Cleansing

Hi there peeps, as I previously explained, I am going to post numerous blogs, enabling me the chance to share each and expand on every product that I personally use in my weekly anti-ageing program.  This blog is the first in the series; a presentation of the cleansing methods that currently spotlight in my Serious Skin Care routine, including when I use them and my thoughts on each product. :)

Cleansing Tools

Clarisonic PRO Sonic Skin Cleansing System

I was originally dubious about using this cleansing tool at all, because I expected it would be too harsh for my sensitive, fragile skin and I usually prefer to avoid manual exfoliating products.  However, my therapist ensured me this unit is not a manual exfoliator, it’s actually a cleansing device and recommended I use it with a Delicate Replacement Brush Head, instead of the original attachment, making it perfectly safe, even for those with the most sensitive or traumatic skin.  Initially, I was just loaning this unit, but ended up being literally blown away by how it made such a significant difference to the overall well being of my skin in that short space of time, so much so, that I decided to buy it and intergrate it into my PM skin care regime.  While I am confident that this until cleans my skin better than anything else I have ever tried, I was not ready to part ways with my regular, ever faithful glycolic cleanser either.  I appreciate the cleanser because it has supplementary perks that my skin will advantage from, making it optimal in my anti-ageing skin care prescription.  In a bit of a pickle and unable to make a decision one way or the other, I decided why not alternate the two?  The more I thought about it, this was the perfect solution as they would actually compliment each other nicely, if used modestly.  Therefore, I now use the Clarisonic PRO Sonic Skin Cleansing System one night and my ASAP Daily Facial Cleanser the following, subsequently, to indulge me with the best of both worlds ;)  After 9 months of continued, regular use, I have noticed a visible reduction in the appearance of the enlarged pores around my nose, which don’t get clogged up anymore, hence blackheads have become a rare occurrence.  I have a much clearer, brighter skin tone that is more uniform in colour and the facial redness I use to suffer from has practically vanished.  The surface of my skin has smoothed out in texture, feeling firmer and more resilient, whilst my purified pores don’t produce as much oil, staying in balance so I don’t have much worry about always sporting greasy skin (or, as I always claim; my skin doesn't look like I just jumped out of the deep fryer, LOL).  It’s amazing, but this product alone, actually has produced such a big improvement to so many of my ongoing concerns, which is why it easily earned a permanent home in my beauty ritual.

Cleansers

Alpha-H Clear Skin Daily Face Wash 

This is my cleanser of choice for my AM skin care regime, mostly because I love how the botanical blend, infused with essential oils such as tea tree and eucalyptus, make it so refreshing and invigorating, providing me with an instant wake-up call, so I’m rearing and ready to go and face the day.  Additionally, the super gentle formula is perfect for my sensitive skin, yet still powerful enough to deeply cleanse my pores and leave my skin super soft and clean without feeling taut or stripped.  It works wonders at reducing any excess oils (that I notice usually becoming worse during the day) and because any gunk is drawn out of my pores they look more refined.  Finally, thanks to the enriched goodness of the ingredients, I have fewer blackheads and pimples bothering me any more :)

ASAP Daily Facial Cleanser

 

This is my all time favourite cleanser ;)  If you ever discover how effective an AHA cleanser is and just how perfectly it cleans your skin, I assure, you will never look back.  This is my preferred PM cleanser that I use on alternate nights, succeeding my Clarisonic PRO Sonic Skin Cleansing System . My first experience with an AHA cleanser was when I purchased the MD Formulations Facial Cleanser. I was so impressed with how it effortlessly it cleaned my skin and left it smooth and clear, however I was concerned about repurchasing because I couldn’t justify the price :-o

I was chuffed when I discovered the ASAP Daily Facial Cleanser, which was far more affordable and also happened to be Australian made and owned, bonus!  It promises me a deep-pore cleanse, removing all makeup, including the pesky, most stubborn of waterproof mascara and zinc based sunblocks, along with any impurities that build up on my face during the course of the day.  The gel-like consistency, foams slightly, which prompts a pea-sized portion to sufficiently wash my whole face, neck and décolletage, making the bottle last me for absolutely ages. The inclusion of AHA’s slough away dead, dulling skin cells and unclog pores and potent anti-ageing ingredients target lines wrinkles and sun damage, while softening rough skin for a ultra smooth, soft surface texture.  Even though this 'little ripper' is powerful enough to cut through the toughest dirt and grime with ease, it's formulated gently to safely allow for use on a daily basis.  Once in a while, I like to leave the cleanser on my face for an additional couple of minutes, as a mini-mask, to grant more time for the ingredients to really get down to business and penetrate deeply to give my skin an extra boost.  The perfect chemical exfoliant and cleanser, combination, that I recommend everyone should try. ;)

  

Ultraceuticals Ultra Milk Cleanser 

I acquired this cleanser last year and have been trying to use it up, paired with my Clarisonic PRO Sonic Skin Cleansing System during my PM skin care regime, as I prefer a basic cleanser to coincide with the hard work that my cleansing tool already maintains.  It’s a rich , creamy, non-foaming cleanser that is gentle on my sensitive skin and is additionally hydrating, but quite frankly I am not fussed at all on the smell one little bit; in my opinion its actually quite revolting, LOL.  I have never smelled anything quite like it and I can’t even begin to describe the scent, other than it's just so putrid, eww.  The bonus I guess is that the large tube lasts for ages, but when it eventually runs out, I will not bother purchasing it myself.  It’s a bit of a disappointment really, as I do love many of the other Ultraceuticals products I have tried and it comes up trumps with the blend of decent anti-ageing ingredients that would be ideally beneficial for my skin care program, however, unfortunately, this one doesn’t meet my expectations. The smell just kills it, LOL :D

Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser - Normal/Combination 

This is the other cleanser that I prefer to team up with my Clarisonic PRO Sonic Skin Cleansing System during my PM skin care regime and unlike the previous cleanser I mentioned, this fits the bill perfectly, making it an ideal companion to my cleansing tool.  The botanically enriched formulation is lightly scented with that yummy signature fragrance you can always expect from Clarins; so subtle and never offensive.  It has a rich, creamy consistency though, but upon contact with water it foams up ever so slightly into a light, frothy lather that gently, but thoroughly, washes away any trace of dirt and grime, whilst instantly dissolving all makeup, so my skin feels refreshed and comfortable without being stripped or taut.  Fortunately, it doesn’t leave any cleansing residue behind after rinsing, instead my skin is silky smooth, soft to touch and nicely nourished with an almost matte-like finish, making it ideal for my skin concerns.  As I am one who baulks up at the thought of wasting anything, I will continue to use this cleanser in addition to the Ultraceuticals Ultra Milk Cleanser until that is finally finished and I can gladly see the 'rear end' of it, in which case the Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser will become my  ‘go-to’ nightly cleanser, supporting my cleansing tool.

There you have it, hopefully not too confusing, LOL.  Throughout my experience of adapting my skin care routine, aiming to for it to perfectly suit my skins ongoing needs, I have come to realise that 'where there's is a will there's a way'!  In my case, I CAN successfully incorporate different types of cleansers and cleansing methods, even though they work differently and deliver different results.  As long as I'm clued up on all the active ingredients and understand their influence when using in conjunction with other ingredients, if used appropriately and sensibly, the combination can actually boost my entire skin care regime. Now I have finally found a solution that works well for me. :)

Using a good cleaner is the first and most important step toward taking care of your skin so you can develop your own Serious Skin Care program.  Other skin care products may not be able to penetrate properly, therefore are deemed useless, if you don’t ensure your skin is cleansed properly.  Do you use a good cleanser and does it productively remove excess sebum, dirt, grime and dead skin cells?  More to the point, do you cleanse every single night or are you guilty of the biggest beauty sin, going to sleep with your makeup on?

All images in this blog are generic.