I feel like I could probably go on a world tour and speak about The Importance of Gentle Cleansing, right now. Going from too-harsh cleansers (yes, even natural cosmetics have them) to gentle ones has been one of the biggest game-changers for the health of my skin.
I was more or less cackling with glee last night as I read Saara Sarvas’ post on Juice Beauty products and her new-found love for gentle cleansing. I could not agree more.
The thing is, you see, that no amount of cleansing, washing, or drying out will get rid of impurities or oiliness. You could wash your skin with dish-washing liquid, and it wouldn’t make a difference to the cleanliness of your pores. What you will achieve, if you use a cleanser that is too harsh for you, and if the rest of your skin care routine is lacking or entirely neglected, is a juicy foundation for skin problems, the external manifestation of which depends entirely on the inner health of your body (and mind).
So how can you tell if a cleanser is too strong for you? It’s simple: your skin feels tight and dry after you’ve washed it. When you’re using the right cleanser, after washing, your skin should feel comfortably soft and supple, and not the least bit tight.
I’ve tested numerous different cleansers in the past few months, and feel I now have a fairly accurate picture of the Finnish natural cosmetics market. I have three favorites, at the moment, the best of which is Tata Harper’s Regenerating Cleanser*. It fills me with glee every time I use it. I do know that many of you find the price a bit steep, however – though Tata Harper is one of those brands whose products’ life-spans are carefully thought out from start to finish, and thus worth every penny.
Still, if you’d like to stick to a budget in your cleanser-shopping for any reason, I’ve got something great for you: Juice Beauty Exfoliating Cleanser*. This cleanser was featured in Saara’s post, and I personally discovered it this winter while designing Personal Beauty Guides; I just had to tell you all about it.
Both cleansers are great for normal, combination, and oily skin. Both contain brightening enzymes and small, soft granules that exfoliate the skin mechanically, yet gently. For dry skin, I would recommend using either product as a pee once or twice a week; for other skin types, the products can be used as a nightly cleanser.
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Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser*
Tata’s regenerating cleanser is one of the best cleansers of all time, and I find myself falling in love again, every time I wash my face with it. Naturelle now has a smaller, 50 ml alternative for the 125 ml package. The gentle granules are ground apricot kernels, and so sparse that I can comfortably use the cleanser to remove eye makeup, as well. The soap-free formula is wonderfully gentle, leaving the skin soft and glowing. Willow-bark extract regulates sebum production and minimizes pores, with grape fruit peel extract brightening and cleansing the skin enzymatically.
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Juice Beauty Exfoliating Cleanser*
Like Tata’s cleanser, Juice Beauty’s Exfoliating Cleanser is soap-free and rather mild in its washing power, while still removing makeup and impurities. The small, exfoliating granules are made from jojoba pearls and only lightly sprinkled throughout the fluid, and while it isn’t exactly recommended, removing one’s eye makeup with the cleanse is still pleasant. The product also contains pineapple extract with gently exfoliating and brightening enzymes; aloe vera and marigold to soothe the skin, algae to regenerate and hydrate the skin, as well as shea butter, sesame seed, avocado, and jojoba oils keep the skin soft.
Have you tried either of these cleaners?
By using code KATJA15 at checkout, you will get a 10% discount on all full priced products at Naturelle until March 31st 2015. Discount does not apply to products by May Lindstrom Skin.
*Affiliate-linkki Tuotteet saatu testiin maahantuojalta Kuvat Katja Kokko
