February 08, 2022
Cleansing is the first and arguably the most important step to attain beautiful skin. Unfortunately, we have noticed over the past few years that many people seem to struggle with this step, either by cleansing inappropriately, or using the wrong products. We have talked about common cleansing mistakes before (to read it again, click here) and today, we are asking our founder Wendy to answer some questions regarding morning cleansing.
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Wendy: Ideally, you should really be cleansing in the morning and at night. If your face feels tight or dry after cleansing with a face wash, rather than pondering on whether to skip your morning cleanse, you probably should change your cleansing product first.
For instance, foaming cleansers are a predominant cleanser type in Hong Kong, but they usually contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), which strip the skin of its natural oil, can damage the skin’s lipid barrier, and are too alkaline for skin health. This weakens the skin’s water retention ability, which leads to dryness and pre-mature aging, as well as its defence ability in stopping harmful bacteria and pollutants from entering the body through the skin, resulting in acne, irritations, redness, and inflammations like dermatitis. In fact, they can trigger and exacerbate eczema and rosacea symptoms.
With a gentle, non-foaming cleanser, be it a cleansing cream, lotion, or gel, even the driest, most sensitive skin types can wash their face twice a day without drying or irritating the skin.
EATH LIBRARY
Smooth Operator Purifying Cleansing Gel <- Click to shop
A mildly acidic cleanser that respects the skin barrier, gently dissolves and removes daily grimes in a hydrating, non-irritating way using naturally derived surfactants. The unique formula is enriched with White Truffle, Betaine Salicylate, Noni Fruit, and various berry extracts, Aloe Vera, Glycerin, as well as the brand's patented core brightening complex AYM to treat breakouts, lighten hyperpigmentation, increase transparency and elasticity, and fight free radicals.
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Wendy: I mean, you can splash your face with water to wake yourself up, but water alone cannot cleanse the skin of dust, irritants, and bacteria, nor can it break down oils and skincare products used the night before. And worse, if you don’t quickly follow up with toner etc., it will speed up trans-epidermal water loss, making your skin more dehydrated.
High quality cleansers these days are filled with hydrating, nourishing ingredients, which means, instead of making the skin dry, they can actually add nourishment and hydration back to the skin.
AGENT NATEUR
acid(wash) Lactic Acid Brightening Cleanser <- Click to shop
Infused with premium organic ingredients, such as Peony Root Extract, Lavender Flower Water and Oil, Aloe Vera, as well as Lactic Acid, this gentle cleanser removes daily grime, soothes inflammation, and gently exfoliates to brighten dull skin, refine texture and pores, reduce hyperpigmentation, and reduce blackheads and acne yet without any irritation, leaving skin silky, supple, and youthful.
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Wendy: Let me give you a few reasons:
AGENT NATEUR
acid(wash) Lactic Acid Brightening Cleanser <- Click to shop
Infused with premium organic ingredients, such as Peony Root Extract, Lavender Flower Water and Oil, Aloe Vera, as well as Lactic Acid, this gentle cleanser removes daily grime, soothes inflammation, and gently exfoliates to brighten dull skin, refine texture and pores, reduce hyperpigmentation, and reduce blackheads and acne yet without any irritation, leaving skin silky, supple, and youthful.
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Wendy: The only reason natural handmade soap could potentially be good for eczema is that it is primarily made up of oils (and no, contrary to popular belief, preservative allergy isn’t all that common so I wouldn’t even count that as a benefit). Technically it’s better than foaming cleansers, but it still does not mean it is good in the long-term. I personally wouldn’t use it for a number of reasons.
TWELVE BEAUTY
Purifying Cleansing Beauty Cream <- Click to shop
This mild yet effective creamy milk formula contains a high dose of squalane, as well as prized organic botanicals, including Mallow, Butterfly Bush, White Genepì and Masterwort, to renew and repair the skin, fight free radicals, soothe inflammations and remove impurities simultaneously, leaving the skin revitalized, super soft and hydrated.
Agent Nateur
holi(cleanse) Cleansing Face Oil <- Click to shop
Enriched with a nutrient-dense base of luxury oils, including Jojoba Oil, Argan Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Rice Bran Oil, and Rosehip Seed Oil, it completely emulsifies and removes dirt, oil, and makeup in the most nurturing manner. The gentle formula is also rich in calming botanical extracts to alleviate sensitivity, ease redness, and protect the skin during cleansing.
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Wendy: Most people think micellar water is gentle and quick, which it is, but it can leave surfactants behind on the skin. While most people can tolerate gentle residual surfactants on skin, some surfactants are irritating, and some people may develop an allergy to them with repeated use, resulting in red, itchy, or puffy skin. It is therefore better to rinse it out just to be on the safe side.
KLUR
Gentle Matter Daily Moisture Cleanser <- Click to shop
Fortified with anti-inflammatory Gotu Kola, detoxifying and anti-acne Dandelion, enzymatic Papaya, antioxidant powerhouse Green Tea and White Tea, soothing Calendula, Gingko and Irish Moss etc., the ultra-hydrating formula delicately cleanses and lifts impurities while maintaining moisture levels.
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Wendy: For starters, face wipes do not cleanse the face properly, yet most of them consist of a lot of harsh ingredients. Secondly, constant rubbing of the skin with the face wipe will drag the skin and cause wrinkles and fine lines. And last but not least, it’s like the most environmental unfriendly thing to use?
I mean, if you’re on a plane, in a rush after gym or yoga, or want to change your makeup when you have to go to a dinner party from the office, then yea, it is undoubtedly convenient. Other than that, I don’t really see a reason for using face wipes at all.
MARIE REYNOLDS LONDON
Goji Mallow Cleanse™ <- Click to shop
A hydrating and nourishing cleanser with a marshmallow-like texture. Enriched with a natural super antioxidant blend of Goji Berries, Açaí Berries and Oat Silk, as well as nourishing oils like Frankincense, Avocado and Plum, it locks in moisture, provides essential nutrients, reduces inflammation and increases elasticity of the skin, all the while providing a gentle cleansing action.
May 17, 2022
Should you part ways with your oil until next winter? The answer is no. You just need to learn how to use them!
May 10, 2022
April 19, 2022
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