Cleansing The Right Way: My Favorite Dos & Don'ts

Remember your first skincare routine? I bet it looked a lot like a foamy bar of soap or cream cleanser, a bottle of toner and some cotton pads, and maybe a little lotion or acne spot treatment. Sound familiar? I bet you couldn’t imagine following that same regimen now. That's because as we get older and as our skin changes and ages, we adapt our skincare routine.

If you have been a BeautyMate of mine for a long time , you know how much I stress cleansing your skin! Always, always, always with no excuses cleanse AM and PM. Why, you ask? Because beautiful skin begins with a beautiful base. And a beautiful base begins with cleansed skin. See where I'm going with this? Whether you want to go au naturale or "va va va voom" with your makeup - nothing will get you looking better than beautifully cleansed skin. Which is why I want to share some of my favorite Do's and Don'ts with you!

Cleansing Dos & Don'ts

DO exfoliate - so many of you skip this step, be it out of fear of the unknown or simply because its an extra added step. Here is how I look at it: my cleansing routine is me time. Exfoliating will kick your cleansing routine into high-gear, helping to promote cellular renewal that will not only lead to more beautiful skin on its own, but will also help your other products absorb much more effectively. One of my absolute favorite facial exfoliants is Epicuren's Pumpkin Apple Spice Peel. You simply brush it on, allow it to sit for a few minutes , and then wash it off. Remember, apply your exfoliants to already cleansed skin. This should be step 2 after you have already done a preliminary cleanse.

DON'T rinse with steaming hot water - this comes as a shock to so many of my BeautyMates. I can't tell you how many people have done this thinking it was good for their skin because it "opens up the pores". Steam does in fact open up the pores - but all hot water does is totally dry out your skin. Whether you are cleansing at the sink or in the shower, DO try to keep the water lukewarm to warm for best results.

DO find the perfect product for you - skincare is not a "one-size-fits-all" thing. Certain things will work for certain people, and be totally wrong for another. Cleansers are no different, which is why it is important to know which products are best suited for your skin type. I highly recommend calling or emailing us here at Skincare by Alana. My medical estheticians and I are happily ready and waiting to assist you in finding the perfect products for your individual needs.

DON'T rely on makeup removing wipes - I know, I know. They are SO convenient. And I'm not saying you shouldn't have some on hand. All I'm saying is make this a preliminary measure to actually cleansing, or have them on hand for instances when you really can't cleanse over a sink or in the shower. I love makeup removing wipes for travel, but nothing will take your makeup away as well as traditional cleansing... which leads to my next point.

DO invest in your skincare regimen - there are certain things worth splurging on, and one of those things is definitely a Foreo Luna 2. There are a variety of different kinds , that vary in price. The benefits of this skincare tool are fabulous. First, it takes off more makeup in one cycle and I ever could with two cleansings. It helps even out skin texture, reduce fine lines & wrinkles, and even helps to decrease the appearance of your pores. My skin has never felt better since using this product, and it is something I highly recommend for any household.

DON'T forget to moisturize - yes, yes, I know this is a separate step. But this is essential to rounding out your cleansing routine. Always apply your favorite moisturizer or serum post-cleanse. This will help your product better absorb, leading to much more beautiful skin.

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I.D. Your Skin Type

If you don’t already have a pretty good idea what your skin type is, you definitely want to be able to identify that before beginning a new routine. It will help you narrow down your shopping list and address all potential concerns. You don’t want to purchase a facial cleanser meant for dry skin if your skin errs on the oily side, that’s for sure! Skin types are typically as follows:

Dry
Oily
Combination (dry + oily)
Sensitive
Normal

Start With Samples

This is super easy to do, and I highly recommend this for all skin types - especially if you’re prone to acne or allergic reactions (sensitive skin). During your next trip to your favorite beauty supply store, ask for samples before you make a commitment. You just never know - and what works for your friends, family members, or even celebrities won’t necessarily work for you. It’s the easiest way to do a little “test run” so you can see if the product works well, and most importantly, ensure that you don't experience a reaction (think: hives, blisters, and burning) or a full-blown allergic reaction (think: long-term rashes or pain). Sample it up, please!

Have Patience

Once you’ve started a new product or a whole new routine altogether, it’s important to pay close attention to see how your skin is reacting to it. This is where you get up close and personal with your complexion, inspecting for dry skin, flakes, redness, or acne. If you notice your skin isn’t improving but rather looking a little worse for wear, it’s time to reduce the frequency in which you’re using your new products.

Another important fact to note: Most active ingredients in skincare products need at least two months or so to take full effect and achieve your desired results. So practice patience, grasshopper. Just because your skin hasn’t improved immediately doesn’t mean that it won’t. Your skin needs time to adjust to the new routine.

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Figure Out What Works

Unless you have an allergic reaction -- and if you do, please stop using whatever it is you’re using -- you’ve got to narrow down what works for you. Remember that typically, unless otherwise noted, skincare products shouldn’t irritate or sting your skin. Identifying your skin type is the most effective way to avoid a reaction and find the beauty products that will make your skin flourish!

Buying samples allows you to try a few different options to help you choose what you like, what feels good, and what you think will ultimately work for you.

And to my sensitive skin folks: choose wisely. Unscented, natural products that contain calming ingredients are your best bet. Be warned though, even products that claim they are “unscented” can still contain a masking agent to cover up chemical scents. It can still cause an allergic reaction.³

Discuss With A Dermatologist

If you’re not sure where to start with new skincare, consult a dermatologist or esthetician. Simply ask a professional for their opinions and recommendations, especially if you develop a reaction, or if your new products make your skin feel uncomfortable.

A dermatologist can offer knowledgeable suggestions and prescribe medications or products to help you on your path to healthy and clear skin.

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The Perfect Start To Amazing Skincare: Alana Mitchell Skincare Full Line Kit

Alana Mitchell Daily Vitamin C Moisturizer 2oz:
Perfect for a variety of skin types, especially dry, combo, and sensitive skin, Alana's Daily Vitamin C Moisturizer delivers hydrating, anti-aging, and rejuvenating results! This formula is a wonderful option for those with rosacea, eczema, and sensitive skin, and is artificial fragrance- and paraben-free!

Alana Mitchell Foaming Pumpkin Cleanser 6oz:
The perfect starting point to any skin care regimen, Alana Mitchell is proud to announce her Foaming Pumpkin Cleanser! This gentle, daily, pore-refining wash is great for all skin types and was designed to deliver healthy, glowing skin. This wonderful cleanser is non-tingling and soothing.

Alana Mitchell Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Serum 2oz:
Designed with dry, combo, and sensitive skin in mind, this ultra-hydrating serum harnesses the power of Hyaluronic Acid to bind moisture to the skin. It works to plump fine lines and wrinkles by promoting 10x hydration, and is proudly artificial fragrance- and paraben-free! This product is ideal for use before your moisturizer and/or makeup application to hydrate and plump dehydrated facial lines. It absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving behind any residue.

Alana Mitchell Anti-Aging Peptide Eye Cream .5oz:
This moisturizing eye cream is made with multi-peptides and anti-enzyme plant extracts to diminish fine lines and guard against future signs of aging.

Alana Mitchell 4-in-1 Cleansing Pod - 2 Pack:
The 4-in-1 Cleansing Pod was designed to deliver the benefits of a cleanser, sponge, masque, and exfoliant in one easy-to-use product.

Alana Mitchell Quick Comeback Masque:

Designed to deliver instant tightening, smoothing, and toning results, the Alana Mitchell Quick Comeback Masque is perfect for those who want to firm up their skin for a night on the town.

*As always, all Alana Mitchell products come with a 30-day money back guarantee. Free shipping on all U.S. orders!

Final Thoughts

I hope this blog serves as a guide to help you find the products you’re looking for, and, more importantly, a skincare regimen that makes you feel as great as you look. Whether you’re more of a minimalist or prefer an entire countertop full of the latest and greatest skincare products, taking proper care of your skin through a regular routine is the way to go!

What did your first skincare routine look like way back when? What are some of your go-to products now? Let us know in the comments!

¹^{http://www.gcimagazine.com/marketstrends/segments/skincare/US-Skin-Care-Market-to-Reach-Nearly-11-Million-in-2018-311287121.html}

²^{https://www.aad.org/media/stats/conditions}

³^{http://www.webmd.com/beauty/skin-reactions#1}