Home » Beauty Tips » The Importance Of Cleansing, Toning And Moisturizing

The Importance Of Cleansing, Toning And Moisturizing

Removing your make-up at night is a very important part of maintaining a clear complexion and avoiding spots and acne.

For women older than 30 it becomes a vital part of maintaining a youthful appearance because base or foundation that is left on all night will dry out the skin and clog the pores. And if you leave your mascara on all night it dries the eyelashes, which causes them to crack and break off.

When removing make-up at night you must be able to see your face! If you have long hair pull it back with a headband, clip or ponytail holder. Begin by removing your eye make-up with a cotton ball moistened with make-up remover. Apply the make-up remover over the eye make-up and mascara, and leave it to soften the mascara so it removes more easily. With waterproof mascara, this might take a minute or so.

Waterproof mascara is actually very damaging to the eye-lashes as you remove it. If at all possible use a mascara that isn’t waterproof unless you are going to a function where you know that you’ll be shedding tears, such as a wedding or funeral. At other times if you cry unexpectedly you may lose a bit of your mascara but you’ll have healthy eyelashes in the long-term!

Gentle and natural

Next, use a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type, and if you are not sure which is best for you then do your homework on the internet since you can’t go to the salon or try them in stores during lockdown. Browse the shops online to find exactly the right product for you, and be sure the cleanser you choose can be used for the removal of make-up whilst at the same time being gentle on your skin. Look for a skin cleansing lotion made with pure, natural botanical ingredients since these are safer and much kinder to the skin.

Use lukewarm water to lather up the cleanser and help break down the make-up on your face. You don’t need to scrub hard, but using the warm water and a measure of the cleanser rub it into a lather and apply it gently over your face concentrating on the places where you apply make-up. Spend at least 60 seconds going over your face ensuring you’ve cleansed all areas. You will also want to clean your neck gently to help remove any powder, perfume and daily dirt that has settled there.

Rinse, tone and dry

Now rinse your face several times with lukewarm water to get rid of the cleanser and make-up residues from your face. You may enjoy using a warm wet washcloth or facial chamois instead, but remember not to scrub. If you prefer splash cold water on your face at the final stage to tighten your pores. Now gently pat your face dry without actually rubbing with the towel.

Next use a skin toner that suits your skin type and does not disturb the skins delicate pH balance. Choose a gentle toning lotion containing natural botanical cleansing agents rather than one with harsh chemicals. You may be surprised at how much more dirt will be removed with the cotton swab and toner that had been missed with the cleanser.

This is one of the most important parts of your daily skincare routine, because toner lowers the skins pH level, calms the skin and helps prepare it for any of the night creams or serums that will follow. It also helps to balance the skin after cleansing and before applying a moisturizing cream.

Hydrosols such as rose, orange blossom, geranium or lavender make excellent toners because they are totally natural and bring you great skin-conditioning benefits. Soak two cotton wool pads with your toner or hydrosol, and sweep across the face and neck with upward and outward movements.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

Don’t skip the moisturizer! Your skin needs to be replenished each night after a day of exposure to the environment and wearing make-up. During this stage don’t forget your lips since the skin over the lips is thinner than anywhere else on the face. Use a strong emollient-based product each night to keep your lips plump and kissable the next day.

Don’t forget to hydrate the eye zone, but be sure to use a very light product which is designed for this. Quinessence Aloe Vera and Lavender Gel hydrates, soothes and tones, making it perfect for this type of application.

Your choice of moisturizers should include natural ingredients with proven benefits such as vitamin E, cocoa butter, aloe vera, jojoba, rosehip, ginseng, seaweed, and of course, pure essential oils. The use of active botanical extracts and oils has been shown to improve skin elasticity, texture, clarity, fine lines and wrinkles.

One final thought; your cleansing routine shouldn’t be reserved just for the evening. Cleaning make-up and daily dirt from your face are definitely important, but cleansing away the dead cells and pillow lint in the morning after waking up can be just as important before putting on new make-up for the forthcoming day.