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An Exfoliating Face Cleanser for Summer
Our exfoliating face cleanser, Apothekari AHA-Mazing Clean Exfoliating Cleansing Gel, is ideal not only for summer, but year round. Regular use will help to keep skin feeling soft and smooth. And, we may be slightly biased, but we have to confess that we are quite partial to its refreshing and soothing mint scent! Shop Aha-Mazing Clean Gel Cleanser Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the outer layer of your skin. A build up of these cells can leave skin looking flaky, dry and even more wrinkled. They can also interfere with the absorption of active ingredients that you apply after. For these reasons, it’s important to remove these skin cells and an exfoliating face cleanser can help. Most skin types benefit from exfoliation if it’s done properly. However, certain skin types, such as sensitive skin, may not be able to tolerate products that exfoliate. In this case, it’s important to do a patch test first to avoid unpleasant side effects such as stinging, burning, redness or irritation. Two Ways To Exfoliate There are two main ways to exfoliate skin at home – mechanically or chemically. Both are safe and effective, and it really comes down to a matter of preference. Mechanical exfoliation involves the use of a tool such as a brush, a sponge or a scrub to help remove the dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliation relies on the use of chemicals such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) – found in Apothekari AHA-Amazing Clean Cleansing Gel, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA like salicylic acid) or L-ascorbic acid (a mild exfoliant, found in our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum), which work to gently dissolve the ‘glue’ that holds skin cells together. Experts often recommend chemical exfoliation over mechanical exfoliation because chemical exfoliants don’t penetrate very deeply and the results are not dependent on how you apply. When one mechanically exfoliates, it is possible to apply too much pressure or exfoliate for too long with an increased possibility of damaging or irritating skin. In the case of an exfoliating face cleanser, it is rinsed off, so the risk of over-exfoliating is almost non-existent. Besides using a cleanser, you may also choose to exfoliate chemically with a moisturizer, serum or lotion . Tips to Exfoliate To minimize skin irritation and damage, the following tips may help: Don’t Overdo It. Examine the skincare products you’re currently using, including those that are prescription medications or over the counter treatments, such as other topical acids or retinoids. Go slowly, paying special attention to how skin reacts. If your skin becomes red, irritated or you experience more breakouts, it’s a sign to cut back or spread treatments out. The frequency depends on your skin type and what you are using to exfoliate. Be Gentle. This is especially important if you are using scrubs or tools, which rely on pressure. Aim for small, circular motions, followed by a rinse with warm (never hot) water. If you have open cuts or wounds or skin is sunburned, exfoliating can wait. Moisturize. Skin can be dry after exfoliating so apply a hydrating treatment afterwards to maintain skin’s health. Our Daily Infusion Moisturizer offers gentle and light hydration that is suitable for all skin types. Our Exfoliating Face Cleanser Regular use of AHA-Mazing Clean Cleansing Gel can help to even out skin discolourations, minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and soften and smooth skin. A triple combination of alpha hydroxy acids maximizes its benefits and because it’s a rinse off product, it is well tolerated by most skin types. Use caution with sensitive skin.
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How To Cleanse: Step 1 to Great Skin
It feels a bit redundant to write a post about how to cleanse your face. I mean put the cleanser on, lather up and rinse it off, right? Yes, those are the basic steps and everyone knows how to do that. However, recent years have brought with them a myriad of options that make the basic step of how to cleanse your face, just a little bit more complicated. In this post, I’ll revisit the steps and help you decide which type of cleanser is right for you. Shop Cloud Nine Foaming Cleansing Creme Shop Aha-Mazing Clean Gel Cleanser Why You Should Cleanse We’ve all done it – after a long day or late night – we stumble home, too tired to do anything more than fall straight into bed. And if it happens occasionally and you forget your night-time skincare routine, it’s not such a big deal. However, skip the cleansing on a regular basis and your skin may not like you back. Cleansing helps to rid our faces of make-up, dirt and oils, which can lead to blemishes and skin irritation. It also helps to prep our skin so that it absorbs whatever serum, oil or moisturizer we apply on top and it provides a smooth base for make-up. For many people, the morning cleanse is optional – I find that a warm water splash is sufficient most days. If you like to cleanse in the morning with more than water, that’s fine too. Let your face and preference be the guide. The night-time cleanse, however, is one I don’t take lightly. It is very important to remove the make-up, sunscreen and pollution that we expose our faces to each day. If we don’t do that, we can clog our pores and increase the potential for breakouts. Some people like a one-step cleanse while others prefer a two-step. The one-step cleanse, which most of us in North America and Northern Europe are familiar with, includes a cleanser only to clean the face. Apothekari Cloud Nine Foaming Cleansing Crème is gentle and rich with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Skin never feels dry or stripped of its natural oils. If you’re looking for a bit of exfoliation, try Apothekari AHA-Mazing Clean Exfoliating Cleansing Gel, which features a triple combination of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to help smooth fine lines and wrinkles, gently exfoliate clogged pores and promote cellular renewal. The two-step cleanse incorporates a cleansing oil/cleansing balm/make-up remover first, which is then followed by a cleanser. Also known as Double Cleansing, the two-step method has gained many followers recently due to a growth in the popularity of facial oils and balms and innovative ideas from Asia. How To Cleanse Whether you are a fan of the one or two-step method, here’s how to cleanse properly (yes, I know you already know, but this post can’t be called complete unless I put it down here): Wet skin lightly with warm (not hot) water. Using circular motions, apply a dime-sized amount of cleanser and massage in a circular motion for thirty seconds to a minute. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry with a soft towel. If you are doing a double cleanse with a cleansing oil or balm, apply to dry skin and massage in. These products are then either emulsified/lathered up with warm water prior to being rinsed or wiped off. Some may be wiped off with a cloth without rinsing. Read directions to know for certain. Deed done. Now it’s ok to fall into bed!
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Apothekari AHA-Mazing Clean: New Formulation
Lovers of our Apothekari AHA-Mazing Clean Exfoliating Cleansing Gel will be happy to know that it is available again! A slight reformulation of this cleanser results in a more gentle, but just as effective exfoliating treatment, suitable for most skin types, except sensitive. The three major ingredients in Apothekari AHA-Mazing Clean Exfoliating Cleansing Gel will help to improve skin’s overall appearance, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, gently exfoliating clogged pores and promoting cellular renewal. Shop Aha-Mazing Clean Gel Cleanser Apothekari AHA-Mazing Clean Exfoliating Cleansing Gel was tweaked to remove the sugar cane extract while still retaining the combination of three alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs): Lactic Acid. Simultaneously hydrates and exfoliates, while also reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Lactic Acid also works wonders at evening out pigmentation discolorations. Malic Acid. Gentle exfoliation, skin smoothing and promotes cellular renewal. Derived from apples. Tartaric Acid. Improves the skin’s ability to retain hydration and exfoliates, further smoothing skin. This cleanser is an elegant white pearl liquid that contains the beautiful combination of Peppermint and Spearmint Oil. It is paraben free, gluten free and sulfate free. Apothekari AHA-Mazing Clean Exfoliating Cleansing Gel works best when used as part of your regular skin care regimen. Use once or twice daily for best results.
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