Squeaky Clean Skin

Skin knowledge from the International Dermal Institute.
Skin cleansing is such an important step in ones daily regimen but it is often rushed and somewhat haphazard. This results in skin that looks dull and congested which may lead to skin breakouts.  Here are some answers to commonly asked questions on how to achieve a ‘Squeaky Clean’ complexion.

How do you choose the correct cleanser for your skin?
A cleanser needs to match your skin type.  If you have oily skin you need a cleanser with a stronger surfactant (degreasing agent) and one that does not strip the skin of oils like soap.  Look for a clay based cleanser or a soap free gel facial wash.  If you have an oil-dry skin, you will need to use a milder cleanser with less surfactant. They often come in the form of a milky, creamy cleanser.  For a combination skin the cleanser sits in the middle of the cleansing spectrum (regarding surfactant) and can be a light milky cleanser or a gel facial wash.  If you experience sensitivity choose a cleanser with no known skin irritants (free from artificial colours and fragrance) with a calming and soothing ingredient base.

What should my cleansing routine involve?
Ensure you have your hair back from the perimeters of your face so you can get to the often neglected hair line and around the ears.  Apply the correct amount of product (read the label) to the skin with clean hands.  Then with an exfoliating facial brush or your fingers work the cleanser into your skin in light circular motions from top to bottom or vice versa.  Pay special attention to the areas where you have congestion such as the nose, forehead, neck or chin.  Ensure you take your cleanser right up to your hair line and around to the back of your ears.  Research at The International Dermal Institute found that most people spend less than 10 seconds on cleansing and it should take about a minute to cleanse your skin thoroughly!  To remove cleanser use tepid water and splash away all traces of cleanser, using a facial cloth will help to get every last bit.  Now one of the secrets to effective cleansing, follow the same process all over again. Yes that’s right, double cleanse!

What about eye make-up?
Use a make-up remover that is specially formulated for the delicate eye area versus a general cleansing product.  This should ensure that: a) the product won't sting or irritate the eye and b) that all your eye make-up, including stubborn mascara, comes off.  Try to avoid eye make-up removers that contain mineral oil.  This ingredient can cause little white heads around the eyes and leave a film over the eye.

What are pre-cleansing oils and how do they work?
Pre-cleansing oils are a new type of product that you use for your first cleanse. They work on the principle that like attracts like.  The oil in the product attracts the oil as well as the dirt, make-up and debris on the skin surface.  Therefore, when you wash off the pre-cleanse product you will thoroughly wash away all the surface debris and oil. This ensures your second cleanse with your normal cleanser really cleans the skin so it is squeaky clean.  This type of product is also very good at removing sun screens and wax based make-up, which can otherwise sit on the skin and result in skin congestion or sensitivity.

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