OIP BEAUTY: SKINCARE BASICS - The Best Way to Cleanse!

INTRODUCING OIP’S SKINCARE BASICS Nowadays too many people try to hide their skin issues with makeup instead of actually getting down to the root cause and fixing their skin. But, we get it, skincare can be so much more confusing than makeup, and hell of a lot more frustrating as it requires patience to see results. That’s why we’ve created a series called OIP’s Skincare Basics. In this segment we’ll walk you through the fundamentals of a skincare routine and, primarily, how to get your skin on the right track! First off, let’s start off with cleansing! HOW TO CLEANSE THE RIGHT WAY So I’m assuming we’ve all heard about double cleansing right? Hang on, you’ve never heard about it before?! Shock. Gasp. Horror. Okay, melodrama aside, cleansing is one of the most important steps of your skincare routine but, it is also one of the most misdone and misunderstood procedures. So, today, we’re going to talk about the double cleansing method and, the types of cleansers you should look out for! What is the Double-Cleansing method? Ever wonder how Koreans get that baby soft skin? Well, one of their secrets is this double-cleansing method! Basically, it involves firstly using an oil-based cleanser followed by using water-based cleanser. Hold up, I know that this may sound excessive however, it’s not as over the top as you may think! Let us break it down. The oil-based cleanser is used to remove oil-based matter such as makeup, SPF, sebum and soot (aka pollution), whilst the water-based cleanser is then used to give you a deeper cleanse and draw out water-based debris such as sweat and dirt. Thus, as water and oil are immiscible, it is essential that you use both types of cleansers so that you are able to wash away both types of substances and get that thorough cleanse! Now, onto the nitty gritty, what products do we recommend? 1st STEP: OIL-BASED CLEANSERS There are so many oil-based cleansers on the market nowadays and we’ve sought out the best ones! For the Glammed Up Heavy Duty Makeup lovers: CLINIQUE TAKE THE DAY OFF BALM As of late, this cleanser has really blown up on social media and for good reason! It's a balm cleanser that melts into an oil and removes e-v-e-ry-thing even the most stubborn waterproof makeup. It is also unscented and leaves the skin clean and soft without any oily residue! It's great for all skin types - even for acne and sensitive skin! For the Fresh Face Minimal Makeup Wearers: GARNIER MICELLAR CLEANSING WATER. What a lot of people don’t know, is that micellar water is actually an oil-based cleanser. It’s decieving because, there is nothing oily about it! The thing is, micellar water is comprised of tiny molecules of oil called micelles that are able to gently remove such oil-based substances as makeup, sebum and SPF. At OIP, we’re in love with Garnier’s Micellar Cleansing Water! It is another fragrance - free formula that suits all skin types, even sensitive, and it removes makeup like a dream. For the price, you really can’t beat it! Other water-based cleansers you should definitely check out: HEIMISH All Clean Balm & BOTANIC FARM Grain Ferment Cleansing Sherbet 2nd STEP: WATER-BASED CLEANSER Selecting the correct water-based cleanser is a little trickier and a little nerdier. This is because the cleanser must not only be gentle but, it also must be slightly acidic - (more specifically, in the correct pH range of 4.5 to 5.5)! Why is that you ask? Well it’s all about keeping your acid mantle happy. WHAT IS THE ACID MANTLE? Your acid mantle is this thin protective film that lies over the top of your skin, who’s job is to basically keep all the bad stuff out like breakouts, bacteria, infection, dryness and sensitivity, and to keep all the good things in such as hydration and moisturisation! So, for your acid mantle to work optimally it should be a little acidic (pH of around 5.5). Thus, having a slightly acidic cleanser is ideal! Now you’re wondering what water-based cleanser should you use then!? Here are our best picks: For the Blemish-Prone: COSRX LOW-PH GOOD MORNING CLEANSER pH level: ~ 5.5 One of the most popular cleansers in Korea, this gel cleanser is a clear given. I mean, it even says “low pH” in its name! Other than having that sweet pH of around 5.5, this cleanser is also amazing for breakout susceptible skin due to its betaine salicylate and tea tree leaf oil! Moreover, It leaves your skin feeling fresh and clean without it being dehydrating! For the sensitive and dehydrated: DEAR KLAIRS Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser pH level: ~ 5.5 Dear, Klairs is a brand dedicated towards sensitive skin types and this cleanser is a total gem! With hyaluronic acid, ceramide 3 and olive oil, this hypoallergenic mousse-like foam will keep your skin hydrated whilst giving you that deep cleanse! There’s also no alcohol, no parabens or artifical pigment - thus making it even more sensitive-skin friendly! Other water-based cleansers you should definitely check out: SIMPLISTIC Begin Cleanser & CERAVE Foaming Facial Cleanser