Has your morning and evening routine become a quick swipe of the cotton pad loaded with cleanser, followed by a dollop of moisturizer?
Understandable but ineffectual – you won’t be removing every trace of makeup and dirt, and your face creams will be blocked by these remnants.
But don’t turn to the astringent paint-stripper-like cleansers just yet – learn the professional facials techniques to maximize the efficacy of your products for better, quicker results.
1. MASSAGE
Massage will not only help your cleanse but maximize absorption of the power products you’re relying on to keep you looking young!
Emma Hardie is my massage hero – her techniques not only maximize the potential of her genius products but also detoxify the skin.
But how? “Massage helps to release the ingredients more efficiently due to the heat and energy that comes from the hands, which warms and softens product,” Emma explains. “Massage also helps to speed up and maximizes the absorption so you get better, faster results.”
Here’s how to use massage to improve your cleanse and moisturize routine.
1. To help deep cleanse the skin, use firm, slow circular movements from the centre of your face out towards the sides. Work deep into the muscle, like you are kneading bread – this will help to detoxify the skin.
2. Massage your moisturizer gently into the skin then literally smooth your hands out over the skin in opposite directions just like you would do when you smooth the creases out of a tablecloth.
3. If you use a serum or oil, work it deeper into problem areas, like lines and blemishes. Place your fingertips on top of the line or problem area, press gently into the skin, hold for 5 secs to warm skin and stimulate blood flow then slowly draw your fingertips away from each other across the area you are working on.
2. CLOTHS
A great way to judge your cleansing methods is to rinse with a cloth – it’ll reveal the leftover grime your cleanser just isn’t grabbing.
And when you consider the editor-approved, cult cleansers – Eve Lom, Liz Earle – they all incorporate a muslin cloth.
The texture of the cloth helps to grab the microscopic particles of skin, dirt, sebum and pollution much more efficiently than using a wipe, cotton wool or a toner.
The cloth also helps energize and stimulate the circulation more efficiently and helps to brighten and buff the skin for a more radiant complexion.
3. CLEANSING TOOLS
“Tools can maximize the results that can be achieved on the skin and speed up a products performance,” says skincare expert, Julia Hart.
Clarisonic
“The Clarisonic bristles oscillate extremely fast and can remove 6 x more debris and make up than hand cleansing,” explains Julia.
“It also has a slight exfoliating effect and can boost the micro-circulation.
I like using mine with Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant too. If your skin is on the sensitive type then being cautious with the mechanical brush cleansing, as too much can be a bad thing!” £150
Bliss Pore-Fector
If the Clarisonic is too abrasive for your sensitive skin try Bliss Pore-Fector Gadget Kit.
This pore-unplugging powertool creates sonic vibrations to micro-jet Bliss Daily Detoxifying Facial Toner over clogged areas, flushing out impurities for a deep cleanse.
It also massages the skin to ensure deeper penetration of your favourite skin-perfecting serums, and plump up the pits. £125
4. MOISTURISING TOOLS
“New facialist technologies are increasingly focused on product penetration,” says skincare expert, Julia Hart.
“There is a variety of technologies you can use at home, that, when combined, make for really enhanced results.”
Ultrasound
“Ultrasound home devices like the Tua Viso can be used for enhancing product penetration,” Julia advises.
“The ultrasonic sound waves travel deep into the skin stimulating the circulation and heating the skin up in the dermis.
This will greatly help your moisturizer penetrate as it temporarily disturbs the barrier lipids, allowing products to be absorbed further into the skin.” £179
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