About a month ago, I started a new skincare ritual: double cleansing.  I am now a loyal believer and I’m joining the cult.  It really works.  Please, let me convert you.

What You’ll Need:

1.  OIL.  You want to use a plant-based, cold-pressed, raw, organic oil.  The last thing you want to do is use mineral oil or massage pesticides into your skin.  Coconut is a great, affordable option.  Other good alternatives are argan oil or olive oil.  Start by massaging oil into your skin in a circular, downward motion.  Do this for at least 30 seconds.

2.  UNBLEACHED COTTON MUSLIN.  Purchase a yard of this fabric and cut it into 12-inch squares.  Use each square only once before throwing it into the laundry.  Each one will last a few dozen washes.  Gently rub the remaining oil off with the muslin, again in a circular downward motion.  The nubby texture of this natural fiber will safely exfoliate skin without tearing the top layer of the epidermis.

3.  YOUR FAVORITE CLEAN CLEANSER.  Depending on your skin type, budget, and how much makeup you are washing off, the cleanser you use can vary greatly.  I prefer a gentle foaming cleanser, but please, please, please do not use an un-Clean cleanser with SLS or other harsh chemicals in it.  It will undo all the good you just did!  Work your cleanser into a lather and massage into skin, focusing on the T-zone or areas prone to breakouts.

WHY DOUBLE CLEANSING IS SO EFFECTIVE

I knew you were going to ask me that.  There are two types of dirt: oil-based dirt (like oil in make-up) and oxidized sebum and water-based dirt (like dust and sweat).  Remember Chemistry 101?  “Like dissolves like”.  It’s best to use oil first because it will loosen your makeup and protect your skin from drying out.  Your cleanser will finish the job by washing away bacteria and remaining residue.  Your skin will feel clean, but supple, not tight or dry.  This new, balanced complexion will more effectively drink in your other products, like serums and moisturizers.  Also, because it is such a thorough routine, it will help you avoid clogged pores and inflamed skin.  You may get a few whiteheads for the first few days, but it is a good sign – the junk under your skin is being brought to the surface.  They subside in less than a week and you are left with a dewy visage.

A GREAT KIT FOR THE LAZY

One Love Organics clearly understands the benefits of double cleansing.  The ingredients in this kit are all plant-based, gentle and purifying.  Cost: about $67.  Purchase it here.

Ingredients:

Easy Does It Foaming Cleanser 
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Sodium Coco-Glucoside Tartrate, Sodium Hydroxypropylsulfonate Laurylglucoside Crosspolymer, Sodium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Amaranth Protein, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Lauryl Glucoside, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Oil, Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Hydroxypropylsulfonate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract

Skin Savior Waterless Beauty Balm 
Organic Cocos nucifera (Virgin Coconut) Oil, Organic Glycine Soja (Sweet Soy) seed oil, Organic Beeswax, Mangifera indica (Mango) seed butter, Salvia Hispanica (Chia) Seed Extract, Avena sativa (Oat) Extract, Citrus aurantium dulcis (Orange) peel wax, Organic Vanilla planifolia fruit extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

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