Let’s talk about home skincare. We’ll start with cleansing—one of the most important steps! But it’s crucial to cleanse your skin the right way!
The first step should always be removing makeup from your eyes and the rest of your face. Depending on your skin type, use a cleansing milk, micellar water, or a two-phase remover.
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The second step is a MUST: washing your face. This removes any remaining makeup, excess oil, and impurities. Everyone should wash their face, regardless of skin type.
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How and what you use to wash your face is very important!
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Your skin has a hydrolipid barrier that protects it from moisture loss. If you cleanse incorrectly or use the wrong product, you can damage this barrier—leading to moisture loss, dryness, tightness, and overproduction of oil. This can result in enlarged, clogged pores, breakouts, dull complexion, and other issues.
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Common mistakes:
✅ Using micellar water without rinsing it off
❌ Micellar water is meant for removing makeup. Micelles dissolve makeup and spread it over your face, so you must rinse it off with a special cleanser. Water alone won’t clean your skin properly.
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✅ Cleansing with toner
❌ Toner or lotion should be used AFTER washing your face to restore pH and remove any traces of chlorinated water or cleanser. Toning is the final step in cleansing and preps your skin for moisturizer. If your toner foams, it’s best to throw it away.
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✅ Washing until your skin feels squeaky clean
❌ This damages your skin’s protective barrier and leads to the issues described above. Many people like this feeling, but it’s actually harmful!
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✅ Using sponges or pads constantly and several times a day
❌ Sponges in a damp environment can harbor microorganisms, which you then spread across your face, causing inflammation. Use disposable pads or none at all!
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And remember to change your towel often! Even better, use disposable tissues!
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In upcoming posts, we’ll discuss the best cleansers for different skin types in more detail.
Author: Elena Alexandrovna