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An Australian skin professional has revealed the big mistakes men and women make with their daily cleansing – and the method they need to follow for incredible results.
Dr. Clara Hurst, owner of a skin clinic in Perth and co-founder of a hugely successful skincare brand, The secreturges everyone to wash their faces twice a day and double cleanse at night.
‘I like to use one oil cleaner in the morning. I massage this into dry skin for about 60 seconds and then add water to emulsify and break down the oils, and rinse,” the beaming medical professional told FEMAIL.
In the evening I remove make-up with… a cleansing balm for a deeper clean, add water again to emulsify before rinsing. Then I use an oil cleanser or a gentle cream-based cleanser.’
Dr. Clara Hurst (right) and GP Dr Deb Cohen-Jones are the founders of The Secret, which offers ‘highly effective solutions’ for the skin. They also have a basic range of cleansers and sunscreen
So what else should we do to ensure a radiant complexion and what happens to our skin if we miss a cleansing?
What are the biggest mistakes people make when cleaning?
1. Not using the right cleanser in your skincare routine.
2. Not cleaning thoroughly enough. People should cleanse at least once a day (double cleansing at night). Take your time when cleansing to ensure that all dirt, makeup and sunscreen have been properly removed before beginning your skin care regimen.
3. Do not emulsify oil cleansers before rinsing.
4. Using stripping, physical or exfoliating cleansers that can damage your lipid barrier.
Dr. Hurst previously told FEMAIL that she keeps it “super simple” with her routine
What happens if you don’t cleanse in the morning and evening?
If you don’t cleanse your skin enough or properly, your pores tend to become clogged, leading to inflammation, breakouts, and textured skin.
“One of the first questions I ask clients when they’re struggling with their skin is the cleanser they’re using,” Dr. Hurst said.
What is the best type of cleaning agent?
‘This depends on the skin care you use and can be different for everyone. However, I like to recommend a very gentle oil or cream-based cleanser to ensure you don’t strip your skin too much,” said Dr. Hurst.
‘Look for emollients (hydrating ingredients) and olive squalene (this is a hydrating ingredient that also works to reduce water loss during cleansing).
‘This also allows you to focus on skincare ingredients like retinoids and vitamin C, without having to worry about whether your cleanser is safe to use.’
At what age should you start cleansing?
‘I would suggest starting from the age of 15 as this is when your hormones can start to change, which will affect your skin,’ said Dr Hurst.
‘A build-up of sunscreen and dirt is very often the cause of pimples in teens, and is easily treated with a good cleanser.’
Don’t forget to remember your airplane routine
“This is probably the most important time to focus on keeping your skin as clear as possible,” said Dr. Hurst.
‘Travel can wreak absolute havoc on your skin due to changing environments, temperatures, humidity and more. It tends to dry out your skin, leading to inflammation and sometimes oil overcompensation, causing breakouts!
‘Keeping your skin well cleansed and hydrated with ingredients like B5, hyaluronic acid and camellia oil while traveling is probably my biggest tip.’
Try Dr.’s Cleansing Hack Hurst
‘Our Cleansing Balm can double as a hydrating mask,” said Dr. Hurst.
‘I apply this to already cleansed skin (using my Oil Cleanser). After 10-15 minutes I add warm water and emulsify into the skin for 60 seconds, rinse and pat dry.
‘This contains ingredients like Camellia oil, which is super calming and soothing to the skin, so leaving it on for longer is always a good tip.’
How is The Secret Cleansing Balm different?
‘It’s designed to perfectly complement our prescription range and is packed with lipid-loving ingredients to nourish and support your skin, while also acting as a make-up remover,’ said Dr. Hurst.
‘Our Cleansing Balm takes your cleansing routine to the next level and not only works to effectively remove dirt, impurities and make-up, but also improves barrier function and improves product absorption.
‘This is obviously non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.’