Strolling through the toiletries aisle in the supermarket, you linger by the skin care products. There seems to be so many things to choose from now and you really don’t know where to start. From creams to toners, serums to masks, the skin care industry is a bit of a minefield. You’re not too bothered about emulating the hottest celebrities. All you know is that you want to clear up the blemishes you noticed this morning, limit breakouts of acne and feel comfortable in the skin you’re in. So, which of the numerous products will restore your skin to its soft, crystal-clear self? May we suggest a good clarifying cleanser?
What is a clarifying cleanser?
A cleanser often comes in either gel or lotion form and works to unclog pores, dissolve excess oil and prevent future acne breakouts. Clarifying cleansers in particular often contain salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that naturally comes from plants like willow bark. Salicylic acid has been proven to reduce excess sebum production and it contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which make it ideal for treating and preventing skin conditions like acne. Our Clarifying body bar contains it too!
So, a clarifying cleanser cleans the skin and treats acne-prone skin? Isn’t that what a face wash or a body wash does? A very common question is what the difference is between a cleanser and a face or body wash. Essentially, they both do the same job but the biggest difference is that cleansers are naturally non-foaming, so they don’t have to be washed off. Cleansers are considered to be more effective at wiping away dirt, oil and make-up remnants, so if you have oily skin or are wearing a lot of make-up, a face wash may not be enough for a thorough cleanse.
Why you should cleanse your skin
Your skin sees and deals with a lot during a typical day. Even if you don’t wear make-up daily, your skin is constantly exposed to sweat and external dirt particles. Your body will also shed skin cells and produce oil from your pores, which will naturally build up on the surface of your skin. Therefore, cleansing all of this pollution is essential to your skin’s health and to keeping it looking clear and bright. Some of the main reasons for regular skin cleansing include:
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Keeping the skin clear
If you suffer from acne breakouts, keeping the skin clear of excess oil and clogged pores is essential to keeping those acne attacks at bay. Our Clarifying body bar can help with this. -
Combat aging
Toxins in the air can pollute your skin and speed up its aging process. As well as clearing the skin of these toxins, cleansing can trigger the internal processes that fight aging and the appearance of wrinkles. -
Improve hydration
When your skin is dehydrated, it looks dull and feels rough. Regular cleansing can help balance pH levels of the skin and retain the right levels of moisture. -
Boost skin care products’ performance
Declogging pores clears the way for active ingredients to really work their magic on your skin. Products like our Exfoliating body bar and other moisturisers will work much better if there’s no oil or dirt blocking their path.
When should I use my clarifying cleanser?
Your cleansing routine will depend on your usual daily activities. However, it’s a good idea to cleanse your skin twice a day - once in the morning and once in the evening.
The morning cleanse
During the night, your skin naturally sheds dead cells, secretes sebum and unleashes toxins, so it’s a good idea to give it a good cleanse as part of your morning routine. Not removing these impurities could easily result in clogged pores and inflammation, thereby bringing on acne.
A smooth, clear canvas will also allow any other skin care products to be fully absorbed, so you’ll be able to treat your skin to the full benefits of anything else you put on it.
The evening cleanse
Evening cleansing is vital to good skin health. Even if you don’t wear make-up, your skin is exposed to multiple toxins and stresses throughout the day, so your clarifying cleanser will help the skin repair itself.By cleansing the skin before bed, you are also giving it the space and oxygen to regenerate itself during the night. Impurities on the skin would prevent it from doing so and would almost certainly result in a build-up of dead skin cells and clogged pores, which is the ultimate breeding ground for acne.
It’s important to keep your skin hydrated during the night too because it heats up and loses a lot of moisture. It’s wise to use a cleanser prior to a moisturiser before settling down to sleep in order to keep your skin sufficiently hydrated while it undergoes its nightly changes.
How to cleanse your skin - in 7 steps
It may seem like a simple, obvious task but there is a right way to properly cleanse your face and body. So, here is our step-by-step guide to good, thorough cleansing:
- Ensure that your hands are properly clean and that you know how much of your cleanser to use. This will usually be a pea-sized amount but be sure to read the packaging carefully. Alternatively, you could also just lather up our Clarifying body bar!
- Once the recommended dose is in your hands, apply it to the skin that you’re cleansing.
- Massage it gently into the skin with small, circular motions.
- You may want to leave it for a minute to let the ingredients sink in.
- When you’re ready, rinse the skin with lukewarm water and softly pat dry.
- Repeat steps 1-5.
- You can then continue with any other skin care products that you want to follow up with.
Some common cleansing mistakes include:
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Only cleansing once
Cleansing your face twice is especially important if you wear heavy make-up or are exposed to city air daily. Think of the first cleanse as a clearing away of debris. The second cleanse will get deep into the skin, clear out the pores and remove any excess oil. Two cleanses will ensure completely clear skin and keep acne at bay. -
Switching water temperature
Hot water can dry out your skin and if you change quickly from hot to cold, your skin can go into shock. Make sure the water is warm or lukewarm from start to finish during the cleansing process. -
Scrubbing the skin
When it comes to cleansing, gently does it. You don’t want to tear the pores or aggravate soft new skin by rubbing your cleanser in too hard. You could also encourage irritation and inflammation, which could trigger acne to flare up. The cleanser ingredients are able to make their way into your skin just fine with gentle massaging, so take it easy! -
Over-cleansing
While it’s a good idea to cleanse your skin twice a day, repeating the process may not be necessary for a morning cleanse, as your skin hasn’t gone through the hardships of the day yet. Overuse of cleansers can result in skin becoming dry and irritated, which can cause acne to rear its head.
Clear the way - Beauty Kin coming through!
We know exactly what it’s like to live with skin that has a habit of throwing up acne and blemishes. That’s why we present to you the Clarifying body bar.
It’s gentle, very mild and 100% soap free because we know that soaps often contain harsh, moisture-stripping ingredients. Tamanu oil is excellent at reducing the appearance of acne scars. Salicylic acid soothes inflammation and gently exfoliates the skin while neroli limits redness and leaves your skin smelling fresh.
The Clarifying body bar is ophthamologically tested, so it’s safe for use on the face as well as the body. It can even be used on that delicate, sensitive skin around the eyes!
Suitable for multiple skin types, it works perfectly as a thorough, natural clarifying cleanser for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
A good clarifying cleanser is essential for anyone who is treating acne and blemishes. Cleansing is one of the simplest, quickest things you can do for your skin and therefore, it shouldn’t ever be skipped. Your skin will thank you dearly for establishing a thorough cleansing routine that works for you and it may possibly even have a knock-on effect on your confidence. You and your skin deserve to start seeing things a little more clearly by meeting the perfect clarifying cleanser.
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