 |
| Cleansing is essential for your skin’s long-term health |
EACH week our experts Dr Aamer Khan and Lesley Reynolds bring you the latest beauty news and anti?ageing advice.
Sometimes it’s the simplest things that can have the most dramatic effect on your skin.
It may sound basic but a good cleansing routine will make your complexion healthier and brighter and ensure you see better results from your anti-ageing creams too.
 |
| Cleansing is essential for your skin’s long-term health |
Cleansing is essential for your skin’s long-term health. It clears away dirt and bacteria, keeps pores open and exfoliates surface skin cells. If you do not remove the dirt and dead skin cells that build up on your complexion daily then any products you apply such as serums and moisturisers will not be as effective.
So what is the ideal way to cleanse? Should you use oil, foam or lotion?
Should you double cleanse or even triple cleanse? And what about cleansing brushes?
We answer all your cleansing questions below.
Should I use an electric cleanser brush?
There are many high-tech devices on the market which promise to give your complexion a thorough clean.
The brushes rotate thousands of times a minute like an electric toothbrush, sweeping over the skin to remove all traces of make-up. The silicone Foreo Luna Mini, £89 (foreo.com) is the latest model launched in the UK and promises to deep cleanse skin in just one minute. It suits all skin types and can be used daily with your favourite cleanser.
What is double or triple cleansing?
If your typical approach to cleansing is to give your face a quick once over with a wipe, then you might think double cleansing sounds more trouble than its worth.
However the dual approach – where you cleanse first to remove make-up and a second time to deep clean the skin – can help you achieve a glowing complexion.
If you regularly wear make-up and live in a city then a double cleanse is worth doing.
First use a micellar water cleanser to remove all make-up and sebum, followed by a sonic cleansing brush and either a cream or foaming cleanser to remove smaller debris that clogs pores.
The best time to do this is before you go to bed as your skin repairs itself overnight. A quick one-step cleanse will be fine in the morning.
Recently we’ve been asked about triple cleansing which involves using an extra exfoliation or scrub every day. We think it’s a step too far. Over cleansing can strip the skin’s protective oils that act as natural barriers to the elements leading to all sorts of problems from sensitivity to dryness.
If you want to add an additional element, use a gentle toner or a clean flannel and warm water to remove any last remnants of cleanser.
Which cleanser is right for me?
Finding the right cleanser for your skin type will give your complexion a much-needed boost, removing all make-up and impurities as well as hydrating and invigorating the epidermis.
The most common mistake is using a product that is too harsh as it can upset the skin’s pH balance as well as stripping it of essential oils. Avoid using a traditional bar of soap to wash your face. Many contain detergents which can cause irritation.
After cleansing your skin should comfortable and soft. Steer clear of anything that gives you a tight or “squeaky clean” finish. Try one of these cleansers below:
Normal Skin
Rosina’s Glorious Rose Cleansing Milk, £19 (rosinalotionspotions.com)
This creamy lotion contains rose, jojoba and geranium to balance the skin’s natural oils. Apply to damp skin, massage into face and neck and rinse off with damp face cloth.
Dull dry skin
Nip+Fab Glycolic Cleansing Fix, £7.95 (boots.com)
A cleansing balm which turns into a luxury foam, this contains glycolic acid to exfoliate skin and olive oil to hydrate. Avoid using around the eyes.
Oily Skin
Good Things Stay Clear Purifying Cleanser, £4.99 (boots.com)
Contains extracts of mango, blueberry and willow bark to decongest the skin without stripping it of moisture, which can stimulate even more oil production.
Sensitive skin
Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micellar Water, £4.50 (escentual.com)
Ultra mild, this cleanses the skin without stripping it of essential moisturise or causing irritation.
Spots/Acne
Avene Cleanance Cleansing Gel, £10.50 (boots.com)
This cleanser is soap and paraben free and contains exfoliating AHAs to help reduce spots and regulate oil production.
Polluted/City Skin
Vichy Purete Thermale Cleansing 3-in-1, £12 (boots.com)
Designed to purify and protect skin that has been left congested by tap water, lime scale and air pollution. The cleanser also acts as eye make-up remover and toner.
Enlarged Pores
Bareminerals Exfoliating Treatment Cleanser, £19 (bareminerals.co.uk)
This water-activated powder formula gently cleanses and exfoliates while reducing pore size.
For advice on cosmetic surgery consult your GP. For more of Lesley’s tips, see lesleyreynolds.com
Post a Comment Blogger Facebook Disqus