Balsams, foams, oils: How to clean the skin properly
Cleansing is one of the most traumatic daily procedures for the skin. but it is necessary in order to get rid of make-up, dust, sebum and the remains of sunscreens that accumulate on the face in a day. Proper cleansing also allows caring tonic, serum and creams to be better absorbed and act more efficiently.
In recent years, the Asian two-stage system consisting of hydrophilic oil for removing make-up and foam for subsequent purification of the skin is especially popular. Cosmetologists and skin care specialists advise you to follow this particular cleansing method to keep your skin in good condition: in an amicable way, to the immutable rule “never go to sleep in makeup” one more thing should be added - “always clean the skin in two runs”. Another thing is that you can use a variety of cleansers - here you should focus on the type and condition of the skin.
In the heat, the desire and need for cleansing not only the body, but also the face, often turns into mania - I want to wash every couple of hours. At least, therefore, it makes sense to use the most benign means possible. Excessive cleansing and the use of aggressive gels and foams on any, even oily and problem skin, leads to dehydration, peeling and inflammation. We tell you how to choose the means for each of the stages of purification and which proven oils, scum, balms and lotions should take a closer look.
Makeup remover
As a first stage of cleansing, it is convenient to use either micellar water or biphasic agents in order to wash off the mascara or lipstick. Their task is to dissolve dirt and cosmetics on the face and remove them, without irritating the delicate skin around the eyes and lips. Two-phase agents usually contain oil as a solvent component and therefore additionally take care of the skin, preventing it from drying. Oil can leave an unpleasant film, but this problem is easily solved by the next step of purification.
An alternative to biphasic agents is micellar water, which is essentially a weak solution of surfactants. How micelles manage to remove cosmetics and dirt from the skin so efficiently, chemist Michel Wong explains in his blog Muffin's blog in a very interesting way. In the same place you will find the answer to the most popular question about the micelle - whether it is necessary to wash it off with water. It is important to clarify: despite its wonderful properties, micellar water cannot completely remove all impurities from the skin, especially if you like and wear thick makeup. Caroline Alliance recommends using it exclusively as a means for the first stage of purification.
MAC Makeup Remover Wipes
Convenient express tool that can be used on the go and take with you on trips. Wipes are generously soaked with liquid, quickly wash off resistant cosmetics and do not irritate the skin.
Garnier Micellar water for all skin types
Mastkhev makeup artists - micellar water to remove makeup, which can be used for washing. It is important to remember that it should be flushed from the face, as micelles can cause irritation if they are on the skin for a long time.
Maybelline Expert Eyes Biphasic Treatment
One of the many tools of this format, designed to remove makeup from the eyes, but you can use it on the whole face. When washing the mascara, we advise you not to rub your eyes, but attach a cotton pad with the product and wait a bit - the cosmetics will wash off by itself.
Hydrophilic oil
The product that came to us from Asia is an oil (or oil-based product), which, in contact with water, turns into an emulsion and is easily washed off without additional efforts. Now these oils produce a large number of non-Asian brands. They are excellent as the first stage of cleansing for removing makeup, and as the second - for a complete cleansing of the skin and preparation for applying care products. Apply hydrophilic oils to dry skin with dry hands, actively massage and rinse with warm water or with napkins or sponge. The Asian cleansing system involves the use of foaming agent after hydrophilic, but here you need to focus more on your own comfort and choose the options that are right for you.
Cleansing Oil
Korean hydrophilic oil, which dissolves even lasting makeup and does not leave an oil film on the face after rinsing - Asian oils are often the last to sin.
The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil
Hydrophilic makeup remover with chamomile on the basis of sunflower oil with a pleasant smell. In this series, The Body Shop also has a cleansing solid balm.
L'Occitane Shea Butter Cleansing Oil 5%
Shea butter - one of the most nutritious, but at the same time heavy components of cosmetics. This oil L'Occitane dissolves makeup, nourishes the skin and is easily washed off.
Gels and foams for washing
Soapy means cleanse the skin due to the fact that they break down fat and help it dissolve in water. On what kind of surfactant is contained in a particular means for washing, depends on its aggressiveness in relation to the skin. One of the most common surfactants that effectively breaks down fat is sodium lauryl sulfate, or SLS, and its analogues. Numerous studies have shown that SLS irritates the skin and dries it, because it not only breaks down the dirt, but also destroys the natural lipid layer of the skin, which is necessary to retain moisture. However, now on the market there are a large number of products with softer active ingredients. Nevertheless, we do not recommend using foaming agents on dry, dehydrated and sensitive skin, as they can aggravate her condition.
Mizon Egg White Bubble Cleanser
A remedy for those who love a lot of foam, but want a gentle cleansing. It contains mild cleansing ingredients and therefore does not wash off cosmetics, but is perfect for the second stage of washing.
La Roche-Posay Cleansing Micellar Foaming Water
Micellar foam that does not contain soap, alcohol and dyes. Suitable for cleansing even sensitive skin. With the removal of persistent makeup just can not cope, but for morning washing - the most it.
Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Extra Mild
Among Clinique cleansers, it is the only one that does not contain soap. It practically does not foam, but at the same time it cleans and refreshes the skin, and also washes away light makeup.
Cleansing Balms
Balsams and oils with rich compositions are a luxury from the world of cleansing, because they not only remove impurities, but also soothe, nourish the skin, and can also be used for facial massage. Specialists in care especially recommend the use of such products for dry, tired and mature skin, and in the winter at all for any skin type.
Oil products cleanse the skin thanks to the well-known chemical principle “like dissolves in like”: sebum, dirt and makeup easily dissolve in a greasy base and are removed from the face without residue. As a rule, balsams and oils are difficult to wash off from the face with just water, therefore often cleaning napkins or sponges are sold with them. Small life hacking: for cleansing, you can use not only special cleansing balms, but also ordinary multifunctional ones.
Lush Ultrabland Facial Cleanser
One of the most inexpensive options among the balsams with a dense texture. Softens the skin, gives radiance and soothes. Contains honey, so allergies are better to pass by.
Darphin Aromatic Cleansing Balm with Rosewood
Cleansing balm for all skin types with marula oil, rosewood, ylang-ylang and sage essential oils, vitamins C and E. Despite its small volume, it is guaranteed not enough for one month of daily use.
REN Rosa Centifolia No. 1 Purity Cleansing Balm
Balsam with a strong smell of rose gives the skin softness and smoothes wrinkles from dryness.
Cleansing creams, lotions and milk
The composition of cleansing creams and lotions, as a rule, contains oils that help dissolve the dirt on the skin. In addition, such products contain many components (for example, clay, hyaluronic acid and plant extracts), which help to combat dryness, excessive fat content or dehydration of the skin. They do not contain sulphates and therefore do not completely dry, but some may contain alcohol or components that cause allergies. Remember - the denser the texture of the product, the more it is suitable for dry and sensitive skin. Another life hacking: if you have a bad face cream, then it can be used as a cleansing agent in a pair with sponge, cotton pads or a napkin.
Natura Siberica Cleansing Fluid
A simple and clear cleanser for every day that will suit any skin. The brand also has options for oily and dry skin.
Weleda mandel reinigungsmilch
Cleansing milk for sensitive skin with a fairly bright smell of almonds. Despite the presence of aqueous-alcoholic infusion of flowers in the composition, it does not irritate the skin at all and removes dirt well.
REN ClearCalm 3 Clarifying Clay Cleanser
Unfortunately, there are very few soft but effective products on the market for cleansing oily and problem skin. This milk contains clay and well cleans the pores, but it does not dry, so it can be used by owners of even dry skin types in the summer.
Photo: MAC, Garnier, Ozon, Amazon, The Body Shop, Cult Beauty, Sephora, La Roche-Posay, Clinique, Lush, Darphin, REN, Natura Siberica, Weleda