Why over-cleansing can do more harm than good
As we all know, taking off your makeup and sunscreen at the end of the day is a vital part of anyone’s skincare routine.
This process not only helps you feel fresh and relaxed to get a good night’s sleep, but is also an essential step to remove dirt, oil and dead skin cells that can lead to skin feeling congested, breakouts and lasting dullness.
While most people opt for a makeup remover, such as wipes or cleansing serums, it turns out this process could be doing more harm than good - especially with ageing skin.
According to Dr Mike Bell, Head of Science and Research for the holy grail UK skincare brand No7, “The over-cleansing of skin - sometimes with harsh high surfactant foaming cleansers or high alcohol-based toners - can be as harmful as the over-use of make-up or ineffective removal of make-up.”
“The skin’s essential barrier can become stripped of important ceramides and lipids, leaving it more sensitive and vulnerable to the environment."
Dr Bell’s solution? Turn to a cleanser that gets the job done, without all the harsh ingredients.
"Effective removal does rely on cleansers with mild but effective surfactants as well as the right type of emollient oils that together can dissolve even the most stubborn make-up.”
“Branched ester emollients like isononyl isononanoate are particularly effective as is dimethicone for dissolving some of the higher waterproof make-ups. These are combined with olive oil-based emulsifiers to take your make-up off seamlessly without harming the skin," he says.
Luckily, No7 offers a huge range of cleansers for all skin types, with tested formulas that will help remove makeup with ease, and not damage your skin in the process.
No7 Biodegradable Cleansing Wipes are a tested favourite, with the soft and gentle wipes helping to clear pores and banish all traces of impurity with ease.
Image credit: Supplied - No7
For a gentle eye makeup remover that won’t leave behind traces of your favourite mascara, look no further than No7 Radiant Results Revitalising Eye Make-Up Remover.
Image credit: Supplied - No7
A gentle pre-cleanse is essential for any deep clean, with No7 Radiant Results Revitalising Micellar Cleansing Water working to capture make-up, impurities and pollutants, drawing them away from the skin in an instant.
Image credit: Supplied - No7
Available at Priceline, these three holy grail products are available for under $20 each, making them a must have to everyone’s skincare regime.
Image credits: Getty Images / No7