One of the most important steps in your skincare is cleansing. It helps to remove oil, dirt, and impurities from your skin, leaving it fresh and clean. However, one step that is often overlooked and can greatly increase the effectiveness of your cleansing routine is pre-cleansing.
Pre-cleansing involves using a specific product or technique before your regular cleanser to prepare your skin for a deeper cleanse. This method is also known as double cleansing. In this article, we will look at the benefits of pre-cleansing, the different types available, and whether you really need to pre-cleanse.
Benefits of pre-cleansing
Many brands now offer a pre-cleanser. One such brand is Fresh Face Skin, which has formulated a special pre-cleanser that can be used before your regular cleanser to gently remove surface product and build-up, making your regular cleanse more effective. Here are some benefits of incorporating pre-cleansers into your skincare routine.
Removes makeup and sunscreen
One of the biggest benefits of pre-cleansing is the removal of make-up and sunscreen. Many makeup products and sunscreens are formulated to be long-lasting and waterproof. These are often difficult to remove with regular cleansers alone, and one wash is often not enough to properly remove all the products from your face. So, if you are an avid makeup or sunscreen wearer, choosing an oil-based cleanser that can effectively dissolve and lift sunscreen and makeup from your face is advised, allowing the cleanser to work more efficiently at cleansing your skin.
Clears impurities
Throughout the day, our skin accumulates various impurities such as dirt, pollution, excess oil, and more. However, with the right pre-cleanser, you can remove these impurities and provide a clean canvas for your regular cleanser to work the way it’s designed to. By removing the outer layer of dirt from the skin’s surface, pre-cleansing ensures that your regular cleanser can penetrate deeper into the pores and effectively cleanse your skin while ensuring that your skin benefits from the ingredients found within the cleanser.
Provides a deeper cleanse
Using a pre-cleanser can help you achieve a deeper cleanse. By removing the initial layer of dirt and grime, pre-cleansing allows your regular cleanser to work more effectively without the initial layer of dirt in the way. This is especially beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin, as pre-cleansing will help to unclog pores and prevent breakouts or pore buildup from forming.
Promotes healthy skin
In addition to its cleansing properties, pre-cleansers also contribute to overall skin health by maintaining a clean and balanced complexion. By removing surface impurities, pre-cleansers prevent the build-up of dirt and grime that can lead to dull, congested skin. Adding a pre-cleanser to your routine also helps prepare your skin to better absorb the active ingredients in your subsequent skincare products, such as serums, moisturisers, and essences, maximising their effectiveness.
Different types of pre-cleansers
Now that we understand the benefits of pre-cleansers, here are some different types of pre-cleansers and how they can be used in your skincare routine.
Micellar Water
Micellar water is a gentle, water-based cleanser that is suitable for almost all skin types. Micellar water contains micelles, tiny oil molecules that attract and lift away dirt and grime. It can also effectively remove make-up and sunscreen. Micellar water is easy to use as it does not require rinsing before your regular cleanser, making it a convenient option for quick pre-cleansing. For those with dry or sensitive skin – be cautious when choosing Micellar water. High alcohol content or artificial fragrances can lead to stripping the skin of its natural oils, leaving your skin sensitised and prone to irritation.
Fresh Face Skin pre-cleanse is a 100% natural product that is easy to use and contains no stripping ingredients. It focuses on gently removing surface product, oil, and dirt from the skin surface and can be used with their reusable chammie or a cotton pad, for easy product removal, prior to cleansing with your chosen cleanser.
Oil-Based Cleansers
Oil-based pre-cleansers are especially great at breaking down makeup and stubborn impurities. They are particularly beneficial for those with dry skin as they moisturise while removing dirt. These cleansers tend to emulsify and become milky when in contact with water, allowing it to be easily washed away, leaving skin feeling soft and nourished.
Cleansing Balms
Cleansing balms are formulated to have a solid, balm-like consistency that melts into an oil on contact with the skin. Cleansing balms often contain nourishing ingredients that leave the skin feeling supple and hydrated. Similar to oil-based pre-cleaners, they emulsify and turn milky when in contact with water, making them easy to wash off.
As you can see, the benefits of pre-cleansers vary and they provide different benefits for different skin types.
For oily skin, pre-cleansers can help remove excess oil as well as the impurities created by the skin that can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
For dry skin, pre-cleansers can provide additional hydration and cleanse effectively without stripping the skin of its natural oils. This is an effective way to prevent dryness while effectively cleansing the skin and removing makeup or product.
For combination skin, pre-cleansers can help balance oil and maintain a clear complexion. They ensure thorough cleansing and prevent pore build-up.
In summary, pre-cleansers play a crucial role in achieving a thorough cleanse that enhances skincare routines and skin clarity. By removing makeup and surface impurities prior to cleansing, it allows for a deep skin cleanse and promotes skin health.
Pre-cleansers set the stage for optimal skincare results.
This is why brands like Fresh Face Skin, created by founder Amelia Goff, formulate pre-cleansers that work alongside their regular cleansers to give you the best possible skin results while enhancing your skincare routine.