We all love the feeling of super clean and fresh feeling skin, but how many of us are actually cleansing correctly? With the launch of a new and exciting cleansing product from Dermalogica coming soon, we thought it was the perfect time to reflect on how to achieve the perfect cleansing routine and to share our Prodermal tips with you.
Why cleanse?
We all know that it’s important to cleanse your skin to remove make up and dirt, but a good cleansing routine is more than that. With today’s environmental pollutants in the air as well as more waterproof products on the market, cleansing has never been more important. Statistics from the International Dermal Institute site show that most women only spend 20 seconds on cleansing their skin! Not exactly great stats when we all seek a great skin canvas with a healthy and intact skin barrier. With incorrect cleansing comes skin challenges like clogging, blackheads, oiliness, dryness and dehydration with product penetration also being reduced.
The Dermalogica double cleanse.
Dermalogica have always advocated a double cleanse to ensure a clean skin and to provide immediate skin care benefits. The Dermalogica double cleanse always starts with PreCleanse and is followed with your chosen Dermalogica cleanser. While you may think this is a lot of time and effort cleansing, you will be rewarded with a clearer and healthier skin which takes no more time than brushing your teeth. When you have invested in quality skin care products, it’s important to use them to their full potential for best skin results.
Start your double cleanse with PreCleanse which is a lightweight oil based cleanser developed for all skins but is particularly good for oily skins too. PreCleanse can be used all over the face, eyes and neck. Apply a small amount to dry hands and apply to your skin and massage lightly. Apply water into your hands and then massage skin until you see a creamy white emulsion appear. Rinse thoroughly.
If you are using over the eye area, apply some PreCleanse onto cotton pads and wipe gently over the eyes. Massage gently and then use wet cotton pads to remove. Repeat for the lip area. If you have artificial lashes, you may need to check that you can use an oil based cleanser or choose to use the Soothing Eye Make Up Remover as an alternative.
Our top tip is to always cleanse the hairline and ear area well - think about your mobile phone connected to your ear 24/7!
Time for your second cleanse. Simply apply your chosen Dermalogica cleanser and massage lightly over your skin for 1 – 2 minutes. Use light movements as massaging too hard can leave your skin overstimulated. If you use an ultrasonic cleansing device, you can use it in this step or during the emulsion wet stage of PreCleanse. You can also try the Dermalogica Exfoliating Face Brush for more effective but gentle results. Rinse thoroughly. Our choice for removal is the use of the Dermalogica Sponge Cloth which is super soft reusable cleansing cloth made from biodegradable, bacteria resistant fabric. Alternatively try soft facial sponges. Avoid face washers which can be too rough on the skin and can harbour bacteria if not changed after every use.
When should I cleanse?
Twice a day, morning and night. Your morning cleanse removes any residue of night time product, dead skin cells, sweat and extra oil and sets your skin care up for the day. The night time cleanse removes “the day”, dirt, pollution, oil and make up and allows for better penetration of further product applications.
Do I need to cleanse after exercise?
Yes, our tip is to also perform a light cleanse after exercise.
Do I need to use a toner to remove any further trace of make-up and dirt residue?
If you perform the double cleanse correctly, there is no need to use astringent type toners which are generally stripping in nature and designed to remove extra traces of make-up etc. Dermalogica toners are designed to hydrate, smooth and “add” to the skin, not to remove. They help to facilitate the application of your moisturiser and are a must to use after cleansing.
What’s the one cleanser to always have on standby?
Ultracalming Cleanser for sure! It’s perfect when you skin is sensitised or feeling sensitive. It’s perfect to travel with as you can remove it without using water.
How often should I change my pillowcase for a cleaner skin?
Emma Hobson, Education Manager from Dermalogica Australia, recommended every 2 days at a recent skin presentation I attended!
Which Cleanser is perfect for my skin?
All Dermalogica cleansers are soap free and acid balanced which means they help to protect the skins natural moisture barrier.
Dermal Clay Cleanser:
Is perfect for excessive oily skins.
Our tip – You can leave on for 5 minutes as a mini masque.
Special Cleansing Gel:
Use for all skin conditions.
Our tip – Ensure you foam this cleanser up properly. Apply a small amount into your hands and add some water and “whisk” it up until it becomes foamy. If you don’t foam it up, your skin may feel tight and dry.
Essential Cleansing Solution:
For dry skins or prematurely-ageing skin.
Our tip – use this cleanser for nourishing a dry skin. It’s completely water soluble for easy removal.
Speciality Cleansers:
Soothing Eye Make Up Remover:
For all skin around the eye area.
Our tip – perfect for sensitive eyes as it is an oil free and alcohol free gentle gel like cleanser.
Skin Resurfacing Cleanser:
Part of the AGESmart range, this dual action cleanser is perfect for mature or prematurely ageing skins.
Our tip – It’s a two in one product which cleanses and exfoliates in one step.
Clearing Skin Wash:
Designed for breakout prone skin and part of the MediBac range of products, this foamy cleanser which helps to control oiliness, breakouts and excess oils.
Our tip – Ensure you lather this foamy cleanser up and rinse thoroughly.
Ultracalming Cleanser:
This clever cleanser is a Dermalogica saviour! Its designed for sensitive and or sensitised skin. It’s a gel like cream that does not strip the skins protective barrier.
Our tip – It’s great for recently resurfaced skin.
Still not sure, what cleanser is right for you? Contact us and we can help guide you with professional expert advice to achieve the skin you’ve always wanted.
Lastly, we can’t wait to share another NEW Dermalogica cleansing product that is about to be released soon – stay tuned. In the meantime, happy cleansing - here’s to your cleanest skin ever.
Yours in skin,
The Prodermal Team X
