Cleansing is the cornerstone of any good skin care routine - it removes makeup, impurities, dirt and grime from the surface of your skin so that any serum, eye cream or moisturizer can work its magic without having to fight against residue. But cleansing is also a bit of an art form, and if you don’t do it correctly, your skin can end up looking dull or even worse than before!
To start, make sure your hands are clean and that you’re using a non-toxic, fragrance free cleanser designed for your skin type. Apply your chosen cleanser to dry skin and massage gently in small circles for a full minute. This helps stimulate circulation and encourages cell turnover and is one of the best things you can do for your skin.
Then rinse off your face with lukewarm water (hot water can damage the skin and strip it of its natural oils) and pat your face dry with a clean towel. If you have sensitive skin, try to avoid using a washcloth as it may re-introduce bacteria to the surface of your skin.
If your skin is oily or prone to breakouts, try to use a gel or liquid cleanser. If it is dry, a gentle creamy or nourishing cleansing balm works wonders. We recommend trying our St Ives Cleansing Sticks - solid coconut oil cleansers that hydrate the skin as they cleanse! They are available in irresistible ingredient combinations like glow-boosting Apricot & Manuka Honey, skin-detoxing Matcha Green Tea & Ginger or shine-controlling Cactus Water & Hibiscus.