Cleansing...First, Second, No foam?!

You know when you just start learning something new and you feel the immediate urge to share it? That is happening now and we might as well start off with the first step in skin care...Cleansing. This blog is all about learning, and I am not an expert. However, I would like to share what I've been reading lately and we can always banter back and forth and have a chat about it.

My previous post I quoted myself saying "I would never spend $52 on a cleanser EVER." My perspective being that it is a product that is on your face for the least amount of time. I would rather spend money on serums and oils (which remains true to a certain extent).

Well, I recently started looking up the idea of a first and second cleanse for evenings and what does that mean??

This led to a few epiphanies and "aha!" moments that I MUST share:

1) Foaming cleansers = bad (who knew? well not me. I used to love the sheer satisfaction of seeing the bubbles!)

2) The purpose of the first cleanse is to remove all of your makeup (used in EVENINGS only...duh)

3) The second cleanse is where you use a product that has its best and most effective ingredients that will stay on the skin, ie: NOT used for makeup removal! (use in the evening and morning)

Let's tackle these:

1 - Why are the majority of foaming cleansers a poor choice (especially for acne prone skin)?

To make a cleanser foam you require a surfactant.

What is a surfactant? A compound that lowers the surface tension between two liquids or a liquid and a solid.

Why is this bad? They make your skin alkaline, which equals a breeding ground for bacteria.

And yet so many companies push foaming cleansers to acne prone customers!!! Hmm. Interesting.

SO, has anyone just suddenly done away with their tried and true foaming face wash they've used since high school? Did it work out of you? What were your results? Let me know below.

I am not claiming this as fact, however, I am curious. I have read mixed reviews on this. BUT when I think about it, my skin does feel parched/tight/dry and almost "tough" after using them. So why not give it a go? After I use up my current cleanser I will look into purchasing a few other options (oils, milks, and balms) and see if I notice a difference over time.

2 - First and second cleansing...what does it mean?

Basically, it means using two products in the evening to remove your makeup and SPF. This does not happen in the morning (*slap* if you sleep with your makeup on like I used to growing up).

For the evening...

Your first cleanse will include things like eye makeup removers, micellar waters, balms, or oils. (Usually, depending on your budget, use more affordable products without all the fancy ingredients). Your goal: to get the gunk gone and the greasier the better!

Your second cleanse is where you can use your pricier products (ones packed full of good ingredients). Already, you have removed your makeup and now it is time to really clean your skin. Use higher quality balms, milks, non-foaming gels, creams, clays, and oils. Please have a peek at Caroline's video on some of her favourite second cleanser options. Another article she wrote on her "staple cleansers" is here. She's genious.

Does anyone have any good balms, milks or cleansing oils they love? Please share!

I think this is just food for thought, but if it is not 'your thing' - no biggie! Everyone has their own routine, and their own preferences for their skin type!

Remember to always love yourselves! xo

#skincare