- Hey guys, today's video
is on the importance of cleansing
and getting the simple things right
when it comes to skincare
Now this applies whatever you're attempting to do
with your routine, whether you're tackling acne, redness,
or even just putting together a sound anti-aging program.
Now, the importance of cleansing really was something
that became apparent to me
when maybe three or four years ago,
a lot of the brands whose cleansers I recommended
were discontinuing their products.
Making it almost impossible for me to do my job
because in order to prescribe potent actives,
retinoids, azelaic acid, whatever it might be,
you need to be able to counter balance that activity
with a gentle support system,
that doesn't overly deplete or dry out the skin.
So for me the ideal cleanser was something
that was you know, gone.
So it motivated me to make my own.
So what does the ideal cleanser look like?
What are the principles that I channeled
into formulating Flawless Cleanser?
That's now led to having 855 star reviews online.
It's won an award.
So let me take you through
how I think a cleanser should be built.
So let's think about what cleansing is for?
Now, there's undoubtedly a psychological benefit
in cleaning your face.
It just feels good, especially in the morning.
But the priorities are
lifting off and solubilizing
grime, dirt, dead skin cells,
oil and if it's nighttime, your makeup and your sunscreen.
Now, cleansing has its downsides
because it depletes the skin barrier,
it leaches away some of the lipids,
and the natural moisturizing factor
that form part of the barrier
that really helps the skin maintain
its resilience, flexibility, and hang onto water.
So when you deplete the skin barrier with cleansing,
you tend to leave the skin a little on the dry side.
And this is specially important
to reduce the skin's tendency for transepidermal water loss,
as we enter into the cooler months
where low humidity in the outside air
and central heating indoors,
can cause the skin to lose ever more water.
So how do we cleanse with care?
Well, the key is to choose a cleanser
with gentle moisturizing syndets,
so that's synthetic surfactants
which are naturally closer to the skin's natural pH.
So not tending to alkalinize
like old fashioned cleansers of your.
Also if they can be enriched with lipids
so that they're replenishing the skin barrier
whilst cleansing even better.
At the same time, we actively want to avoid harsh scrubs
and anything it contains denatured alcohol
or drying alcohols which will tend
to steal those precious water molecules away
from the skin surface as they evaporate.
So ultimately gentle cleansing
helps maintain the skin's barrier
and nurtures a happy healthy microbiome.
And then when I look at what's in there,
we see gentle emulsifying agents and surfactants,
the kind of things you'd find
in baby products or micellar water.
So low irritancy
but strong enough cleansing power
to lift away make up, sunscreen, and oil.
Then you've got anti inflammatory ingredients
Allantoin and Aloe-vera
Allantoin comes from the comfrey plant
and both are designed to sooth
and help maintain a healthy skin barrier.
Now you probably know I'm a fan of the single cleanse
you know, do one thing but do it right.
The same principle.
And what's really key
especially at night time,
when you're trying to remove makeup and sunscreen
is to take your time breathe
use it as a meditative little moment
in your day and use plenty of product.
Massage it in with nothing rougher than finger tips.
Take your time breathe,
and then rinse away with tepid water.
Now there's some debate
as to whether or not you need a morning cleanse.
Personally, I prefer that you do cleanse in the morning.
for there's always a degree of oil
and dead skin cells to remove overnight.
And I think that's the best way to prepare your skin
for applying any active ingredients
in the morning to ensure maximum penetration
because any oil in the skin
will tend to reduce the penetration
of your actives.
So there you have it.
That's why I think cleansing is so important.
Why the product you choose is important
why the technique you employ is important
and why it's something that you can actually enjoy
knowing that you've made smart decisions
for the health of your skin.
So if you like this video
please hit subscribe and like, and if you're still looking
for the cleanser of your dreams,
maybe try some Flawless.