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Why should you cleanse?

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Have you ever wondered how daily encounters with dirt, grime, makeup, and the need for cleansing can all affect your skin?

Your skin battles these challenges daily, and they can leave it feeling less than its best. That’s where cleansing comes into play – it’s your skin’s trusted ally in maintaining its health and beauty.

Importance of cleansing

It’s the process of removing dirt, oil, makeup, and impurities from your skin. Think of it as a fresh start for your face.
Cleansing ensures that your skin is clean, prepped, and ready to absorb all the goodness from your skincare products.

What to avoid in a cleanser

Fragrance: when selecting a cleanser for your skincare routine, it’s generally a good idea to avoid fragrance in skincare products as that can be irritating to sensitive skin and may cause allergic reactions. Opt for fragrance-free or products labeled “unscented.”
Alcohol: especially denatured alcohol or high concentrations of alcohol, can be drying and irritating to the skin. It may strip away natural oils and lead to dryness or sensitivity.
Essential Oils: While some essential oils can be beneficial, they can also be irritating to some individuals, particularly those with sensitive skin. It’s best to choose products without added essential oils if you have sensitive skin.
SLS and SLES: Avoid cleansers with harsh surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. These surfactants can be overly drying.

Why Should You Cleanse?

Here’s the deal: throughout the day, your skin faces a barrage of challenges – pollution, makeup, sweat, and more. If you neglect cleansing, these impurities can clog your pores, leading to breakouts, dullness, and even premature aging. Cleansing at night is crucial because your skin regenerates while you sleep. It’s like hitting the ‘refresh’ button for your complexion.

Cleansers according to skin type

If you have dry skin, opt for a gentle, hydrating cleanser.
Oily, look for a foaming or gel-based cleanser to control excess oil.
Combination, you’ll want a balanced cleanser that addresses both oily and dry areas. And if you’re lucky enough to have normal skin, you have more flexibility, but still, aim for a gentle option.

TRY| Sharique Honey and Oats gentle cleanser

Should you use soap on your face

While soap is great for your hands, it’s a no-go for your face.
Soap can be too harsh, stripping away natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.
Opt for a cleanser designed specifically for your delicate facial skin.
If you wear makeup, consider double cleansing.
Start with an oil based makeup remover or micellar water to break down cosmetics, then follow up with your regular cleanser for a deep clean. It’s a game-changer for ensuring no trace of makeup is left behind.

Makeup

Sleeping with makeup on is not advisable because makeup can clog your pores, trapping dirt and oil. This can lead to breakouts and acne.
Leaving makeup on overnight can irritate your skin, potentially causing redness, itching, or sensitivity.
Makeup can contribute to premature aging. It can settle into fine lines and wrinkles, making them more noticeable over time.
It disrupts the skin’s natural barrier function, hindering its ability to repair and regenerate during sleep.
Mascara and eye makeup can flake into your eyes, causing irritation and potentially leading to eye infections.

Conclusion

So to sum up, cleansing is not just a skincare step; it’s a gateway to radiant, healthy skin.
Choose the right cleanser for your skin type, avoid soap, and make it a non-negotiable part of your daily routine.

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About Sharika Regchand

Sharika Regchand is a seasoned journalist who has vast experience researching, writing, editing, proofreading and filing news stories, features, columns and articles. She is currently a news editor at Media 24. Her passion lies in skincare, make-up, beauty, fashion, health and fitness.