The Thrill of the Cleanse

The most basic and essential step of any facial routine should be cleansing. As surprising as it may seem, many

people skip or rush through this vital step, often taking a quick washcloth to the face with soap and sometimes just water. This can further irritate your skin as well as keep it dry and peeling. Her

e, we will share the importance of cleansing as well as the basic steps you can use to properly cleanse your face so that you get the results you are looking for.

Why is it important to properly cleanse?

Exposure

Your face and hands are the parts of your body most often exposed to the elements. Particles flying through the air, sweat, makeup and more are constantly coming into contact with your face. Proper cleansing allows you to remove all of this excess skin, dirt and environmental pollutants from your face. Without this important step, you can end up with skin that has breakouts, dehydration and premature ageing.

Preventing Oily Buildup

Proper cleansing also reduces sebum. Sebum is an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands. It coats, moisturizes and protects your skin. While this is beneficial to your skin, if left too long it becomes a nuisance leading to clogged pores, acne, blotchy skin and trapping of bacteria.

Overnight Rejuvenation

The skin goes through a rejuvenating process overnight. When the skin is covered in surface impurities, oxygen is not able to help the skin regenerate. This also leads to cracking, peeling and prematurely ageing skin. It is just as important to cleanse the skin upon waking due to the exfoliation and rejuvenation process that occurs while we sleep. Dead skin, toxins and excess oils are secreted while we sleep and rise to the surface.

Overall Appearance

Cleansing on a regular basis allows your skin to maintain a proper level of moisture which gives it an overall healthier appearance. This is because you are not starting from scratch each time you go to perform your routine. Instead,

you are maintaining the good work you have already done. Additionally, most products work best when used on a regular basis. You may not see the results you are looking for if you are using your products irregularly.

Now that you know the importance of a good cleansing routine, here are the proper steps to complete it.

1. Remove any makeup or other embellishments that you have applied. After a long day of working or perhaps an eventful night of partying, it can be so tempting to do a quick face wash and call it a night. For some, the idea of washing off a full face of makeup seems tedious and sounds like a plan for tomorrow. WARNING: do not skip this step. Your skin is trapped underneath the makeup for hours on end throughout the day. When you leave this makeup on overnight, the ability of your skin to breathe and rejuvenate itself is drastically reduced.

2. Wet your face with room temperature water. This adds a layer of initial hydration.

3. Using your clean fingertips, apply an appropriate amount of SoCo Naturals facial cleanser. Gently massage until it is evenly distributed.

4. Gently wash the cleanser from your face with room temperature water.

5. Pat dry with a soft cloth.

6. Apply SoCo Naturals Facial Moisturizer moderately.

If you are using SoCo Naturals Facial Cleanser and Moisturizer, we recommend using it twice daily, once in the morning and again before bed. *Either add another use or apply afterwards if exercising.