But, 1st The Cleanser 🫧

Oops! We missed the #SkinTeaReport but we're backkkk so. . .

Listen, we told you this is a safe space, and in a safe spaces, we must be honest with each other, right ? 

Well, you've been skipping the most important piece of your routine- the CLEANSER!

Skipping the cleanser is like skipping your warm-up before working out or not preheating the oven before you start cooking. Some things are easier, better, or more efficient when you do one step before the other. Make sense? 

So, before we get into how to build a routine and what serum, mask, or moisturizer does what, we MUST TALK ABOUT THE CLEANSER !

By definition, cleansing the skin is the act of removing dirt and impurities. But, if we're honest, this is true, but it's more. Yes, cleansers remove dirt, oil, and debris, but they should also help replenish, nourish, improve, restore, and target. It shouldn't leave the skin feeling stripped. 

Cleansers have many 'flavors' that exfoliate, brighten, tone, foaming, non-foaming, gel, oil, and so on, but that boils down to a few factors, such as your skin type + condition. 

+ Oil Cleanser - formulated with unique oil blends intended to help lift oil-based products (i.e., makeup)

+ Gel Cleanser - formulated to be foaming to help lift dirt, debris, and oils from the skin

+ Milky Cleanser - formulated to be non-foaming cleanser that is best for sensitive skin or clients with rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. 

+ Exfoliating Cleansers - formulated with active acids to jump-start the exfoliating process

Now that we've broken down the cleanser let's backtrack. 

Your skin type is determined by genetics and is something you are born with. It may or may not change over time due to climate or hormonal imbalances. Remember there are FOUR SKIN TYPES: Oily, Combination, Normal, and Dry. Your type determines your FIRST CLEANSER. 

Ok, so what cleanser is "best" for each type:

+ Normal Skin - Any Cleanser (within reason based on the needs of the skin)

+ Dry Skin - Oil Cleanser, Milky Cleanser

+ Oily Skin - Gel Cleanser, Exfoliating Cleanser

+ Combination Skin - Any Cleanser (within reason based on the combination of skin)

Now, let's keep moving forward; your second cleanse should contain a cleanser that is TARGETING your skin condition. Examples of conditions:

1) Acne - looking for cleansers that can penetrate the follicles, such as Salicylic Acid, Oxygen, Clays

2) Hyperpigmentation - looking for cleansers with brightening or inhibiting abilities such as Mandelic Acid, Koijic Acid, 

3) Dehydration - looking for cleansers that are rich in lipids and peptides to help restore the impaired barrier

4) Premature Aging - looking for cleansers rich in antioxidants, lipids, peptides, and active acids (i.e., Lactic, Mandelic)

With all of this in mind, the last thing you need to know is -THE WRONG CLEANSER CAN DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD 

Now that I've bored you with the theory of it all let me make it easier for you with this equation:

1st Cleaner (Skin Type)+ 2nd Cleanser (Skin Condition)= Cleansing Segment

 Real-Time Example: You are currently experiencing acne. Your first cleanser would be a gentle-foaming cleaner (Naked Gel Cleanser), and your second cleanse would contain a Salicylic Acid as it is an acid that can penetrate and deeply cleanse the follicle. 

 Real-Time Example: You wear makeup and have dry skin. Your first cleanser would be an oil cleanser to break down the makeup. Then, you will follow up with a milky-non-foaming or gentle gel cleanser to thoroughly remove the makeup.

Now that you've taken a crash course in esthetics. Are you ready to master the first step of your skincare routine? Let us know!

Until next time on your #SkinTeaReport