Cleansing your skin after summer sun fun

Everything from Carnival, festivals, weddings and garden parties can leave your skin feeling overwhelmed with makeup and sunscreen. Proper cleansing is important to make sure you remove everything fully. Here are our top tips.

With the famous Notting Hill carnival just around the corner, cities in the UK are preparing to get into the Summer spirit over the bank holiday weekend, weddings, festivals and other big outdoor events, you may be wondering how best to look after your skin. With heavy makeup, regular sunscreen reapplication and all-day partying, it is important to make sure you have the right products on hand to cleanse your skin at the end of the day. Not properly taking off your makeup and sunscreen can lead to breakouts, congestion and sensitivity. Definitely not the souvenir you want from your fun day out.

BSD listed consultant dermatologist, Dr Mary Sommerlad, reminds us to ‘address any underlying Skin issues such as Eczema or Acne weeks to months before Carnival. You may need to go on Prescription strength medication. Getting your skin to its healthiest state will make Skincare much more effective and Make up much easier to apply, stay on and to remove.’

 It can be very tempting to reach for the heritage skincare such as the faithful black soap. Black soap originated in Africa and is a product that many people have been using for generations to cleanse their skin. It is made from the ash of plants and fruit peels which is what provides the distinctive dark colour. Although there is some evidence that black soap may have antimicrobial properties, it is a very stripping product and can leave your skin feeling dry, dehydrated and tight. This can leave your skin feeling uncomfortable and even lead to having very sensitive skin as your skin’s natural moisture barrier may become damaged. Fortunately, cleansing has come a long way, here is our guide to deep cleansing your skin.

WHAT IS A DOUBLE CLEANSE?

The best way to give your skin a deep cleanse, is to use a technique called double cleansing. This is especially important if you have been wearing heavy sunscreen and makeup – quite likely at Carnival, festivals and weddings. Double cleansing involves using a first cleanse to break down your makeup and sunscreen and following up with a face wash to effectively cleanse your skin which is more in line with tackling your concerns.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR FIRST CLEANSE

Products designed for a first cleanse come in a range of textures, so it is best to pick the one that you like the best. Oil cleansers are lightweight and are suitable as a first cleanse for all skin types. Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Oil is a simple but effective product, which breaks down makeup and sunscreen easily without leaving any greasy residue on the skin. It is great for all skin types and won’t feel sticky or overwhelming on oilier skin types. It is also fragrance free for anyone who is sensitive to fragrance in skincare. The best way to use oil cleansers, is to massage them into dry skin, and then either remove with a warm, damp washcloth, or to emulsify them with a small amount of warm water and rinse them away.

 Balm cleansers are also oil based, but come in a thicker, consistency. This suits dryer skin types better as they tend to be moisturising. The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter has a rich texture that melts into skin easily, with a mild fragrance. It cleanses makeup and sunscreen away easily, leaving skin feeling soothed and moisturised. Like oil cleansers, the best way to use a balm cleanser is to take a small amount and massage directly into dry skin. As balms tend to have a thicker texture, they usually remove better with a washcloth rather than rinsing.

 Some products designed for a first cleanse come in a gel formula. This is more suitable for an oily skin that is prone to congestion and breakouts. Although the Curél Makeup Cleansing Gel describes itself as for dry and sensitive skin, please don’t be put off. This lightweight gel breaks through makeup and sunscreen easily, and rinses away with no washcloth needed. It won’t irritate or congest skin, making it a great choice for oilier skins and those who get breakouts and congestion easily.

Get your first cleanse right with these recommended products:

SO, YOU’VE NAILED YOUR FIRST CLEANSE…

On to your second cleanse! Your second cleanse is designed to actually get into the nitty gritty, and cleanse your skin, help to tackle certain skin concerns and prepare your skin for the rest of your routine.

 If your skin is dry or sensitive, it is best to use a cleanser which is gentle and hydrating. The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser is hydrating and gentle on the skin. Squalane is a fatty acid which is structurally very similar to the oils that are found in your skin’s moisture barrier – the layer on the upper surface of your skin that nourishes your skin cells and prevents damage. If you skin is sensitive, it is important to keep your moisture barrier supported and this cleanser is a great way to do that. Apply to damp skin, straight after your first cleanse, massage and either rinse or remove with a washcloth.

 If your skin is oilier, or you have concerns about texture, you should use an exfoliating face wash. It is best to find one that uses exfoliating acids rather than using a scrub. Scrubs can be very harsh on the skin and may cause micro tears which may lead to hyperpigmentation. Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser contains Lactic, Glycolic and Salicylic Acid to tackle skin texture and excess oiliness. The gentle exfoliation will also help to prepare your skin for the rest of your routine, making sure any serums can work as effectively as possible.

Recommended products for that oh so fresh and clean double cleanse:

Cleansing your skin properly after any big outdoor event, when you have been wearing makeup and sunscreen is really important to make sure your skin doesn’t breakout or feel sensitive. Make sure you are prepared beforehand and have the right tools ready to wash your face properly.

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