To the naked eyes, skin looks clean after a regular wash. Sure, you may assume some invisible impurities are stuck to the skin, thanks to pollution and chemical-induced beauty products. However, most of the time, it doesn’t catch your eye. Unless you are committed to following a skincare routine to maintain your skin’s hygiene, there is a good chance that your skin is slowly losing its health.
The rules of the skincare world are different but simple. It doesn’t matter how expensive your makeup, serums, and creams are or how much are you spending on skin treatments. If you’re not following the basics and cleansing your skin properly, you are wasting your time and money. A habit as primary as cleansing properly can help your skin absorb the healing elements of your products better. This can give you a youthful, well-moisturised, and nourished skin in the long run.
Much like everything else, there is a right way and multiple wrong ways to cleanse your skin. Let us talk about what’s right for your skin.
How To Cleanse Your Skin?
Cleansing your face in the morning and before sleep at night should be a non-negotiable part of your skincare routine. If you do not remove the dirt and the makeup off your face before you go to bed, you’ll have clogged skin pores. This will make your skin look dull and will cause spots and blackheads. It’s been scientifically proven that sleeping with dirty clean can speed up the process of ageing.
For light makeup: While cleansing in the morning, apply a small amount of cleanser and rinse it off with lukewarm water. In the evening, use a makeup remover to clean your makeup and the dirt first. Then, take the cleanser to give it a second round.
For heavy makeup: If you wear heavy makeup or foundation with SPF, you must do double cleansing at night. Use a cleansing oil or balm for the first cleanse to clean your makeup. You can carry out the process using your hands or a washcloth. For the second cleanse, use your cleanser to clean your skin. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
For frequent makeup: If you often put makeup, regular cleansing may seem tiresome or ineffective. Hence, use the washcloth. Soak a cotton cloth in hot water. Bring it to a bearable temperature. Massage your cream cleanser on your skin. This will loosen up the dirt or makeup on your face. Now, start removing the cleanser from your skin using the warm cloth. Move your hand in a circular motion. This method also gently exfoliates your skin which is great for deep cleansing.
Whilst the routine may make you wonder if it’s worth it, trust the beauty buffs when they say, these extra few minutes of investment into your skin will make it look youthful and brighter for a longer period of time. The crux of this process to achieve clear skin is to choose the right cleanser for your skin.
How To Choose The Right Cleanser For Your Skin?
Your choice of cleanser is as important as the process itself. To choose the right cleanser, you must know your skin type and have an understanding of which cleanser suits which type of skin. For example, using an oil-based cleanser for oily skin may lead to breakouts, instead of calming your acne, it may trigger it. When your cleanser is in tune with your skin type, the chances for your skin to feel relaxed increase even after a long, hard day under the sun and pollution. Here is a list of the most popular types of cleansers along with their suitable skin types.
Oil cleansers for dry, combination and sensitive skin: Oil cleansers gently remove the pore-clogging debris including waterproof makeup, without causing dryness on the skin.
Cream cleansers for sensitive and dry skin: Cream cleansers are packed with moisturising ingredients and come in the form of milk or lotion. They have a thick and creamy consistency. One of our favourites is Deep Cleansing Lotion that cleanses and nourishes the skin without stripping away its natural oils.
Micellar cleansers for dry and sensitive skin: Micellar water is a French baby that originated when the country was facing water issues. It was invented for cleansing makeup. Micelles present in micellar water attracts oil, dirt, and makeup from the skin without any use of regular water. Say hello to our very own micellar water Sapta Jal.
Powder cleansers for oily and sensitive skin: Powder cleansers are in powder form when dry and they become creamy as they come in contact with water. They also exfoliate the skin while cleansing it. Powder cleansers mostly have good-for-skin ingredients.
Clay cleansers for oily and combination skin: Known for their absorbing capacity, clay cleansers extract toxins and excess oil from the pores.
Foam cleansers for oily and combination skin: Lightweight cleansers that are formulated to remove excess oil. They are available in cream and gel form which transforms into a foamy lather once rubbed on the skin. They are a bit harsh on most skin types because of the ingredients so go for it once you’ve properly seen the ingredient list. The surfactants in it can strip off the natural oils from your skin.
Bar cleansers for oily and combination skin: These cleansing bars have skin-friendly pH. They are nutrient-rich, highly moisturising with ingredients like glycerin and essential oils.
Gel cleansers for oily and combination skin: Gel cleansers have gel-like consistency and are clear. Formulated to exfoliate and deep cleanse, these are perfect for cleaning clogged pores, destroying acne-causing bacteria, and removing excess oil.
Cloths, wipes, and sponge cleansers for oily and combination skin: Cleanser like muslin cloths, konjac sponges, kessa mitts and so on are mostly made of plant-derived fibres.
Home Remedies To Cleanse Your Face Skin
We understand that not everyone is big on buying beauty products. Most of your ancestors have used popular and highly effective kitchen ingredients to achieve a youthful, healthy skin for centuries. If it was good enough for them, of course, it is good for you! You don’t have to buy expensive, chemical-induced cleansers. You can always rely on ayurvedic products and ayurvedic treatments for the century-old yet best healing results. It is necessary that your ingredient is rich in skin-friendly nutrients like biotin, natural oils, and antioxidants for the best results. Here are a few ingredients you can use to cleanse your skin.
Coconut, almond, olive or avocado oil: The natural fat present in these oils can cleanse the skin without stripping off its natural oils. They are rich in vitamin E and promote healing for dry, malnourished skin. It will leave your skin feeling moisturised. However, if you have acne-prone skin, avoid using oils as your natural cleanser.
Gently massage some of your favourite cold-pressed oil to your face in a circular motion for about 30 seconds. Afterward, apply a warm towel to your face to open the pores. Give it 20-30 seconds. Then remove the oil by patting with a washcloth.
Honey and lemon: Honey and lemon together act as a moisturiser and an antiseptic. They soothe and clean your skin. Honey is antibacterial and packed with antioxidants. It helps prevent acne and slow down the process of skin-ageing. Lemon also has rich antioxidants. It has antimicrobial and astringent properties which help in removing impurities and de-tanning the skin.
Mix 1 tablespoon of honey with the juice from half a lemon. Apply it to your face and neck and let it sit for 20 minutes. Wash it off with warm water followed by cold water. Pat dry your face.
Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is a miracle ingredient for beauty home remedy lovers. It’s been used for centuries as a face cleanser because of the malic acid present in it. It promotes cell turnover, clears the skin and skin pores, controls acne, and restores the pH level of the skin. However, always remember to dilute apple cider vinegar before using it on your skin. Do not apply directly.
Mix 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar with 2 teaspoons of water. Mix it well. Apply it to your clean face with a cotton ball or cotton pad. Once it dries, apply your daily moisturiser.
Dry yeast: Yeast is hydrating, anti-ageing, collagen-producing and brightening when applied topically. It can protect the skin from environmental damage, help repair damaged skin cells, and strengthen its structure. Many skin products contain yeast as an ingredient, however, you can make its mask at home.
Add 1 tablespoon dry yeast in 2 tablespoons of warm milk and dissolve it. Add 1 teaspoon of honey to it. Apply the mixture to your face. Give it 10-15 minutes. Then, rinse with warm water. Pat dry your face.
Chickpea and turmeric powder: Both chickpea flour and turmeric powder have been traditionally used in ayurvedic face masks. Turmeric powder has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that help lighten the dark spots on your skin, control acne, and cleansing the skin.
Add 2 tablespoons of chickpea powder and 1 teaspoon turmeric powder to milk and make a paste. Apply it to your face and neck. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes and rinse thoroughly with warm water. As it is a face mask, you can repeat the process twice a week.
Oatmeal and buttermilk or yoghurt: Oatmeal in itself is a great facial cleanser. It can naturally brighten your skin tone. It is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory. This helps oatmeal eliminate dryness from the skin. Yoghurt is rich in protein and lactic acid. It helps in detoxifying the skin by removing the dead skin cells. It also helps in tightening the skin pores, hydrate the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Add 1 tablespoon oatmeal to 2 teaspoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of buttermilk or 2 tablespoons of yoghurt. Make a fine paste. Apply it to your face and neck and scrub gently in a circular motion. Wash it off with cold water.
FAQs
1. How do I find my perfect skincare routine?
Ans: It is wise to design your own skincare routine as it would favour your lifestyle and skin type. For this, know your skin type - normal, oily, dry, combination, and sensitive. Choose a cleanser, exfoliator, and moisturiser based on your skin type. Cleanse your skin every morning and before going to bed. Exfoliate it at least once a week. Moisturise it every time you cleanse. Don’t skip the sunscreen if you’re stepping out.
2. Is it OK to sleep with aloe vera on your face?
Ans: Yes. You can safely apply aloe vera gel to your face every night. Application of aloe vera gel every morning and every night before sleep helps your face in the process of skin cell regeneration.
3. Can I apply Vaseline on my face?
Ans: Vaseline has been a part of our skincare and lip care routine since childhood and for a good reason. Vaseline is a cost-effective and safe way to lock moisture into your skin. Vaseline can also help you remove makeup. It protects sensitive skin and can heal small cuts and bruises.
4. What will happen if we apply aloe vera on face daily?
Ans: Aloe vera has a healing, cooling and moisturising effect on your skin. You can safely apply it to your face every day, a couple of times. You can also use it to comfort sunburns, minor cuts and small abrasions.
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