Non-Stripping Cleansers For Dried Out Faces
WORDS Cassidy Loane
Like taking your bra off after a long day at work, cleansing your skin is one of the most satisfying moments of the day. But, despite the fact we can all agree removing the remnants of makeup and dirt feels great, most of us don’t put a lot of thought into choosing the right cleanser. Often, it's grandfathered into our routine during our early teens – when our skin’s needs played second best to logging in and out of MSN to catch the attention of our crush – and we’ve been too lazy or afraid to change it since.
Even if you have found an adult option suited to your skin's fickle needs, it’s likely you aren’t mixing it up when the temperature shifts. You should be. While you may be slathering on rich creams and layering every hydrating serum you can get your mitts on, stripping all that good stuff with the wrong cleanser is like starting the night with ten tequila shots before switching to water. Too little too late.
“It’s all about maintaining this balance through the seasonal change” says Seaburn
We’ve come a long way from the traditional ‘squeaky clean’ foam-style cleansers, and for most skins switching to nourishing balms and non-stripping milks in winter and early spring is essential. “Choosing a cleanser that suits the current climate means you are working with your skin and not against it, preserving its integrity and supporting the barrier,” says Diandra Politano, skin therapist and Dior Beauty skin expert.
Often, our skin’s reaction to the temperature change is a direct result of a compromised barrier. And, for anyone who's had to nurse this baby back to health, you’ll know it can wreak extreme skin chaos. “The combination of cold temperatures and indoor heating can cause havoc for the skin. If damage and dehydration occurs, it disrupts our skin’s immune response causing sensitivity and redness so it’s essential to maintain the skin's natural oils and moisture.,” says Ingrid Seaburn, skin specialist and founder of Ingrid Seaburn Skin Health Studio.
