Cleansing the skin is something we do several times a day, every day, for life. From washing your face to showering to preparing to apply your night-time skincare, cleansing is essential, and should be enjoyable. After all, taking your make-up off at the end of the day can feel glorious – kind of like that post-workout shower, the one that cools and cleans the skin, loosens muscles and relaxes the body.
Cleansing isn’t always pleasant, unfortunately. If you’re using harsher soaps or cleansers every day, it won’t take the skin’s barrier long to become stressed and disrupted. The consequences can be anything from dry, flaky uncomfortable skin to an onset of eczema.
Those who have struggled with eczema know that what you’re using to wash your body in the shower is as important as the moisturisers that follow it. Avène XeraCalm Cleansing Oil (€19 at pharmacies nationwide) is specially formulated for compromised barriers, soap-free and wonderfully gentle. It doesn’t compromise on feeling clean, though, and you won’t feel slimy post-shower as some oil-based products can.
If you don't have a skin condition to worry about but still want something kind to skin and not at all harsh in the shower, try NEOM Super Shower Power Body Cleanser (€32 at neomorganics.eu). It is the ideal post-workout body wash, with its spearmint, rosemary and eucalyptus oils. It's cooling and cleansing but not overwhelming or stripping on the skin.
For the face, something blander is called for. The key is to dissolve all make-up and suncare without leaving any oily film on the skin, and without necessitating a separate cleanser for eye make-up. There’s nothing at all wrong with using a separate eye make-up remover, but unless I’m wearing glitter or an obscene amount of mascara, I just can’t be bothered – I want my facial cleanser to do both without any irritation or stinging.
The Body Shop Camomile Dissolve the Day Make-up Cleansing Oil (€15 at The Body Shop stores nationwide) is a lovely affordable option for removing make-up and sun protection. It also comes in a balm version, which is equally good – it’s just a matter of which texture you prefer.
On those nights when you’re tempted to reach for the make-up removing wipes or sleep in your make-up, don’t. Just don’t. The things skin will tolerate in your 20s (like waking up head-first in a sleeping bag on someone’s living room floor still wearing last night’s smoky eye and full-coverage foundation) soon become intolerable. To avoid a week of skin that looks tired, broken-out and patchy, cleanse your face – no matter how late it is. CeraVe Micellar Cleansing Water with Niacinamide (€11 at Boots) is a great, quick option to leave by the bathroom sink. With a few cotton pads, it will melt away ever trace of make-up and won’t require scrubbing at your eyes (or tolerating stinging eyeballs at two in the morning). Your face will thank you when you wake up.
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