Cleansing… Let’s get this right!
As the first step in your skincare routine, cleansing the skin correctly is vital for a healthy, radiant complexion. It helps remove dirt, excess oil, sweat, makeup sunscreen and environmental pollutants from the skin’s surface. However, there are key factors to consider when cleansing so you avoid upsetting your skin barrier.
Firstly… What is the skin barrier all about?
The skin is one of the most important organs in our body. It consists of layers that have different functions. The outermost layer of the skin is known as the stratum corneum, or the skin barrier. It’s made up of numerous layers of toughened skin cells, they sit tightly together in brick like an arrangement, surrounded by intercellular lipids which contain oils, water, cholesterol and fatty acids. This forms a hydro-lipid barrier which is essential for healthy skin. This barrier is an impressive shield for the skin, preventing excessive water loss and protecting it from environmental challenges that could cause damage.
Has your skin ever felt tight after cleansing?
You could be disrupting the balance of your skin’s hydro-lipid barrier by removing too much of your skin’s natural oils. If these oils are overly stripped away by cleansing, trans-epidermal water loss can easily occur. The skin becomes dehydrated, tiny breaks develop in the stratum corneum and this can lead to inflammation.
Signs you may have a compromised skin barrier are…
- Dry, rough and flaky skin
- Sensitivity
- Redness and irritation
- Skin infections
- A feeling of tightness or discomfort
What type of cleanser is best for the delicate skin barrier?
Cleansing your skin should always feel comfortable. Start by choosing a gentle formulation that is suited to your skin type. Cleansers that are non-foaming and free of harsh ingredients like sulphates and alcohol.
Look for formulations that include plant oils. Pure plant oils are fantastic for cleansing the skin, while removing impurities they are also a natural emollient, replenishing the skin and helping to prevent moisture-loss. Sodashi’s Tri-Action Cleanser contains a troupe of pure plant oils such as Sesame, Apricot Kernel, Sweet Almond and Jojoba, rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids they deliver a thorough cleanse while helping bolster the skin barrier.
Are you using hot water?
It’s recommended by skin experts to dampen the face before cleansing and use lukewarm water to remove it. It’s a good mid-range temperature. Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils.
Are you over-cleansing?
It is important to have balance and not to cleanse your skin too frequently, you should aim to cleanse twice a day, morning, and evening unless you have been exposed to excessive dirt. Be gentle with your skin, avoid excessive or harsh scrubbing with a face cloth.
What is double cleansing?
Double cleansing is a method that you may wish to try, it simply involves cleansing the skin twice in your evening routine. It’s not necessary in the morning as your skin should be relatively fresh when you wake up and of course you have no makeup or sunscreen to remove.
You may use a cleansing emulsion first or an oil rich cleanser like Sodashi’s Tri-Action Cleanser and then a Clay Cleanser, or you may just use the same cleanser twice. The idea is to thoroughly remove make-up, sunscreen, dirt and pollutants from the skin at the end of the day, that may not be removed with a single cleanse.
The first cleanse is focused on removing impurities and the second can be more massage-like and is preparing your skin for the products to follow.
Everybody’s skin is unique, take note of how your skin responds to your cleansing method and adjust to suit your needs.
