Cleaning the skin can be an absolute minefield. Creams, gels, washes, oils, balms…..the list goes on. When it comes to cleansing, keep it as simple and natural as possible.
No foaming washes please!! These strip the skin and turn the skins acid mantle alkaline, which is a haven for bacteria.
No facial wipes please!! These just smear the makeup and dirt over the face whilst covering you in a layer of mineral oil. Yuck.
I swear by and think that every skin should be using Balm Cleansers. They cleanse the skin thoroughly, removing all traces of makeup, eye makeup, dirt and oil but without drying or stripping the skin.
Choosing a plant-based oil Cleansing Balm will also nourish and treat the skin too. No mineral oil cleansing balms please!
Cleansing Balms start in a solid or semi solid state and turn to oil with the heat of the hands and the massaging of it into the skin. They do not affect the pH levels, resulting in cleansed, calmed, soft and protected skin.
Please note:
• Apply cleansing balms, oils and creams to dry skin with dry hands.
• Fresh facial cloth/flannels each day to remove the product.
• Soak the cloths/flannels in warm water and wring them out before applying to the face.
• Buy lovely cheap chunky flannels and just pop them in your daily washes.
• Cheap but brilliant at removing makeup and with the added benefit of gentle exfoliation too.
The Morning Single Cleanse
Cleanse once. You must, it removes all the sweat and toxins from when you have been sleeping. No need to do a double cleanse but you must cleanse once. Go for a cheaper balm here, as there isn’t really hard work for it to do.
I recommend
• Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm (£15.50 per 100ml)
This would be my morning cleanser of choice. I use this one every morning. It turns from a balm into oil and then emulsifies with water to turn it milky. I love the feeling of water on the skin in the morning, so I massage quickly in with hands, remove with a clean flannel and then rinse with water.
• Champneys Super Rich Cleansing Balm (£15.00 for 100ml)
• Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm (£22.00 for 125ml)
• Boots Botanics 97% Organic Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm 65ml (£8.99) This is a great purchase for first evening cleanse and morning cleanse.
Evening Double Cleanse
• First Cleanse
This removes dirt, grime, all makeup (including waterproof mascara) and excess oil. So I recommend using a cheaper cleansing balm. Ideally, the one that you use for a morning cleanse.
• Second Cleanse
The Balm you use for this 2nd cleanse really wants to be the best you can afford.
Think of the second cleanse as a treatment for the skin. It is far more than just a cleanser. It will nourish, soften, smooth, soothe and balance. Take your time with the second cleanse and really massage the face with it.
Please note that using cleansing balms saves on eye makeup removers and a little always goes a long way, so actually work out very economical.
My two favourites are:
• ‘Suti Cleansing Balm’ (£33.00 for 50ml)
Pure luxury and my favourite smelling product ever. I use it by the bucket load in Facials at the salon!!
I can’t recommend this product enough, especially for skins suffering from breakouts, dryness, flushing and hormonal changes. Quite expensive compared to some BUT a little goes a very long way and it lasts for ages.
• Emma Hardy ‘Moringa Cleansing Balm’ (£38.00 for 100ml) A delight to use, just gorgeous.
Cleansing Balms help to clean, nourish, soften and balance the skin. It may seem strange to begin with but stick with it, you will never look back.
Balm Cleansers are without a doubt my favourite products. They can be expensive and take a little more time, although well worth the money and effort.
You wear your face everyday and want it to look good well into old age. This really is the time to use your ‘rainy day’ fund!
Victoria x