Face cleansing is something we do every single day. Actually, twice a day, if we're being precise. But do we ever wonder if we're really performing the cleansing ritual the way it should be done? I know what you're thinking; it's not some kind of science that should require so many words, deliberation, and great skill - it's just washing the face after all. Yes, all of that is true, but let's remind ourselves that this innocent task is the foundation that dictates the health and appearance of your skin. Does it still seem so unimportant to you?

Face Cleansing

Face cleansing is a fairly simple step in skincare, but it's worth remembering a few little secrets that can elevate this skincare step to a whole new level. The first major importance, and also the first biggest mistake in skin cleansing, is consistency. Research shows that a high percentage of people simply skip cleansing their face in the evening. What's most interesting about all this is the fact that they neglect makeup removal in the process.

Why is facial cleansing important?

Our skin is an organ that breathes, senses, excretes, absorbs, protects, and responds. It quickly lets us know when something doesn't suit it. Throughout the day, sebum (skin oil) and sweat are secreted onto the skin's surface, and we touch our faces, depositing microorganisms, as well as dust particles and environmental pollutants, which get trapped in the pores. And that's not all. Makeup is an additional burden on the skin that needs to be regularly cleansed from the face to allow the skin to breathe. Regular facial cleansing reduces the negative effects of free radicals caused by airborne particles, which are significant contributors to premature aging. Furthermore, cleansing is crucial for removing dead skin cells that accumulate on the skin, contributing to a dull and tired complexion, clogged pores, and creating ideal conditions for the formation of impurities and acne. Despite all of the above, it's also important not to overdo the cleansing because no extreme is good. To navigate easily, strike the right balance, and master skin cleansing, we have prepared some guidelines on how to cleanse the skin on your face.

Makeup removal

Evening skincare cleansing is essential. If you use makeup and creams with sun protection factor daily, inconsistent and superficial makeup removal can quickly lead to the formation of comedones, acne, and impure skin. For this purpose, as part of your evening skincare routine, we recommend double facial cleansing. It's the golden rule for healthy and beautiful skin, resulting in perfectly clean skin that breathes and is fully prepared to receive skincare products for night rest and regeneration.

Proper facial cleansing

Evening ritual:

A single cleanse takes care of surface makeup removal, protective filters, and impurities. However, most likely, it won't be enough for deep cleansing of heavy and persistent textures and daily impurities. Thoroughly cleansing the skin on your face is a decisive step toward cleaner skin with fewer pimples, and it also contributes to better absorption and the best effects of skincare products.

With double facial cleansing, you cleanse the skin as usual, and then repeat the process. You can use the same cleanser for the second step, but your two-step cleansing routine may be more effective if you use two different cleansers. As the first step, we recommend using an oil-based product that dissolves even the most stubborn makeup. You can opt for any plant-based oil, butter, or a combination of them. Among the Hemptouch products, the Gentle Baby Balm can be of great help in the first step. Gently massage the balm or oil into your facial skin and add a few drops of water in the end to create a smooth emulsion on the surface. Massage it into the skin for about a minute and then remove the residue with a warm, damp cloth. For the second step, use the Cleansing Face Gel, which dissolves any remaining oil, impurities, and leaves the skin clean, fresh, and ready for skincare.

Morning ritual:

The skin rests overnight and is not exposed to as many substances and irritants as during the day, but it still secretes oil, sweats, and comes into contact with dust particles. This is why morning cleansing is highly beneficial. Of course, this process differs from the evening one, as it is shorter and aimed at refreshing and preparing the skin for the new day. Moisten your face, apply a small amount of cleansing gel to your palm, massage it into the skin, and thoroughly rinse with lukewarm water.

Choosing the right cleansing product:

Be attentive when choosing a facial cleanser regardless of your skin condition. Even non-sensitive and non-problematic skin deserves high-quality products. When we talk about a quality product, we mean a gentle cleanser for natural facial cleansing that effectively and thoroughly does its job. Its advantage is that it doesn't contain artificial foaming agents, silicones, artificial fragrances and dyes, or potentially irritating ingredients. A product with all these qualities is a facial cleansing gel that impresses with its versatility and cleansing effect, regardless of your skin type or condition. It's essential that the cleansing product doesn't dry out the skin and respects the skin's pH.

Avoid excessively hot water. 

Hot water can dry out the skin, making it more sensitive. It is more advisable to rinse your face with lukewarm or even cold water. Cold water can also be the final step in rinsing your face, as it promotes microcirculation of the skin, beneficially affects the secretion of skin oil, and tightens pores, preventing new acne breakouts. For sensitive skin, the use of cold water prevents the drying of the epidermis, as it does not damage the skin's hydrolipidic layer.

Cleanse your skin twice a day.

Facial cleansing is most recommended to be done twice a day. If you find this unnecessary, never skip cleansing in the evening. In the morning, you can adjust the ritual and simply rinse your face with plenty of water if your skin is normal or dry, but never do this if you have oily and impure skin. Also, repeat the cleansing process after physical activity and sweating.

Is using a toner necessary?

Facial cleansing products today are significantly gentler yet effective compared to the past. They respect the skin's pH, so using a toner is no longer necessary for thorough dirt removal and restoring the ideal pH balance. The key is to prepare the skin for further care and moisturization, which should be applied in multiple layers on well-cleansed skin. For a perfect start to your skincare routine, use a Moisturizing Essence enriched with antioxidants and hyaluronic acid for a radiant complexion.

Be gentle to your skin

The most convenient and gentlest tool for cleansing is right at your fingertips, in fact, it's our own fingers. With their help, you can clean your skin gently and precisely enough. You can also use various tools such as cleansing pads or even more modern versions in the form of mini devices, but the touch of your fingers is still irreplaceable. Let it be gentle while also acting as a light facial massage, indulging all your senses.

Pay attention to the cleanliness of your tools

Cleansing doesn't only involve the face! Before you start cleansing, make sure your hands are clean and resist the temptation to wipe your face with a family towel. Bacteria can multiply on towels, and as a result, you may transfer them to your freshly cleansed face. Use a soft, clean cloth or towel that you only use on your face. Gently pat your skin dry and avoid rubbing or pulling.

Don't skip the moisturizing step

Clean skin is happy skin. If we want it to stay that way, we need to provide it with sufficient hydration and protection against external influences. The ideal start and first step in moisturizing, preparing the skin for the absorption of all other skincare products, is a Moisturizing Essence for radiant complexion. It's an exceptional source of antioxidants and moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and hydrolates that tighten, refresh, and replenish the skin with much-needed moisture. Following that, apply a daily cream that targets the specific needs of your skin. If your skin is combination and prone to breakouts, then a CBD cream for skin balance is the right choice. For dry and sensitive skin losing elasticity, an ideal choice would be a Vitamin Cream for the face.

Don't overdo it with facial exfoliation.

Sometimes the skin needs some extra help in deep cleansing and exfoliating dead cells. We can assist it with a cleansing clay mask or exfoliation in mechanical or chemical form. There are many different options to choose from based on the needs and condition of the skin, but caution is advised, as excessive exfoliation can harm and overload the skin. As with anything, moderation and attentiveness to the needs of our skin are important.

A foundation that builds effective skincare.

Cleansing the skin is an extremely important step in skincare that deserves a lot of attention. If the skin is not properly cleansed, it cannot benefit from skincare, as even the most effective cosmetic products will not help if the skin cannot absorb them. According to experts, cleansing the skin also has a strong impact on the condition of certain skin conditions, so choose cleansing products carefully and establish a consistent routine that will lead you to healthy, clean, and youthful skincare.

Source:

• CLEANSERS AND THEIR ROLE IN VARIOUS DERMATOLOGICAL DISORDERS
  Partha Mukhopadhyay
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3088928/
• www.hemptouch.com