You've probably heard that over-cleansing dries out the skin. And but what if I told you that cleansing in two steps can work really well for those of you with dry skin? Read on to find out why double cleansing can actually make the skin less dry, and what common product not to use.
How two-step cleansing can benefit dry skin:
* You get a thorough but gentle cleanse by using two super gentle cleansing products that don't strip the skin instead of one harsher one.
* You'll need less active ingredients (that are often drying) in the rest of your skin care, because double cleansing reduces clogged pores, cysts, blackheads and general skin tone.
* Double cleansing removes residue of makeup and sunscreen, which often contains drying ingredients.What products to choose if your skin is dry:
The first step is oil-based, the second is water based. I have explained the two steps in detail in this post. Here is what you need to watch out for if your skin is dry:
- The most common mistake people with dry skin make when it comes to cleansing? Using foam cleansers. Foam sounds like something that should be gentle, however these cleansers have a high pH level which makes them drying.
- You need to look for a cleanser with a low pH level. Since most products don't declare their pH level you can use a pH test strip -- ideally you need a pH level lower than 6.
- Micellar cleansers should not have alcohol among their top ingredients.
- Your cleansers should have gentle surfactants. Avoid sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and soaps (sodium laurate, sodium cocoate, sodium tallowate, and other sodium --ates)
- Make sure your toner is alcohol-free, or use a hydrolate instead.
Double cleansing is something I really recommend, but of course skin is individual and some dry skins work better with one cleanser. And that's ok!
Let me know in the comments whether double cleansing is something you'd try, or maybe you are already a fan?
Zeta
Photo by Jernej Graj on Unsplash