Cleansing: why it’s important
The Importance of Cleansing
Cleansing our skin is the first step many of us take to clean our face – it has become the foundation of our daily skincare regime.
People cleanse in different ways; some people use water, others use soap, and some of us stick with a specific product.
But buying a cleanser can often seem like a bit of a waste of time and money since all you do is apply it momentarily to your face before washing it off again. Me? Well the last cleanser I bought was Anne French’s Milk, which shows my age! Remember that conical bottle with the powder pink logo?
Through developing and testing my skincare range over the last several years, I have learnt that cleansing helps to prepare our face for the work it’ll be doing throughout the day. From our expressive responses to our daily joys and worries, to the environment we are exposed to – it all impacts our skin in one way or another.
A good cleanser should deeply clean pores without stripping your skin of its valuable natural oils. A routine cleansing regime helps skin to breathe by removing surplus sebum and other impurities that our skin picks up from our surroundings.
I regularly remind myself of this last point, whilst cycling on Cambridge roads as passing traffic bellows all kinds of pollutants my way, especially if I stop behind a bus or van that’s in need of a good service! So whether you frequently cycle or walk in your area, any pedestrian knows that it’s hard to avoid black, sooty fumes when the traffic roars past. When we are going about our daily business, what often happens is that tiny dusty particles settle in our pores all day long, and they will continue to build up impurities in our skin. If these impurities, deep-set pollution and even makeup are not removed regularly, it can damage skin causing acne, excess oil and blemishes.
I don’t like to use harsh cleansers as they can dry the skin, which to me defeats the purpose of skin care. My cleanser contains cleansing agents derived from fruit sugars and Coconut Oil, which although doesn’t form a lather, still cleans the skin like a good quality cleaner does, whilst only using natural ingredients. I have also included Peach Kernel Oil, which helps lift the dirt and replace the natural oils our skin loses due to factors like the environment, lifestyle or stress. A blend of natural oils includes Chamomile, known for its calming properties, and Lavender to heal and soothe irritated skin. Together, the oils provide antibacterial protection to keep skin feeling fresh. It also contains the naturally antiseptic Grapefruit Oil, which tones and refreshes by rebalancing the skin’s natural oil production. The Neroli Oil helps to rejuvenate skin, promoting elasticity as well as repairing broken capillaries and combating breakouts.
Alongside the cleanser, I provide a soft, butter muslin cloth, hand sewn by me. The muslin will help you to apply, massage in and remove my rich cleanser in an environmentally friendly way. The cloth can be used many times, saving you the cost of cotton wool pads. It also helps lift impurities from the skin, and can be used to as a gentle exfoliator removing stubborn makeup in a gentle way.
How to use our Cleanser
This honey-like cleanser has a balmy, gel-like consistency yet it is easy to apply and remove. Depending on your preference, the cleanser can be applied directly to your face using the muslin cloth, a cotton pad or your fingers.
If using the muslin cloth or a cotton pad, place a small amount of the cleanser onto it and apply to dry or damp skin. If you’re using your hands, apply to dry skin for an intensive moisturising effect, or onto damp skin to make a gentle cleansing milk.
Once the cleanser is massaged into the skin, remove either with a dampened muslin cloth for a deeper clean, a cotton pad or your fingers. Rinse with warm water to finish, and continue with your skincare routine. We recommend using our Toner directly afterwards to remove any leftover impurities and to hydrate, repair and protect the skin. Finish off your routine with a Day or Night Cream for long-lasting moisture and a natural, radiant glow.