Face To Face With Violett: Cleansing Your Skin

Today we use mouthwash, hand sanitizer and antibacterial everything from dish soap to our hand soap. Yet, ironically, we live life with dirty skin. Really dirty skin! Why is skin so dirty? This is probably because most people only spend about 20 seconds washing their face, which is weird considering we spend so much time on our hair and makeup. 20 seconds isn’t enough to actually get it clean. Our skin is dirty, dirtier then skin was 20 years ago because of environmental pollutants in the air, and our cosmetics, such as sunblock and our waterproof makeup. On top of that, our skin’s naturally sticky sebum is thick, slick, waxy and coats our skin by the middle of the day. 20 seconds can’t get through a layer of oil-based debris on the surface. The sebum is going to stay on the skin preventing our skin care products from doing their job. A cleanse is going to emulsify to debris, dirt and oil on our face but not truly take it off. This is why a double-cleanse is necessary. This is your secret to ultra, healthy, beautiful, clean skin.

Cleansing with an oil

Cleansing with oil, such as plant-based oil, can actually melt away the dirt and makeup. It’s also true that oil is attracted to oil. This means that cleansing with oil will actually remove the excess sebum from your skin. This also rids you of having to use a cotton pad and eye makeup remover which can be more abrasive then using your fingers. Just apply the cleansing oil to clean fingers and spread the product onto your entire face including the eye area. Then, dampen fingers and when you add water to the precleanse it becomes milky. Then just remove the product and at the same time you’re removing the oil and most of the dirt, makeup and other debris. This way you can get what’s leftover with your second cleanse.

Cleansing Oil Options:

These are professional-grade, concentrated products. Use a small amount. Will last for about 4-6 months.

Dermalogica PreCleanse 5.1 oz $34

Murad Renewing Cleansing Oil 6 oz $32

Which cleanser is right for you?

There are 5 different types of skin types. Which skin type do you have?

Normal skin: This skin type has a proper balance of moisture, oil and durability.

Oily skin: Does your face look shiny, greasy or oily a few hours after washing it?

Dry skin: Dry skin features facial pores that are hard to see a few hours after being washed.

Sensitive skin: This skin type often feels tight or itchy, and experiences allergic reactions and flushing when put into contact with certain chemicals.

Combination skin: If some parts of your face are oily while others are dry or sensitive, you have combination skin.

Once you’ve got your skin type figured out you need to find the right cleanser for you. Here’s what each skin type needs it’s cleanser to do.

Normal Skin: A cleanser that thoroughly removes impurities without disturbing the skin's natural moisture balance.

Oily skin: a cleanser that purifies oily skin. Is water-soluble and removes excess oils and refine the skin's texture.

Dry skin: A rich, creamy cleanser that conditions dry skin. A formula that gently lifts impurities while replenishing skin and maintaining moisture levels.

Sensitive skin: A gentle cleanser. A cleanser that helps calm and cool the redness and heat associated with reactive, sensitized or over processed skin, and easily rinses away or wipes off.

Combination skin: help reduce control excess oil in the t-zone while hydrating for balanced skin.

Here's some suggestions for great products for different skin types:

These cleansers are professional products so a dime size amount will do for each cleanse because they are concentrated products. They should last you about 4-6 months. That's usually 3 times longer then most drugstore cleansers. Click on the product name to view pics, description and where to purchase:

Cleansers For Normal Skin:

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel 8.4 oz $36

Murad Refreshing Cleanser 6.75 oz $32

Cleansers For Oily Skin:

Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser 8.4 oz $36

Murad Clarifying Cleanser 6.75 oz $26

Cleansers For Combination/T-Zone Skin:

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel 8.4 oz $36

Murad Daily Cleansing Foam 5.1 oz $28

Cleansers For Dry Skin:

Dermalogica Essential Cleansing Solution 8.4 oz $36

Murad Renewing Cleansing Cream 6.75 oz $36