In my quest for healthy and radiant skin, I’ve learned that consistency and quality products are key. My journey began at a very young age as I had acne, cystic acne specifically, starting around the age of 12 years old and it only seemed to get worse as I got older. By the time I was 16, I had been to several dermatologists and tried many at-home remedies, gimmicks, and regimes.
It is through my years of trial and error, and learning that adopting a daily and weekly skincare routine can yield remarkable long-term benefits. Additionally, I believe in investing in oneself; whether that be with your time, your money, or both.
Through my journey, I've learned that skincare is so much more than a simple routine; it is a sacred act of self-love. When we dedicate time to nurture our skin, we embark on a transformative journey that extends far beyond the surface. As we cleanse, moisturize, and protect, we are not only tending to our physical selves but also nourishing our souls.
Through skincare, we grant ourselves a moment of solace, a gentle reminder that we deserve to be cared for and cherished. As we massage creams onto our faces or indulge in a face mask, our worries and stressors momentarily fade away. We create space for introspection, for self-reflection, and for healing.
The beauty of skincare lies not only in its ability to rejuvenate our skin but also in its power to uplift our spirits. It is an opportunity to reconnect with ourselves, to honor our bodies, and to find solace in the present moment. In the quietude of our skincare rituals, we discover a sanctuary where self-acceptance blossoms and self-confidence flourishes.
When we take care of our skin, we send a message to our inner selves: we are worthy of love and care, and we have the power to nurture ourselves. Our skin becomes a canvas on which we paint our self-esteem, reminding us that we are deserving of kindness, both from others and from within.
Choosing the right cleanser for your skin type:
When compiling my routine, and making things as clear as possible, I believe the best place to start is at the beginning: cleansing the skin. Since my skin is prone to breakouts, I use Obagi’s Clenziderm Daily Care Foaming Cleanser. However, I have learned that over-cleansing - the process of stripping your skin of its natural oils - can lead to the overproduction of oil and thus, cause breakouts. Therefore, I only wash my face once in the evening, unless I’ve been working out etc. Other great gentle face washes are Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser, ZO Skin Health Hydrating Cleanser, and La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser. When traveling or on the go, I use Suzan Obagi MD Acne Cleansing wipes for ease and to keep up with my regime.
Understanding Double Cleansing: A Two-Step Ritual
Now, I want to introduce you to the wonders of double cleansing and the multitude of benefits it offers for achieving clear and radiant skin. Prepare to unlock a new level of clean and nourished skin!
Did you ever watch your mom use cold cream or oil to take off her makeup before then rinsing or washing her face? My mom sure did and let me tell you, people used to compliment her skin all the time. The woman never had botox, fillers, or facials but one thing she did do was use oils and double cleanse! Sadly, the products she used to use are no longer in production, and she passed away over 13 years ago… But back to double cleansing, which involves using two different types of cleansers in succession to thoroughly remove makeup, impurities, pollutants, and excess oil from your skin.
The first step typically involves an oil-based cleanser, followed by a water-based cleanser. The primary advantage of double cleansing is its ability to deeply cleanse the skin. Oil-based cleansers effectively dissolve and lift away oil-based impurities, such as makeup, sunscreen, sebum, and pollution particles. Water-based cleansers, on the other hand, help remove sweat, dirt, and water-based impurities, ensuring a thorough cleanse. I have been using Avene’s XeraCalm A D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil that I bought while in Europe last summer, and I'm so glad I can get it here in the U.S.
So why double cleanse? Here are the multiple benefits of doing this two-step process.
Unclogging Pores:
By thoroughly removing makeup, excess oil, and debris, double cleansing helps to prevent clogged pores and reduce the likelihood of blackheads, whiteheads, and acne breakouts. It allows your skin to breathe and promotes a clearer complexion. Double cleansing is one of the best ways to do so, without stripping your skin of moisture, and thus drying it out.
Enhanced Skincare Product Absorption:
Double cleansing creates a clean canvas for your subsequent skincare products. When your skin is free from impurities, serums, moisturizers, and treatments can penetrate more effectively, maximizing their benefits and delivering optimal results. And I don't know about you, but getting the most bang for my buck is a big motivator to double cleanse!
Skin Hydration:
Double cleansing helps maintain the skin's hydration balance. While the oil-based cleanser eliminates excess oil, the water-based cleanser ensures your skin stays moisturized, preventing dryness or tightness that may result from harsh cleansers. I've noticed a big difference in my skin, whether it be a more balanced skin composition, reduction in breakouts, as well as faster healing of breakouts when I practice double cleansing.
Radiant Complexion:
Regular double cleansing can help improve skin texture, leaving it soft, smooth, and radiant. By removing the build-up of dead skin cells and impurities, your skin can better reflect light, resulting in a healthy glow. I certainly have seen this, as have strangers passing me or coworkers asking me what my secret is. So if you're wanting the cheat sheet for radiant skin, give double cleansing a try.
Adapt Double Cleansing to Your Skin Type:
If you have dry skin, look for nourishing oil-based cleansers containing botanical oils like jojoba, argan, or olive oil. Pair it with a gentle, hydrating water-based cleanser - like the ones mentioned earlier in this blog - to maintain moisture levels. If you have oily/combination skin, opt for lightweight oil-based cleansers or cleansing balms that won't leave a heavy residue. Choose water-based cleansers that are gentle, yet effective in removing excess oil. And lastly, if you’re like me and have sensitive skin, seek fragrance-free and hypoallergenic cleansers for both the oil-based and water-based steps. Look for gentle ingredients like chamomile or aloe vera to soothe and calm the skin.
Frequency of Double Cleansing:
So when and how often should you double cleanse? Well, the frequency of double cleansing depends on what you did that day, and what you have put on your skin that day. Double cleansing is recommended for your evening skincare routine, especially if you wear makeup, sunscreen, or live in a polluted environment. I typically don't wear makeup every day, but on days that I hike, sweat, or wear makeup, I double cleanse. By embracing the double cleansing ritual, you empower your skin to thrive, be free from impurities, and be ready to absorb the goodness of your skincare
Remember, your skin is a reflection of your unique journey, a testament to your resilience, and a reminder of the beauty that resides within you. Take the time to care for yourself, to honor the vessel that carries your dreams and aspirations. Embrace skincare as a transformative tool on your path to mental and emotional well-being, and watch as your inner radiance shines brightly for all to see.
So, let us embrace the importance of skincare as a gateway to nurturing our mental and emotional well-being. Let us recognize its capacity to replenish not only our skin but also our souls. Through this gentle act of self-care, let us unlock the path to self-love, acceptance, and an unwavering sense of beauty that radiates from deep within.
Please note, I'm not a dermatologist or professional in the field of dermatology. Therefore please do ask the advice of a professional for important matters. However, I am happy to answer any questions you may have to the best of my ability. This blog post is embedded with affiliate links that provide you with ease of finding the products and help pay me for my time and energy putting this all together. So, I truly appreciate it if you use my links when purchasing products. Wishing you a skincare journey filled with confidence and remarkable results!
Affirmation:
I am worthy of healthy, radiant skin. I prioritize self-care by nourishing my skin with quality products on a daily and weekly basis, creating a radiant and healthy glow that reflects my inner well-being.
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