1,2,3… Cleanse

Cleansing your face the correct way –and with the right products will make a world of difference to your skin.

Cleansing is the first step in your beauty routine. And no, soap and water is not enough, says salon owner Colleen Serebro of Beauty Professionals in Johannesburg; “Water only removes a fraction of the surface dirt. Normal soap dries your skin and can change its pH balance, stripping it of its natural oils and protective acid mantle,” explains Serebro. 

Cleansers contain ingredi­ents that react with water to dislodge ingrained dirt and pollutants and slough off dead skin. Without proper cleansing, your skin won't fully absorb the benefit of treatment products like creams and serums.

Ø  2-3 minutes of your skincare routine each morning and evening should be devoted to cleansing your face.

1.    Choose the correct cleanser

Gamier Skin Naturals Even Smoothing Face Wash

Facial washes and foam cleansers: Ideal if you like the idea and feel of splashing water on your face.

Try: Gamier Skin Naturals Even Smoothing Face Wash (R33.95) with pure lemon essences gently exfoliates and clarifies skin. Also try: Beauté Pacifique Cleansing Foam (R465).

Gels: Gels morph into emulsions or milk when mixed with water are ideal for oily skin.

Try: (3) Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel (R295) with marula plant oil is a water-rinse cleanser. It starts as gel texture, then turns into an oil and finally into a gentle milky texture.

(4) [comfort zone] Sacred Nature Gommage (R600) is a creamy gommage containing jojoba particles, ideal for normal and sensitive skins. Also try: (5) Vichy Normaderm Purifying Cleansing Gel for Acne Prone Skin (R272).

OILS: These make for super-effective cleansers, lifting dirt and oil off the skin and leaving it feeling soft and calm, great for dry skin. Try: (6) Sensai Silky Purifying Pore Clarifying Essence (R656.48) dissolves and removes sebum clogging the pores.

Lotions and milks: Ideal for removing make-up and dissolving dirt. Can be rinsed or wiped off and leave skin feeling clean but not tight. Ideal for all skin types.

Try: (7) Perricone MD Nutritive Cleanser (R525) doesn't dry out the skin and contains treatment as well as cleansing ingredients. (8) Environ lonzyme C-Quence Cleanser (R310) is a rich moisturising cream cleansing lotion. It conditions, nourishes and hydrates the skin and maintains the natural acid balance of the skin.

Also try: (9) Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution Sensitive Skin (R139.95).

Creams: Very dry skin needs a moisturising cleanser that will leave a film on the skin, preventing dehydration.

Try: (10) Innoxa SkinMoist (R79.95) Hydrating Triple-Action Cleansing Crème moisturises with rice bran oil, jojoba complex and shea butter. Also try: (11) Lamelle Derma-heal Gentle Cleanser (R268.27) is a cream cleanser with anti-ageing peptides. Ideal for mature and sensitive skin.

Cleansing balms: They melt away dirt and make-up and leave skin feeling soft, calm and clean. Ideal for dry and mature skin.

Try: REN No.1 Purify Cleansing Balm (R420), a silky rose-infused balm. It helps protect the skin's defense barrier against environ-mental stress and free radicals. Also try: Clinique Take the DayOff Cleansing Balm (R160).

Ø  #1 rule for skincare: Never go to bed without washing your face. Using cleansing brushes or cloths instead of just your fingers will add to the exfoliating action of cleaning your face.

2.    When to cleanse

Twice a day, morning and evening, is ideal. If you like splashing water on your face first thing in the morning, try a rinse-off foamy cleanser. Then use a milky or lotion cleanser in the evening. Don't over wash — this can leave skin dry or cause breakouts. When you're too tired or don't have time to wash your face properly, use a cleansing wipe. Johnson's, Ponds and Neutrogena make excellent ones.

3.    Guidelines for different skin types

·         If you have normal skin, don't use strong cleansers that contain alcohol.

·         These can dry the skin. If your skin is prone to acne, wash with antibacterial ingredi­ents, like tea tree extract, sali­cylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. They'll help dry breakouts.

·         For fragile and mature skin, don't use cleansers for young or Acneic Skin.

·         They contain harsh ingredients, like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. For skin prone to breakouts, avoid heavy, creamy cleansers that'll leave a film on the skin.

·         Avoid sulfate-based soapy cleansers if you have dry skin, as these can strip away natural oils.

·         Combination skins need a cleanser that tackles both oiliness and dryness.

Go Through the Motions

To lift make-up and mascara, use a make-up remover.

Then, splash skin with lukewarm water: It softens the skin and promotes exfoliation. And beware of hot water – it can cause broken capillaries.

Massage the cleanser into your skin using gentle circular motions: Let it sit for 1-2 minutes.

Wipe or rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water: Use a facecloth, cotton pad or cleansing sponge to remove all residue.

Pat skin dry: Do not rub or stretch.