THE SAFEST CLEANSER
FOR YOUR SKIN
BY OLIVIA ABELLA
The skin being in direct contact with pollutants, bacterias, dirt, sweat and sun throughout the day, cleansing your face daily is an unavoidable step in your skin routine to prevent skin damage. Unfortunately, Cleansing can be one of the most damaging thing you can do to your skin due to the alkaline nature of soaps and their ability to strip the skin of its natural oil.
Beyond just recommending traditional cleansers, I’m excited to introduce you to alternative and innovative ways of cleansing your skin. My focus is on methods that are not only efficient but also derived from natural sources. I firmly believe in the power of nature and its ability to provide gentle yet effective solutions for your skincare routine.
DID YOU KNOW?
WHAT’S WRONG WITH SOAPS?
Skin cleansers typically fall into two categories: soap-based cleansers and synthetic detergents, also known as syndets. These two types of cleansers differ in their composition and their effects on the skin.
Soap-based cleansers are traditionally made from fats or oils combined with an alkali substance, such as sodium hydroxide (lye). These cleansers have been used for centuries and are effective at removing dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin. However, soap-based cleansers can be harsh and have some potential drawbacks. They have a high pH, which can disrupt the skin’s natural acid mantle, a protective barrier that helps maintain the skin’s integrity and defense against microorganisms. Soap-based cleansers can also strip away the skin’s natural oils, leading to dryness and potential irritation, especially for individuals with sensitive or dry skin.
“Your #1 skin goal should be to protect and maintain your skin barrier, otherwise hell break loose!”
SYDNETS: Gentler alternatives to soaps?
Fortunately, consumer education has improved since then, and the emergence of organic cosmetic brands has provided milder alternatives to sulphate cleansers in the market. However, it’s important to note that even though these alternatives may respect your skin’s pH balance better, they still come from synthetic ingredients.
Conventional cleansers have a hydrophilic and hydrophobic tail so they can cleanse oil & water debris of the skin in one setting. However, they don’t do a great job at protecting the acid mantle because of their alkalinity.
So, what makes a good cleanser? Simply put, it needs to remove both oil & water soluble dirt & makeup while maintaining & protecting the skin barrier.
While it’s okay to use them from time to time (as long as you re-balance the pH of your skin with an hydrosol) , I encourage you to try the method below, which offers cleansing capabilities and additional skin benefits. This method can be customized based on your skin type or concerns.
Achieve the Best and Gentlest Cleanse for Your Skin
The Double-Cleansing Method:
It is a skincare technique that originated in Japan and has gained popularity worldwide. The idea behind double cleansing is to use two different types of cleansers to remove impurities from the skin. The first step usually involves an oil-based cleanser, which effectively removes oil-based impurities such as makeup, sunscreen, and sebum. Oil-based cleansers are gentle and effective in breaking down and removing stubborn impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
The second step involves using a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining dirt, sweat, and bacteria from the skin. This step helps to ensure that the skin is thoroughly cleansed and ready to absorb any skincare products applied afterwards. Water-based cleansers are effective in removing water-based impurities, such as sweat and dirt, without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
STEP 1: OIL CLEANSING METHOD
If you wear makeup on your eyes and lips, begin by using almond oil or jojoba oil on a cotton pad to remove the makeup. This not only effectively removes the makeup, but also provides nourishment for your lashes, promoting better growth as an added bonus.
Once you have removed your eye and lip makeup, rinse your face with water and proceed to massage your skin with jojoba oil for a few minutes, ensuring that you target the corners of the nose where buildups can accumulate. Wipe your face with a cloth or cotton pad and continue the process until the cotton pad comes out clean.
I highly recommend using jojoba oil as it can be used for any type of skin. It has the benefit of balancing both oily and dry skin, and is similar to the natural oil produced by your skin and is non-comedogenic, meaning that it does not clog pores.
STEP 2:WATER CLEANSING METHOD
Once you’ve effectively removed oily impurities and makeup from your skin using the oil cleansing method, you can move on to the next step: removing water-soluble impurities using a cleansing powder.
One of the benefits of using a powder cleanser is that they typically don’t contain water, and therefore don’t require preservatives (although some may still contain them). They can also be customized to serve as a mild exfoliant by adding gentle abrasives or fruit enzymes, and are easy to travel with.
It’s recommended to store the powder in a small, airtight container in your bathroom for easy access. To use, simply mix the desired amount in a small bowl with enough water to form a paste with a consistency similar to that of pancake batter and massage into the skin. Rinse with lukewarm water.
How to formulate your cleansing powder
This is a simple method to create your own cleansing powder for use during the second step of your facial cleansing routine. It stores conveniently in your bathroom, is travel-friendly, and does not necessitate the use of preservatives
The base: Clay (50-75%)
It is recommended to use 50% clay ( Kaolin or bentonite) if you plan to incorporate a second base ingredient. However, if you’re not including a second base, you can increase the clay content to 75%.
Clay is indeed an excellent choice as a base ingredient for a cleansing powder. It possesses exceptional absorbing and purifying properties, making it effective in drawing out toxins and impurities from the skin. One of the reasons clay is so effective is due to its negative charge, which enables it to attract and remove various toxins, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and revitalized.
2nd base (optional): 25%
To address the potential drying effect of clay, especially for individuals with dry skin, incorporating a second base ingredient can be beneficial.
Adding moisturizing elements like goat milk powder or rice powder can help counteract the drying effect and provide additional hydration. Additionally, for those with sensitive skin, incorporating colloidal oat can offer soothing properties and help maintain the skin’s balance. These ingredients can enhance the overall effectiveness and compatibility of the cleansing powder, catering to specific skin needs.
HERBAL ACTIVES: 15%
For targeting specific skin concerns, incorporating herbal powders and extracts can be highly beneficial. You can add approximately 15% of your formulation with these ingredients.
To address acne, neem powder and/or willow bark can be effective choices. Licorice powder or papaya powder are suitable options for addressing hyperpigmentation issues. For aging skin, hibiscus powder can be a valuable addition.
PROTOCOL TO FOLLOW AFTER FACE CLEANSING
After completing your cleansing routine, it’s essential to rebalance your skin’s pH levels and prepare it for the subsequent steps in your skincare regimen. Hydrosols, or floral waters, make excellent toners as they have an inherently acidic pH that closely matches that of the skin. They provide hydration and, when combined with an oil, can impart a radiant glow to the skin.
To determine which hydrosol to purchase, I suggest visiting my blog where you can find comprehensive information on various hydrosols and their specific benefits. You’ll also find tips on selecting the most suitable hydrosol for your skin type. By choosing the right hydrosol, you can effectively nourish and revitalize your skin.
- Apply the hydrosol by spraying it onto your face. Allow it to air dry for approximately 10 seconds.
- While your skin is still slightly damp, gently massage 1 or 2 drops of oil onto your face. Massaging the oil onto damp skin helps enhance its absorption. If you have dry or oily skin, you can use jojoba oil. For normal skin, seabuckthorn oil is recommended.
Do you have any questions or comments?
Ask away!
hello, I’m olivia!
MY STORY
My goal is to empower individuals to embrace a holistic approach to Skin Health, incorporating mindful detox practices, wholesome nutrition, and targeted skincare techniques. Through my guidance and support, I aim to help you unlock the true potential of your skin and experience the profound connection between inner well-being and outer radiance.
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