Skin Cleansing – The first step in the right direction to every great skincare routine!

Cleansing removes surface build-up

Cleansing facilitates the removal of makeup, dirt, sweat, oil and dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. If not cleansed properly, dirt and pollution accumulate on the surface of the skin and can potentially contribute to breakouts, dehydration and ageing.

Twice daily cleansing with a gentle, pH balanced soap free cleanser that maintains hydration and doesn’t strip the skin of natural moisture is recommended as the first step in a morning and evening skincare routine.

Evening cleansing is important to remove make-up, dirt and debris the skin has collected during the day. Even if you don’t wear make-up, it is still important to wash your face every evening. Our skin does its hardest work overnight while we are sleeping. Epidermal skin cell turnover is highest at night so any impurities sitting on the surface of the skin can prevent the skin from turning over correctly. Skin cell turn over requires oxygen and a clean surface to breathe so going to sleep without cleansing deprives the skin of oxygen and generates free radicals which cause the skin to age prematurely. Skin temperature also rises overnight which can cause the skin to lose a significant amount of water. Moisturisers can help hydrate the skin overnight but they won’t properly absorb into the skin If the skin isn’t properly cleansed before moisturiser application.

Morning cleansing helps to remove any toxins, dead skin cells and excess oils the skin may secrete overnight due to the natural skin cell regeneration process that occurs overnight. Morning cleansing also helps to balance the skin and provide a fresh surface to start the day. It helps improve the penetration of skin care and allows for smoother skin which is essential for make-up application.

Cleansing Boosts Hydration

Regular cleansing helps the skin maintain a proper level of moisture. Dehydrated skin looks and feels rough, wrinkled and aged. Cleansing helps manage pH levels of the skin; enabling sufficient water and product retention, for proper skin hydration. It is important to look for pH balanced cleansers that help the skin maintain its “pH happy place” which is a pH between 4-6. This is particularly important when wondering whether you should cleanse with a cleanser or simply use water. Despite what you may think, water alone can have a drying effect on the skin because it increases the skin’s pH taking it out of its “pH happy place” which leads to the skin moisture barrier breaking down and this compromises the skin’s ability to retain moisture. Water alone also does not remove oil from the surface of the skin which can lead to breakouts. Soap-free, gentle liquid or cream-based cleansers are preferable to water alone, as they cleanse and hydrate the skin more effectively, remove surface dirt and oil and maintain skin pH.

Cleansing is important for clear skin

When it comes to maintaining clear skin, balancing the levels of natural oil (sebum) is an important consideration. To help protect itself from environmental damage, the skin produces sebum. If sebum stays on the skin too long without being cleansed off, or if there is excessive oil on the surface due to an over production of sebum, it can mix with any residing build-up leftover on your skin. This may cause enlarged pores and create a blockage of skin follicles, trapping sebum and allowing bacteria to penetrate the skin, which leads to inflammation, acne, and a blotchy and dull complexion.

Enhances Penetration of Skincare

Cleansing is the best way to prepare the skin for skincare products. It helps to ensure pores aren’t congested so the active ingredients in moisturisers and serums can penetrate the deeper layers of the skin.

Cleansing Tips

Follow directions – it is important to follow directions of the cleanser you are using to ensure you are using it properly. A small amount of cleanser goes a long way, you will typically only need a pea-sized amount. It is important that cleansers are applied to damp skin and rubbed into the skin with clean fingers in circular motions. You don’t need to wash off the cleanser straight away – in fact leaving it on the skin for a few minutes before washing off gives skin time to gain benefits from it’s active ingredients and provide a deeper cleanse.

Water temperature matters – when you are cleansing your skin the temperature of the water you are using matters. It is a common misconception that hot water opens pores and cold water closes them. Hot water can strip the skin of natural oils, therefore it is best to rinse with lukewarm or cold water after cleansing to maintain the skin moisture barrier as well as the integrity of active ingredients.

Don’t over cleanse! There is a balance between not cleansing enough and over-cleansing. Over-cleansing can strip the skin of natural oils and disrupt the skin’s protective moisture barrier leading to dryness, sensitivity and irritation which can make skin conditions such as acne worse. On the flip side, a quick wash or once-over with a makeup removing wipe might seem like the easiest way to cleanse at the end of a long day but if you wear a face of heavy make-up or are exposed to city air during the day, double cleansing is actually the best way to ensure skin is free from make-up and pollution microparticles. The first cleanse will remove make-up and debris that act as a barrier on the surface of the skin. The second cleanse will work deeper in the skin and in the pores to remove anything left from the first cleanse to ensure excess sebum, make-up, skincare, sunscreen and deeper layers of pore bacteria are removed.  While twice a day cleansing in the morning and evening is recommended a double cleanse isn’t always necessary – especially in the morning. “Double cleansing” routines have increased in popularity over the last few years so it is important to tailor your cleansing approach to your skin type and skin needs.

Which cleanser is the right cleanser?

Confused about cleansing? With the many options available now it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by choice – keeping it simple and soap-free is key! Sometimes we can feel like there’s nothing better than that squeaky clean feeling soap based cleansers offer, the downside is that soap-based cleansers increase the skin’s pH, taking the skin out of its “pH happy place” which disrupts skin moisture barrier function, stripping away the skins good oils and triggering the skin to produce more oil which can lead to breakouts or worsen acne.

As long as you know your skin type (i.e. dry, sensitive, oily) and format preference (i.e. bar, cream, gel, foaming), Cetaphil has simple cleansing solutions for all skin types! So whatever your skin type, Cetaphil has a cleanser for you!

Cetaphil cleansers are formulated with a Dermatologist backed blend of Glycerin, Panthenol & Niacinamide. Glycerin is a skin-replenishing humectant that provides a long-lasting moisturising effect, attracting water to the skin to improve and maintain moisture retention. It stimulates the skin cells to promote younger and healthier-looking skin. Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) is a naturally soothing ingredient that helps to relieve skin irritation. It has natural moisturising properties to improve moisture retention contributing to softer, smoother, and healthy-looking skin. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is a skin-essential vitamin with moisturising antioxidant properties. It strengthens the skin moisture barrier by defending against moisture loss and dehydration.

Cetaphil cleansers are also hypoallergenic, soap-free, paraben free and non-comedogenic so they won’t block pores.

If you have dry/normal skin and prefer a cleanser that doesn’t foam, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is the cleanser for you! It is a creamy cleansing formula, clinically tested to be gentle at removing dirt, makeup and impurities while preserving skin’s natural moisture barrier even after repeated washes. It can also be used with or without water, so also works as a great make-up remover!

If you have dry/normal skin but are looking for a creamy soap-free cleanser that foams, the new Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser is one to try as it is a rich cream to foam cleanser clinically proven to effectively remove pore-clogging dirt, oil and makeup without stripping or drying out skin. It maintains skin’s natural protective barrier and pH to preserve the skin moisture barrier leaving skin feeling hydrated after cleansing. Otherwise, if you prefer instant foam, Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Cleanser gently cleanses without leaving the skin tight or over drying.

If you have oily/combination skin, Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser is ideal as it is a deep cleansing, low lather gel formula that is clinically tested to remove dirt, excess oils and makeup without leaving skin dry or tight and preserves the skin’s moisture barrier.

Whatever cleanser you choose the most important thing to remember is the importance of twice daily cleansing. Maintaining a daily skincare routine that includes morning and evening cleansing is one of the most effective ways to achieve a clearer and brighter complexion while leaving the skin soft and smooth and ensures maximum absorption of skincare to keep the skin healthy, hydrated and glowing!