*Last update on 25/05/2021

It starts with a clean canvas

Our skin comes into contact with fine dust, sunscreen, make-up, exhaust and many other pollutants on a daily basis, especially those who live and work in urban areas. These dirty oils remain on the skin's surface and then hold on to the fine dusts and will sink into the pores to cause troubles such as blackheads and acne. This also allows oxidation to take place faster, causing skin cells to age faster.

Try to imagine your face as a canvas. After all, you do want a clean cloth to start with, which is why it is very wise to remove all the dirt first.

Before you start your skin care routine, you want the skin to be free of dirty oils and other fine dust to prevent them from sinking into the pores. To cleanse the skin as well as possible, 'double cleansing' in the evening is highly recommended. This removes the dirt on the top layer with a product that is intended for this, such as: make-up remover, micellar water or oil-based cleaner. The different types have their own approach and effect on the skin. You can choose one that best suits your skin type, concerns and lifestyle.

1. MAKE-UP REMOVER / OIL-BASED CLEANSER 

[first step immediately upon returning home in the evening]

An oil-based cleanser is perfect for removing oil-based make-up, because water cannot mix and dissolve with oil, but oil, on the contrary, can dissolve oil. This makes it ideal for removing all dirty oils on the skin together with fine dust and especially for oily skin types*.

Always apply an oil-based cleanser to dry skin with dry hands! Take the oil between the palm of your hand and let it warm up before applying it on your face. Once on face, give yourself a facial massage, not only nice but this also ensures that the oil can work better. Massage 1 minute or more before adding a bit of  water with fingertips for emulsifying. Then rinse with lukewarm water.

* Do you have an oily skin and many blemishes and acne? Then try to start your morning with an oil-based cleanser.

  --[shop here]--

2. WATER BASED CLEANSER

[to start your daily morning and evening routine]

To cleanse the skin in the evening from make-up and dirt residue that has remained on your skin (and pore). In the morning you can do a light cleanse to cleanse the skin of sweat and dirt (dust and products from the evening) that has built up while sleeping. You may need a milder cleanser in the morning than in the evening depending on your skin type and concerns.

Gel: (often) non-foaming, refreshing, watery, mild | suitable for sensitive, dry, dehydrated skin types

Cream: non-foaming, creamy, mild, moisturizing | suitable for very sensitive, dry, dehydrated skin types

Foam: foaming, cleans better in the pore thanks to the foam | suitable for normal-sensitive, normal-dry, normal, combi, normal-fat, fat

Let a little product on your palm "foam" with small amount of water and massage this briefly and gently in circulating movements on the face. Rinse it off with lukewarm water and pat your face dry with a clean towel (change daily). Or even better, wipe the water off your face with clean hands.

  --[shop here]--

3. DEEP CLEANSING - EXFOLIATOR 

[1, 2 or 3 times a week after cleansing]

By exfoliating you can remove accumulated dirt, dead skin cells and flakes on the skin surface. It promotes cell renewal, ensures radiant skin and gets rid of fine lines.

But never get too excited by over scrubbing, rubbing, or exfoliating too often! This can damage your healthy skin cells and cause your skin to become irritated and inflamed and even age faster.

You can also see dead skin cells as a natural protective layer on your face that protects the skin against the sun, for example. -- By removing these, your skin is thinner and therefore more sensitive to the sun. -- So always use the right sun protection (SPF30 or higher) during the day after exfoliating.

If you have a very thin skin barrier and / or a very sensitive skin, you can choose a different method of exfoliation. Consider, for example, a toner with an exfoliating effect for daily use. 

  --[shop here]--

Also see:
Facts, myths: No makeup, no double cleansing
How much should I use?
Applications and handlings

Skin improvement is being patient! It is important to give a new skin care routine/product a trial period of at least 1 month since your skin will renew its cells each 28 days. In case you notice (a small) dfference, please try another 2-3 months.