Deep cleansing series #3: what to do before and after your deep cleansing step?

After picking the right deep cleasning product, you may want to try adding that into your skin care regimen. So how does this step fit into the routine? It's actually as critical as picking the right product.

First question is how frequent you should do deep cleansing?

For those who have read my previous posts should be well aware of what I call phase 2 in the moon cycle that is also the best time for deep cleansing. I really do not suggest doing deep cleansing every 2 weeks as most products recommend because if you believe skin changes in the moon cycle, there are stages where your skin is more prone to irritation so we should not scrub or peel during phase 3. Normally I do deep cleansing about 3 to 4 times a month in my phase 2.

Second question is what we should do before and after the deep cleansing step?

1. Most importantly, all makeup should be removed and the entire face should be completely cleansed. Having said that, we should not wash more than twice each time we wash our face.

2. I prefer doing deep cleansing after my shower as my pores are naturally opened from the steam in the shower

3. close the pores immediately after the deep cleansing step using rosewater spray or thermal water spray that gives your a refreshing cooling sensation and also helps close pores

4. put on your serum or lotion by layering, make sure we don't over moisturise our skin that again clog our pores

Hope it helps!

Deep cleansing series #2: 4 types of deep cleansing products in market

Deep cleansing to me is simply to cleanse skin more than daily regular cleansing. Your daily cleansing should remove dirt and makeup residues for a good housekeeping. Deep cleansing should be able to remove dull surface debris and sebum accumulated in pores. Again if your have a good housekeeping for your skin, your skin would not be too congested or sluggish that makes deep cleansing too difficult.


In general there are 4 types of products in market that are designed for this purpose:


1. Scrubs
Generally scrubs are made of many different kinds of beads, natural or sythetic, big or small, soft or hard. There is no absolute answer to say which one is better than the other. However scrub generally is considered harsh to skin because its idea is to physically remove dull surface debris with motion of your fingers. To me I don't use scrub as I just don't like how it feels on my skin (little too harsh and irritating) and most importantly I don't find my skin much cleaner after scrubbing.


2. Peeling gel
This transparent gel gets very popular lately. Most advertisements show photos of dull debris sloughs off immediately. Many are convinced by the immediate visible results but the truth is this type of peeling gel is usually a strong alkaline formula which when in contact with our skin (naturally mild acidic) will form residues that look like dull debris due to chemical reaction. Experts say using strong alkaline in a long term actually hurts your skin more than any other scrubs. So I don't recommend this type of product and I would never use it either!


3. Clay
Usually in mask forms to cleanse pores. Clay in nature has detoxifying and purify properties that help draw out impurities from pores. This is an excellent natural way of deep cleansing esp. for T-zone but it might be a bit too dry for cheeks (at least for me). I suggest not to leave it on for more than 10 mins, longer than that might be too drying. If you have very dry skin, you may not want to use clay. Enzyme powder would be a nice option.


4. Enzyme-based
Usually in powder form, when mixed with water, the powder forms dense and creamy foam that dissolves excess sebum and dull surface debris mildly.


I hope this post helps you find the right product for your deep cleansing routine. I'd also love to hear from you if you have ever tried any good products that are not on my list!

Enjoy the clean refreshed pores :)
 

Deep cleansing series #1: keep skin clean so deep cleansing is more effective

Taking an example of cleaning your house, you need good cleaning tools of course and may be you want to pick a good time to clean like a sunny morning or afternoon. If you have lots of stubborn stains or dirt deeply in the corner or between gaps, you need more time effort and usually stronger tools to get rid of it. Having said that, there is still hard-to-reach dust that would be left there "forever".

Back to skin cleansing, I believe the same concept applies. You need to keep your skin as clean and clear as you can so your whatever scrubs or masks could do their jobs effectively. To me keeping my skin clean is the most important step in the skincare ritual.

1. Cleanse your face daily in right ways (more details in my previous posts "the right ways of cleansing face") to wash away all sorts of dirts and residues including residues from your makeup remover that many of us are not aware of! This closes the door for the hateful blemishes and acnes resulted from acculumated residues and clogged pores, a good housekeeping!

2. Pick your cleansing products according to your moon cycle (more details in "how to take care of your skin in moon cycle" post)

I use my regular cleanser during my phase 1 of moon cycle. When I say regular cleanser I mean something you use most often which your skin feels most comfortable and not dry after use. Usually non foaming formula is less dry.

Entering phase 2, I use special cleanser every other day. I use Fresh Umbrian Clay Treatment (use it as cleanser) and Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Powder. Suisai is a soy-based enzyme cleanser with enzymes and silk powder. When mixed with water the powder forms dense and creamy foam that dissolves excess sebum and dull surface debris mildly. Skin feels clear and supple instantly. This also helps to prevent my blackheads buildup!

Entering phase 3 (the last phase), I use Vichy Normaderm deep cleansing gel. This is important to minimize breakouts during this phase as it controls sebum secretion.

I will talk more about products and ways for deep cleansing in next coupld of posts, stay tuned ;)