A solid skincare routine is critical for maintaining healthy, radiant skin. Most of us focus on picking the right moisturizers for glowing skin and the perfect anti-aging serums, but often overlook the most essential step: facial cleansing. Proper cleansing is the foundation for everything that follows in your skincare routine.
Face Cleansing for Clear, Healthy Skin.
Should Your Morning and Evening Face Care Routine Differ?
Absolutely! There is a significant difference between the two routines.
Morning face cleansing is fairly straightforward. Overnight, your skin regenerates, shedding dead skin cells and producing natural oils. The goal of morning cleansing is to gently remove excess oil and dead cells from the skin’s surface, while preserving its natural balance. You don’t need a harsh cleanser for this step—something gentle, like natural face cleansing powders, is ideal. Our ubtan powder, for example, works wonders. Ubtans are made of natural ingredients and act as a mild exfoliant, leaving your skin fresh without stripping away moisture. Using an ubtan daily eliminates the need for a separate face exfoliator for sensitive skin. If you're new to ubtans, we’ve written a full guide to help you learn more about them here.
Evening face cleansing, however, is much more thorough. After a day of wearing makeup, sunscreen, and being exposed to pollutants, your skin needs deeper cleansing. Throughout the day, dirt, dust, and environmental pollution accumulate on your face, whether you live in a city or not. This, combined with excess oil and sweat, makes a comprehensive evening routine crucial to maintaining clear skin.
We recommend using a two-step cleansing routine at night. First, use an oil-based cleanser like our all-natural Hydrophilic Gel. This gentle yet effective product removes even waterproof makeup without leaving your skin feeling greasy. It’s also a soap-free formula, so it won’t disrupt your skin’s pH balance. After the initial cleanse, follow up with an ubtan cleanser for a second, deeper clean. This method ensures all makeup, oil, and impurities are thoroughly removed, preparing your skin for the next steps in your nighttime routine.
Harmful Ingredients to Avoid in Face Cleansers
Not all skincare products are created equal, and many commercial cleansers contain harmful chemicals that can damage your skin in the long run. If you want to maintain healthy, glowing skin, it's important to avoid these common ingredients:
- SLS and SLES: Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are harsh detergents that strip your skin’s natural oils, leaving it dry and prone to premature aging.
- Parabens: Commonly used as preservatives, parabens have been linked to hormonal disruptions and should be avoided in skincare.
- Palm Oil: Not only is palm oil problematic for the environment, but it’s also comedogenic, meaning it can clog pores and cause breakouts.
- Synthetic Fragrances: These can irritate sensitive skin and trigger allergic reactions.
- PEGs (Polyethylene Glycols): Often used in moisturizers and cleansers, PEGs can compromise the skin’s barrier function.
At My Skincare Oasis, we believe in formulating all-natural skincare products that are free from harmful chemicals. Our cleansers and other products are made with safe, gentle ingredients that won’t compromise your skin’s health or the environment.
Customizing Your Skincare Routine for Your Skin Types
No two skin types are the same, and tailoring your routine is essential for getting the best results. Here’s a breakdown of how to customize your routine for your unique needs:
- Skincare for dry skin: Opt for hydrating cleansers with gentle, nourishing ingredients like natural oils and glycerin. Ubtans are perfect because they exfoliate without causing irritation or dryness.
- Best skincare routine for oily skin: If you struggle with oiliness, a two-step cleansing process is essential. Start with an oil-based cleanser to remove excess sebum, followed by a gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin. Look for lightweight, non-comedogenic products that help balance oil production.
- Sensitive skin routine: Stick to products with minimal ingredients to avoid irritation. Natural cleansers like ubtans provide a mild exfoliation without causing redness or sensitivity.
- Skincare for combination skin: Use a hydrophilic gel to remove makeup and oil, then follow up with an ubtan to balance both dry and oily areas. This keeps your skin feeling fresh without over-drying.
The Importance of Cleansing for Anti-Aging
Cleansing is often overlooked when it comes to anti-aging skincare routines, but it plays a crucial role in maintaining youthful skin. Thorough cleansing removes not only makeup and dirt but also environmental pollutants that contribute to skin aging. Pollutants can accelerate the breakdown of collagen, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and a loss of elasticity.
By incorporating a two-step cleanse into your routine, you can prevent premature aging and support your skin’s natural regeneration process. Following up with a hydrating serum or night cream enhances the effects of cleansing by providing essential nutrients to your skin overnight.
Holistic Skincare: More Than Just Cleansing
A proper skincare routine goes beyond the products you apply to your face. Your overall health, hydration, and stress levels also impact the condition of your skin. Drink plenty of water, eat antioxidant-rich foods like berries and leafy greens, and practice stress management techniques to improve your skin’s overall appearance ?.
Incorporating regular face massages or using a jade roller for facial lymphatic drainage can also boost circulation and help your skincare products absorb more effectively. These simple, at-home techniques can make a big difference in maintaining firm, glowing skin.
By following a consistent morning and evening face care routine, you’ll enjoy long-lasting benefits. Cleansing is the foundation of healthy skin, and choosing natural, gentle products ensures your skin will stay radiant and youthful. With the right routine, your skin will be ready to take on anything the day (or night) throws its way ?.
Anastasia Averkov
~Formulator and founder of completely natural skincare brand - MySkincareOasis