Be Gentle When You Cleanse

Cleansing is the most important step in skincare, but sometimes I find that we treat our face like a site for nuclear waste. In the zeal for removing every bit of dirt and grime we use harsh soaps, foaming, fragranced face washes, acid toners, alcohol-based makeup removers, everything that will strip our skin of it's natural oils. Even if you have the oiliest skin, using harsh products to  cleanse will not prevent breakouts. Instead, you will get redness, dry patches, and premature wrinkles. Today, with the rise of double cleansing, people are rubbing, scrubbing, and exfoliating like never before. Could that be one of the reasons behind rising skin sensitivity?

If you need to double cleanse, please do so, but use two gentle cleansers. Like a gentle wipe followed by an oil. Or a balm followed by a herbal, soap free cleanser. If you have oily, breakout-prone skin then go for two rounds of Cetaphil. But really, stop treating your face like a bag of laundry. Cleanse well, but gently. 

And with that in mind, here are the products in my cleansing kit:

Bobbi Brown Instant Long Wear Makeup Remover: It does what it promises - really does remove makeup without too much rubbing. I reserve this for evenings when I wear heavy eye makeup.

Kama Mridul Soap-Free Cleanser: I love this in the morning - It provides gentle exfoliation with cleansing. You could use this after your cleansing balm as well to get rid of that slightly oily film that balms leave behind. 

REN Rosa Centofolia 3-in-1 Cleansing Water: Love that this is free of parabens, phthalates etc. It's very gentle so it won't take long-wearing makeup off, but it's great for days when you've been at home and just need something gentle to cleanse. This could also be a second step in cleansing.

Clinique Take The Day Off Towelettes: Because these are so gentle you'll need two wipes to take your makeup off on nights that you're too lazy (or drunk). But when you wake up in the morning your skin looks calm and well-rested even if you didn't apply serum or cream before sleeping.  

Diptyque Nourishing Cleansing Balm: Pure luxury in a product with plant and flower waxes. You can use this as a face mask and as a cleansing balm. What's more, this is also free of parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.  

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Cleansing Oil: So effective, so gentle, and so easy to use. Period.