Do You Have Dirty Skin And Not Know It?

In today’s society we try to be as hygenic as possible. We shower, apply deodorant, carry breathmints and anti-bacterial gels…

But, can you tell me how long you spend cleansing your skin (especially at night when you’re tired from a long day of work)??

BEFORE you answer that, I want you to really think and calculate how long it takes you to apply your skin care products and makeup.

10–15 minutes?

Even if it’s five minutes, I guarantee you it’s a lot longer than what you spend cleansing your skin!

So again, let me ask you:

How long do you spend cleansing your face?

Here’s the dirt (punn somewhat intended):

WE ARE DIRTY!

According to research conducted by the International Dermal Institute, most women on average only spend 20 SECONDS on cleaning their face! (not usually including neck and chest area.)

Obviously, this is not enough time considering the layers of smog, grime and environmental pollutants that have accumulated throughout the day (on top of your skin care, SPF, makeup and natural sebum.)

(For men, or those of you who don’t wear makeup, this still applies.)
Not a pretty picture, wouldn’t you agree?

This is why it is SO important to cleanse your skin properly before going to bed.

If you find that you’re just too tired at night (and tend to fall asleep on the couch), just be sure to do your routine as soon as you walk in the door.

As you can now see, it will take more than some water and 20 seconds of rubbing to even begin penetrating the layer of oil-based grime that coats your skin’s surface.

Also think of this:
How can your skin care products even begin doing what they’re supposed to do without being able to get past this layer of “debris”?

Can you imagine now how this is contributing to dulling your skin’s appearance, as well as clogging and congestion?

But before you begin stripping your skin with harsh astringents, here are some words of advice:

• Be sure to double cleanse your skin (that’s right…wash it twice!)

• The first cleanser should be oil-based (oil attracts oil--basic chemistry facts!)

• If you have clogged or oily skin, contrary to popular belief, using an oil-based cleanser first will help break down the oil barrier on the surface of your skin.

• Consider this a cleanse-prep. For this step, look for products with light, plant-based oils such as: Olive, Rice Bran, Kukui Nut, and Apricot Kernel Oils.)

• Remember to cleanse the entire face (including hairline), neck, chest and even in the cleavage area between the breasts (oil and sweat accumulate here as well and can cause break-outs.)

• Your second cleansing should be done with a cleanser appropriate for your skin type or simply based on your texture preference (i.e. foaming cleanser vs. milky cleanser.)

• If you prefer foaming cleansers (to get that clean feeling), be sure to use one that does not leave your skin tight or taught-feeling (this indicates it is throwing off the pH balance of your skin, which is important for your skin’s health.)

• Use the Clarisonic brush with your second cleansing. The Clarisonic brush is an amazing tool that we have used and constantly recommend to all of our clients (regardless of skin concern.)

It’s even recommended for the most sensitive skins, even those with rosacea.
I would love to hear how these cleansing tips begin improving your skin care results!

To brighter and cleaner skin!

Your Bridal Beauty Blogger,
Marcella.