Make-up Manifesto: the basics of cleansing

Erin Rice

Monday 14 January 2013

Cleansing is essential in everyone’s skincare routine. It's a crucial step to great skin and it kick-starts the anti-ageing process.

You have most likely heard of many routines and rules to cleansing, however, if you stick to my tried and tested basic cleansing steps, your skin will reap the rewards.

To begin your cleansing routine, you need to remove your make-up first. By using a cleansing water or an oil based make-up remover you can break down the first layers of your make-up – including your eye make-up. By taking off your make-up first, it allows for fuss free cleansing and your second cleanse can penetrate into the skin.

When choosing a cleanser it all depends on personal skin issues and which category you fall into. Sensitive- If your skin is prone to sensitivity and redness, a cleanser with calming and soothing properties which doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals or fragrances will be best suited for your delicate skin. Gentle cream and milk cleansers are the most soothing and suited for sensitive skin. Oily/Combination-oily and combination skin benefits the most from cleansers that balance the skin. For example - a cleanser that will reduce oiliness yet not dry out the skin would be suitable. Ingredients to look for in your cleanser would be Glycolic Acid and PH balancing properties. Blemish Prone/Problematic– when dealing with problematic and spot prone skin you want to stick to cleansers that contain spot fighting ingredients, the most useful ingredients being Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid. I don’t recommend using harsh cleansers when dealing with problematic skin types (the typical ones on the high street); they damage the layers of the skin and are too stripping. Dry Skin– dry skin can be helped and resolved with hydrating and plumping cleansers. Dry skin sufferers benefit from cleansers that contain Hyaluronic Acid and other moisturising properties. With your make-up removed, squeeze a ten pence piece amount of cleanser into the palm of your hand. Ensure both hands are layered with cleanser and massage in circular motions onto and all over the face and neck. By massaging your cleanser it allows toxins to drain and the ingredients to work into the skin. To remove your cleanser you can either use a muslin cloth, flannel or cotton pads. Whatever your preference, ensure they are damp with luke warm water, not hot, as this can aggravate your skin. Then, with gentle upward movements, remove your cleanser and repeat if traces of make-up are found. Cleansing in the morning is equally as important. Dead skin cells, oil and products from the night before settle on the skin while you sleep, thus making cleansing in the morning a necessity! Top cleansing picks: Make-up Remover– Clarins Water Purify One Step Cleanser (£19.00) Cleanser for Sensitive Skin – Pai’s Camellia & Rose Gentle Cleanser (£25.00) Cleanser for Oily/Combination Skin – Clarins Cleansing Milk with Gentian (£17.50) Cleanser for Dry Skin - ESPA Hydrating Cleansing Milk (£13.50) Cleansing Essential – Pai’s Organic Muslin Cloth (£3.00)

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Make-up Manifesto: the basics of cleansing

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