating is skin hypersensitivity. This can cause irritation, breakouts, and even a stinging feeling when you apply products. If this occurs, decrease your daily acid cleanser use to alternative days.Choosing the correct cleanser.
Using the incorrect cleanser for your skin type can lead to even more skin problems. Follow the guidance of your ORA doctor when it comes to choosing cleansers and your skin will thank you for it.
