The world of
natural skincare is thriving, with more and more beautiful ingredients being used to produce simple products that create real changes in your skin. But with all that choice, it can be hard to know what type of products are best for your skin. In this blog post, we explore the first step in most people's skincare regime:
cleansers. Cleansing (ideally both morning and evening) is essential for healthy, glowing skin. At night, the skin repairs itself, and going to sleep with makeup or sunscreen can block the skin's natural exfoliating process. Cleansing your face also clears away excess oil and allows any active products (serums, moisturisers, masks, etc.) to more deeply penetrate the skin. Here are our recommendations for the best cleansers by skin type.
Oily, Acne-Prone or Teen Skin
Oily skin occurs when your sebaceous glands are over-active, producing excess sebum, leaving you with greasy or shiny skin. This excess oil can also contribute to acne, blackheads and enlarged or clogged pores. Cleansing is an especially important step for those with oily skin as it helps to remove oil and dirt which further clog pores. Your best bet is a foaming or gel based cleanser that helps control oil production, or products with ingredients that purify and draw out toxins such as clay. One of our staff uses
Corrynne's French Limoges Clay Face Block as a mask whenever her skin is feeling particularly oily. Be careful of products that are too harsh, as they can strip your skin of natural moisture, causing your skin to produce more sebum (oil) in an attempt to restore balance.
We recommend Foaming Cleansers: LaMav Sweet Orange Foaming Cleanser and
Sanctum Purifying Foam Cleanser Clay Products: Mokosh Face Cleansing Powder and
Corrynne's French Limoges Clay Face Block
Dry or Mature Skin
Those of us with dry skin find it especially tough in the winter months. Apart from lifestyle changes such as drinking plenty of water and not taking showers that are too long or hot, you can tailor your skincare regime to help add moisture back into your skin. Avoid foaming or purifying cleansers and instead opt for cream-based formulas that are packed with moisture-rich ingredients like jojoba oil or shea butter. A sponge that offers gentle exfoliation is a great help for dry skin as it removes dead skin cells, allowing for active moisturising ingredients to sink into the skin. One of our staff uses the
Red Clay KUU konjac sponge and loves that it doesn't strip her skin of its natural oils, and that her skin doesn't feel dry or tight after use.
We recommend Cream Cleansers: Sanctum Soothing Cream Cleanser and
LaMav Hydra Calm Cleansing Cream Sponges: KUU konjac sponge - french red clay for dry skin
Sensitive Skin
One of the most important tips for sensitive skin is to test first, use later. When trying a new product, test a small amount behind your ear and wait 24 hours to see if you have any reaction. It is also important to pay attention to ingredients if you have sensitive skin. Synthetic fragrances and parabens can wreak havoc on sensitive skin, which is why natural products without harsh chemicals are your best bet. Look for cleansers that have simple ingredients (The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using products with less than 10 ingredients for sensitive skin), that are gentle but effective, so you don't have to scrub your face too harshly.
We recommend Products free from synthetic fragrances and parabens: Sanctum Soothing Cream Cleanser and
Acure Facial Cleansing Creme Products with simple ingredients: KUU Konjac Sponge - Pure Deep Cleansing and
Corrynne's - French Limoges Clay Face Block
Removing Makeup
One of the struggles with cleansing your face is removing stubborn makeup, particularly waterproof mascara. One incredibly effective, cheap and nourishing way is to use coconut oil! Simply massage the oil into your skin using your fingers and wipe off with a reusable face cloth or cotton pads. You may have some residual oil left on your face, but you can simply massage it in as a moisturising treat for your skin.
We recommend Coconut Oil: Coconut Magic 150ml Pure Organic Virgin Raw Coconut Oil and
Coconut Magic 25ml Pure Organic Virgin Raw Coconut Oil (a great handbag size!)
Further Reading http://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/best-moisturizer-for-sensitive-skin https://www.futurederm.com/5-important-reasons-you-must-cleanse-your-face-morning-and-night/
