Could you be cleaning your face better?

Is your skin dry, dull or flaky?

Here’s 5 Things you can do right now.

Sometimes you’re tired and can’t be bothered to take your make up, but that little bit of laziness can be making your skin look dull and lifeless (sorry to say)

Why should you be cleansing properly?  Because you want to (actually need to) wash away the dirt, dead skin cells, makeup or anything that might clog your pores, cause congestion and make skin look dull  - obviously things like makeup, environmental pollutants and excess sebum produced by your skin.  

So, which cleanser is right for you?

It’s important to choose the right type of cleanser for your skin based on your skin type, skin conditions and even consider what type of cleanser you might use morning versus night time.

Types of cleansers

Cleansing Gel

Usually preferred by men and teenagers.

Cleansing Foam

Very lightweight in texture and gently washes away makeup, dirt and everyday impurities, leaving your skin clean and smooth. 

Cleansing Cream/Milks

Silky smooth and highly recommended for dry, dehydrated and mature skin.  They melt away makeup, dirt, excess oils and impurities without stripping skin’s essential moisture.

Time to Exfoliate

Use a cleanser daily but you’ll also need to exfoliate at least a couple of times a week to remove the dead skin cells that build up.  Depending on your skin type, condition and your age you might be able to exfoliate even a little more frequently, but check this with your skin professional first, you don’t want to over-exfoliate. 

Exfoliants use either mechanical granules or enzymes that break down the protein bonds that glue the dead skin cells to your skin.  Each has their advantages but it’s not necessary to use both to exfoliate - just choose one.

 So what can you do right now?

1. Never go to bed with makeup on or without washing your face.

2. Wash your face morning and night, but having said that - my night time cleanse is way different than the morning cleansing routine.  You may want to choose a different cleanser for morning and night.

3.  The Cleanse.

First use a Makeup Remover especially for eye make up mascara.  Long-wear eye makeup and foundation won’t come off with a cleanser alone. Use an oil-based makeup remover.

Double Cleanse - the first cleanse is usually an oil cleanser and the second a gel/cream/milk cleanser. Gently apply your cleanser onto lightly damp skin and massage for 30 seconds using circular motions. Rinse and pat dry. Avoid contact with eyes.

Exfoliate. Choose your exfoliant, don't use both types of exfoliant (Mechanical and Enzymatic).

Don’t use your exfoliant as your cleanser - remember no laziness here.

Toner - use an alcohol-free softening lotion on a cotton pad and wipe over the cleansed face and neck (Hint - you can also check how well you have cleansed if there is still makeup or dirt appearing on the pad ain’t good enough).

4. Put your serum &/or moisturiser on straight on afterwards.

If it’s day time put an SPF on as well!

5. Avoid these:

Don’t spend too long in the shower.

Don’t crank up the temperature and indulge in a steamy, ultra-hot shower.  Hot showers strip the skin of its natural, lubricating sebum, so the goal should be short, lukewarm showers.

Avoid cleansing with products that are too harsh - Another cause of dry, irritated skin is using harsh, stripping bar soaps, fragranced and antibacterial soaps. Stay away from anything heavily scented and remember that gentle is always better. 

And finally - The makeup wipes just won’t cut it!  They are very handy and convenient, but they just don’t do the job.

Can I do more?

Yep, In-Salon treatments - you can achieve a deeper clean by coming in to see me for a professional facial.  

Depending on what your skin presents at the time when I see you, you may need a deep exfoliation or a “Peel” or even a Hydrabrasion treatment (coming very soon).  Think of a Hydrabrasion treatment like getting your carpets professionally cleaned - noice!

If you need help in choosing the right products for your cleaning routine or you need a kick-start with an in-salon treatment, call me on 0418 680 670 I’ll be happy to help you get on the right track to beautiful healthy glowing skin