Each spring, we love reminding you of the many benefits deep cleansing brings: here’s how to enjoy your most rewarding spring clean ever
Why deep clean?
Spring is officially here and although your Easter Sunday may be devoted to relaxation (and chocolate consumption!) you’ll soon be spending a lot more time outdoors.
The spring weather is very welcome, but as the seasons change your skin has changing needs, too. If you have sensitive skin, or you suffer from acne or eczema, you need to take extra care in the sunshine, but even for normal or combination skin, regularly deep cleansing is a great way to keep skin healthy and smooth as we move towards the summer.
When you deep clean your skin, you’re performing a gentle yet thorough exfoliation, reaching areas that ordinary facial cleansing might miss. You’re also helping to prepare the skin for full absorption of the toning and moisturising products you apply afterwards.
A good deep cleanse should unclog your pores, removing oil, sunscreen and everyday pollutants from the environment that can settle on your skin, helping to combat pimples and blackheads.
Reaching the deeper layers of your skin, a deep clean helps to remove toxins and dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated.
As well as looking great on the outside, if you add a facial massage to your deep cleanse routine this can improve circulation by increasing the flow of oxygenated blood to your skin cells.
How to do a deep clean
Before you start, make sure your face is fully exposed by tying your hair back and using a headband to push back any flyaway strands. Wash your hands thoroughly before you begin cleansing and use a gentle make-up remover to clear your face of any surface products.
For the ultimate deep clean, use Dermalogica’s PreCleanse at this stage to deliver a level of cleansing traditionally experienced in a professional treatment room.
Now follow with your regular cleanser: if you’re looking for a new product, gel and foam cleansers tend to be better suited to combination/oily skin, while cream cleansers add hydration and are more suited to normal/dry skin types.
Spread the cleanser over damp skin using an outward circular motion, and apply even pressure to invigorate the circulation. After rinsing with warm water, always pat skin dry gently with a clean towel – never rub.
Now is the perfect time to use a gentle exfoliating product, suited to your skin type, taking your cleanse to a deeper level. Never scrub the skin, or apply the exfoliator too vigorously – use a light circular motion and let the exfoliating ingredients do the work.
Once a week, you could use a “steam clean” at this point to hydrate and help reduce pore size. Keep it simple with hot water and a bowl – or add an aromatic twist by putting a herbal or green teabag into the water. Let the steam work by putting a towel over your head and placing your face over the steam for 2 to 3 minutes.
A cleansing and moisturising mask, chosen to suit your skin type, completes the process – and let your skin rest for 5 to 10 minutes after removing the mask and before applying your moisturiser.
Top spring cleaners
Try these awesome products as part of your spring clean routine:
- Dermalogica PreCleanse Balm
- Elemis Deep Cleanse Facial Wash
- Dermalogica Duo Special Cleansing Gel and Skin Smoothing Cream
- Ren Skincare Rosa Centifolia Cleansing Gel
- Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm
- Medik8 Pore Cleanse Gel
- Murad Daily Cleansing Foam
- Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant
- Murad Transforming Powder Dual Action Cleanser and Exfoliator
- Elemis Skin Buff
- Dermalogica Medibac Sebum Clearing Masque
- Decleor Clay and Herbal Cleansing Mask
- Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque
- Medik8 Clay Mask
- Elemis Luxury Cleansing Cloths
