The Do’s and Don’ts for Cleansing

As with most things in life, you need to ensure you’re nailing the basics, and your skincare is no different.

From double-cleansing to acids, whether it’s knowing how to choose the right cleanser for your skin – cream or gel – or when to double-cleanse, it’s easy to overlook the basics in skincare.

We’re all prepared to invest in the latest wonder serum but if our twice-daily cleansing routine isn’t up to scratch at removing make-up and pollution residue or worse, is damaging our skin barrier function, then our complexion doesn’t stand a chance.

Fear not. Here’s how to ensure you’re nailing the basics of your cleansing routine.

Do: Start with the right temperature

Before you even start cleansing, run the tap and make sure you always use warm water, never hot or cold. Hot water has the potential to upset the skin barrier function by inflaming and irritating skin while cold water doesn’t have the softening affects needed to thoroughly remove make-up residue.

Do: Choose your cleanser carefully

Whether you have sensitive, oily or dehydrated skin, your cleanser should be the first step in your routine to target your concerns. Knowing the difference between a gel or cream cleanser is important

Cream cleansers are gentler on the skin as they don’t foam; they’re usually formulated with rich ingredients that moisturise the skin, so are ideal for those with sensitive or dehydration skin. Gel cleansers provide a much deeper cleanse, usually formulated with acids which are great for cutting through a day’s worth of pollution, oil and make-up. They do foam though, so can err on the side of drying but work to reduce excess oil production.

Don’t: Fear acid cleansers

Using a cleanser which incorporates salicylic acid, will not only address the need for daily exfoliation but will also help your skin increase cell turnover and curb excess oil production, revealing a brighter complexion. Incorporating an acid toner, like the AlumierMD Bright & Clear Solution, into your cleansing regime is also a great way to see skin brightening benefits.

Do: Deep cleanse weekly

While nailing your daily cleansing regime is essential, sometimes you need a deeper hit. This is where a weekly enzyme peel can work wonders. The peel will work as a stronger exfoliator and deep cleanser, working harder than your daily cleanser to remove dead skin cells and increase cell turnover to reveal bright and evenly toned skin.

Don’t: Scrub before you’ve cleansed

Cleansing should always come first when you’re using a scrub. The cleanser will work to remove the pollutants and excess oil from your skin, this then allows your scrub to reveal fresh, beautiful skin cells.

Don’t: Rush

So often we’re in a rush with our skincare regime at the end of the day, but it should be a time we slow down and enjoy. Once applied, spend at least a couple of minutes massaging your cleanse. Not only will this ensure every last bit of make-up has been removed but the movements of your fingers across the skin will help with lymphatic drainage to depuff and improve circulation.

Do: Double cleanse

Some people fear double-cleansing has the potential to strip the skin of natural oils and as a result impair their skin barrier function, but this shouldn’t stop you from double-cleansing. If you’re wearing a full face of make-up each day, work in a polluted area or have oily or combination skin, double-cleansing should be an essential part of your evening routine. The first cleanse removes pollutants and dirt from the day, the second cleanse removes dead skin cells, meaning the products you apply afterwards can work all the more effectively.