How to get the glow back to your skin with double cleansing.

In the day BC (before children), I used to set aside some special "me time" for all the beauty needs in my life. 

You know...the maintenance. 

I'd give myself a facial, do the nails, the hair treatment, the waxing, shaving, plucking etc, etc

The works.

My skin glowed, the hair shone, the nails were perfect........

Then along came the pickles, 1, 2, 3......

and no sleep

In fact, I was just saying to a friend a few days ago that I haven't had a full nights sleep in 13 years!

Source

Add to that the fact that I can often go to bed with the makeup on (looks fab on my pillowcase the next day) and the glow can start to dull....breakouts can pop up (I never had pimples as a teen, but as an adult I'd been getting the odd spot).

It can look ageing...in fact it IS ageing.

I thought that was it....I thought once it was gone there was no getting it back. But I was wrong.

You see, I forgot about something I learned a long time ago, when I was first training in make-up. 

I did a workshop with a Japanese skincare company that taught me the "art" of Double Cleansing. An ancient skincare method. Simple, but effective.

Since we moved into our new bedroom and I have a bathroom to myself, I have been much more attentive to my skin and have been double cleansing for over a month. I am amazed at the overall difference in my skin. Which is what prompted me to write this post.

You see, our skin produces an "oil" called sebum. The sebum traps dirt, dead skin cells and other junk in the air around us (smoke, pollution etc). Then we go and add layers of makeup, waterproof makeup & sunscreen to our skin. 

Do you really think that when you wash your face at night that your getting all of that muck off?

Well you're probably not...not with one cleanse anyway.

Then it builds up and forms a glue like layer that block the pores and WHAMMO, Zitville here we come!

With double cleansing, you gently remove the layers BEFORE you cleanse the skin.

You don't shower with your clothes on, do you? 

In fact I have once...it was my Eighteenth Birthday and.......OK, OK...sidetracked ...I keep that story for when I get to know you better...K?

I'll take you through some simple steps.....

For the purpose of this post, I've chosen to use the Neutrogena Skincare range. Some of these products were sent to me for review, but to be honest, I have used them for years and they are a staple in my professional kit for the reason that I find them effective, good value for money AND I have never had anyone have an allergic reaction to them. (every skin and every person is different, so always do a patch test first with any new product).

OK.....

To double cleanse:

Always start with a dry face

1. Using an oil-free eye makeup remover and cotton pads, gently remove all traces of eye makeup. Be very gentle with the delicate skin around your eyes.

2. Use either a milky or oil based cleanser or if you're in a rush, use wipes to remove the rest of your makeup or the grime from the day. If you use the milky or oily cleanser, "massage" it in to break up the makeup. Dampen your fingers with water and massage to "emulsify", then remove with wipes, tissue or rinse off.

3. Pump a little foaming or wash off cleanser into the palm of your hand and add a few drops of water. Lather into a foam and massage over the face. Now rinse.
Feeling fresh yet?

4. Optional step. I like to do this twice a week, but it will depend on your skin type. Very gently massage in some facial scrub onto wet skin. Avoid the eye area . Rinse and pat the skin dry.

5. With a cotton pad that has been soaked with some toner, gently pat over your skin, but again, avoid the eye area.
Allow to dry.

6. Apply your favourite moisturiser/night cream and eye cream.
At night, I like to use a serum under my night cream.

So there you have it. Let me know if you give it a try.

Disclosure: These products were provided for editorial consideration. 3pickles has no affiliation with any companies mentioned and has received no remuneration for posting this review. All opinions are those of the author.