#TheSkinProject | Cleansing

Welcome to my second post of #TheSkinProject - founded and set up by myself. 

Catch up, and take a look at the topics each week...
#TheSkinProject - Wanna Get Involved?
#TheSkinProject | My Skin
#TheSkinProject | Exfoliate  (coming Dec 8th)
#TheSkinProject | Toner (coming Dec 15th)
#TheSkinProject | Serum (coming Dec 22nd)
#TheSkinProject | Eye Cream (coming Dec 29th)
#TheSkinProject | Moisturise (coming Jan 5th)
#TheSkinProject | Face Masks & Treatments (coming Jan 12th)
#TheSkinProject | Anti-Ageing (coming Jan 19th)
#TheSkinProject | Q&A with Skincare Expert (coming Jan 26th)
#TheSkinProject Awards (coming Feb 2nd)

So let's talk Cleansing...

Why is Cleansing important?
It is important to cleanse our skin thoroughly both morning and evening to remove make up, dirt, impurities, dead skin cells, excess oils, sweat and any other nasties on our skin. They help to refresh the skin and get rid of any toxins. 
The skin on your face tends to be more sensitive than other areas of the body, due to it always being out in the open, exposed to pollution and harmful rays. Because of this, our skin is often more prone to problems such as dryness, breakouts or oily t-zones. Therefore, it is important to treat our skin well.
Cleansing also plays a big part in ensuring good performance from the rest of the products in your routine. This is something I only learnt earlier this year. I was forever just slapping on the odd moisturiser or skin treatment, but these products will only work thoroughly on a completely clean face. Cleansing the skin well enables follow up products to work effectively and penetrate deeply. A good cleanse also helps make up apply and stay on better. So, I think we've worked out that it's pretty important, yes? :)

Types of Cleansers:
Foaming Cleansers - can be drying, good for oily & combination skin, long lasting, lightweight texture.
Gel-based Cleansers - good for oily skin, good for acne-prone skin, benefits mature skin.
Cream Cleansers - good for dry skin, good for sensitive skin.
Oil Cleansers - gets rid of excess sebum, good for dry skin, great for dirt and make up removal.
Micellar Water Cleansers - no need to rinse, applied with cotton pad, lightweight, chemical free, great for make up and dirt removal.
Make Up Wipes - fast and easy, good for small amounts of make up removal, good to freshen up, good for all skin types, good for on the go or travelling, not great for every daily skincare.
Exfoliating Cleanser - buffs away impurities, good for all skin types.
Bar Soap - not advisable as very drying although there are special facial soaps available. 

TheBrunetteSays...
As you read in my previous post, I've only really been properly looking after my skin with a full on skincare routine, morning and evening, for the past few years. Everything I seemed to use during my late teenage years used to flare me up or break me out, so a quick splash of water was enough back then, and a creamy cleanser now and then as a skin treat, then I'd remove my make up at the end of the day with any old make up wipe and smother some cream on! Luckily, I've become a lot wiser over the last few years!
I really want to try a battery operated skin cleansing brush similar to the Clarisonic, maybe the No7 Beautiful Skin version, I might have to pop it on my Wish List!! :)

Currently, these are the cleansing products I am using - 

Morning Cleanser:

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant (£40.30)
I use this little beauty every morning. I know it's an exfoliator, but it's gentle enough to be used daily. It starts as a fine powder and activates upon contact with water, turning into a creamy cleanser. It feels so nice on my skin, leaving it feeling squeaky clean, smoother and brighter. I love this product and can't see me using another during my morning routine. Read my full review here. 

Evening Cleansers:

Simple Kind To Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes (£3.00)
I know, I know!! *hangs head in shame* I know that these are a big no-no, and aren't good for my skin, but I really like them to remove my eye make up and for a quick sweep over my face in the evening. But I do follow with a cleanser afterwards (well, most of the time! ;)) I usually do this whilst lying in bed watching some TV before bed, and I will admit, there are times where I'm too tired to get out and follow with my usual skincare routine. I'm debating getting some micellar water as this may be a much better option over the wipes. I do see the difference when I forget to follow with a cleanser, on my cotton pad in the morning, so it goes to show that a good evening routine is super important!

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel (£27.00*)
I've been trying out different cleansers for my evening routine and am currently using this special cleansing gel sample from Dermalogica. It's a gel based, foaming cleanser that feels really gentle yet completely removes all traces of make up and dirt from the day. My skin feels super clean after I've used it.

So, that's my take on Cleansing. Join me next week to talk Exfoliators. 

Remember to use the Twitter hashtag #TheSkinProject to read more Cleansing posts from the other bloggers taking part in this project.

Feel free to comment with your links to your skincare posts as part of #TheSkinProject..