Cleansing 101
Cleansing is the first step in any skin care routine, but it is a step that is often rushed through. At Annmarie Skin Care, we encourage you to take the time to thoroughly cleanse your skin—breathe deeply, then massage your cleanser into your skin slowly and with intention, being sure to include often missed areas (jawline, hairline, etc). A thorough cleanse will remove makeup, debris, and impurities and prep the skin for the products that are applied after cleansing. Without a sufficient cleanse, treatment products are not able to be absorbed properly to then work effectively.
What is double cleansing?
Take your cleansing routine a step further by incorporating double cleansing. Double cleansing is simply the process of cleansing twice—as the name suggests. This can be done with any cleanser that you choose, but it is most effective when an oil-based cleanser is used first followed by a water-based cleanser (or in our case, aloe vera leaf juice based cleanser). A double cleansing ritual ensures that all impurities are being removed to prevent buildup that can lead to congestion, uneven texture, dry skin, and a host of other common skin issues.
Which oil cleanser should I choose?
Our Restorative Cleansing Oil is the perfect choice as the first step in your double-cleanse ritual. This lightweight cleansing oil sweeps away impurities and lifts makeup while strengthening your skin’s delicate barrier. This formula starts with ultra-moisturizing organic golden jojoba oil, which closely resembles the texture of skin’s sebum. Manuka oil is both deeply cleansing and calming—dissolving impurities while reducing the look of temporary redness. Tea tree oil purifies the skin and helps to shrink the look of enlarged pores. Castor oil contains a wealth of fatty acids to restore skin’s natural moisture balance. These thoughtfully sourced ingredients work together beautifully to deeply cleanse and nourish your skin all at once. Ideal for all skin types, whether dry, oily, or even sensitive.
The science behind it
While it may seem counterintuitive to recommend an oil cleanser to someone with an oily skin type that may struggle with congestion, it actually makes perfect sense. It’s science! “Like attracts like”—an oil-based cleanser will bind with oil-based impurities on the skin. It will work to dissolve oil that has hardened to prevent clogged pores. This method removes everything and addresses skin concerns, while maintaining the skin’s natural balance and leaving your complexion soft and nourished. This is quite the shift if one is used to using a traditional cleanser with high-foaming properties, which is often what is recommended for oily or congestion prone skin, but this can actually exacerbate the issue by drying the skin and disrupting the skin’s natural protective barrier—its acid mantle. These types of cleansers usually contain harsh surfactants that leave skin feeling tight and dry, which can lead to an overproduction of oil rather than balancing oil production.
The double cleansing process
As far as what to use for your second cleanse, it is up to you! Any of our other three cleansers—the Aloe Herb Cleanser, Citrus Mint Cleanser, or Phytonutrient Cleanser, are all ideal. It is really just personal preference. Double cleansing can be done morning or evening, but in the evening is often best for removing the impurities and debris that have accumulated throughout the day. Simply pump a generous amount of the Restorative Cleansing Oil into the palm of your hand, rub hands together and then massage the oil into your skin making sure to take your time and focus on any areas prone to congestion—often around the nose, down around the chin and mouth area, etc., then rinse or remove with a warm cloth. Follow with your second cleanser of choice to reveal deep clean, nourished, and radiant skin.
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