Your facial care routine in 3 essential gestures
The 3 essential gestures are the basics, the pillars of a perfect beauty ritual. They are the first elements to adopt before going further with specific treatments. Our aim? Introduce you to these essential steps, often neglected even though they can change your skin and make all the difference: Double Cleansing, Gentle Exfoliation and Oil Treatment.
The 3 Essential Gestures
The right gestures for beautiful, healthy skin
Double cleaning
First my Cleansing Oil or Balm, then my Cleansing Milk or Gel
What is double cleaning?
A double passage... Pnly one is a bit like going into the shower with your clothes on... First, I remove the coat of impurities that has built up during the day (make-up, pollution, excess sebum), only then do I really cleanse my skin.
... with two different textures. Pecause an oily texture is ideal for catching lipophilic impurities (fat attracts fat!), and an aqueous texture for removing remaining hydrophilic impurities (such as perspiration, dust, etc.). With these two complementary products, you're sure to get rid of everything!
Why should I include it in my skincare routine?
Double cleansing is the gentlest way to cleanse your face, whatever your skin type and even if you have dry, dehydrated or sensitive skin.
The benefits of the first oily step are numerous:
- If your skin is oily or has dilated pores: make-up removal oil emulsifies all excess sebum, and even (contrary to popular belief!) regulates future oil production. And all without the need for irritating detergents that would strip your skin...
- If, on the other hand, your skin is dry or dehydrated, the oil will begin to soften and nourish it, providing the fatty acids it needs for comfort.
The second stage, with the cleansing milk or gel, will begin to treat a skin problem (such as sensitivities, dehydration or imperfections).
Forget micellar watermicellar water (it cleans badly and is irritating, especially if you apply it with a cotton pad) and surfactant-laden cleansers like cleansers packed with surfactants such as Sodium Laureth Sulfate (they lather up well... but are very harsh on the skin).
1. Remove impurities with a cleansing oil or balm
In the evening, I start with a teaspoon of cleansing oil or a dab of cleansing balm, which I warm between my clean, dry hands to obtain a more liquid texture. I apply directly to a dry face, massaging with gentle circular movements, paying particular attention to areas prone to small imperfections and not forgetting the eyes (goodbye waterproof mascara!). I add a little water to emulsify the oil, which turns into milk, before rinsing off with plenty of water.
- If I'm just discovering double cleansing, I opt for Oh My Cream SkincareCleansing Oil, the fluid oil boosted with anti-pollution and radiance-boosting active ingredients.
- If I have imperfections and/or sensitivities, I turn to Oh My Cream Skincare Cleansing Balm for its repairing action.
- If I like more liquid textures, I adopt Dermalogica PreCleanse, a make-up remover oil that dissolves all impurities and is very easy to rinse off.
2. Deep cleanse your skin with a cleansing milk or gel
I massage a dab of cleansing milk or gel onto my damp face, before rinsing thoroughly with water. In the morning, as my skin has been thoroughly cleansed the day before, I only carry out this second step.
- If I want to combat shine and the little annoyances caused by occasional imperfections, I opt for Oh My Cream Skincare Cleansing Gel.
- If I'm looking for a moisturizing, comfortable formula, I'll treat myself to Oh My Cream SkincareCleansing Emulsion, a creamy formula that's also suitable for sensitive skin or skin weakened by external aggressions.
- If I'm looking for a refreshing cleanser and my skin doesn't have any specific problems, I opt for Ren Skincare's Rosa Centifolia Facial Cleansing Gel.
Gentle exfoliation
What is gentle exfoliation?
Sweep away dead cells... Because it's essential to remove the layer of dead skin cells that accumulate on the surface, making the complexion dull and preventing sebum from draining away (potentially causing imperfections!).
... that doesn't irritate if you do it right. Because it's now possible to renew skin without the action of grains, thanks to "pacman" molecules (like fruit acids or enzymes) that nibble at the bonds between dead cells, gently removing them without causing irritation or redness!
Why should I include it in my skincare routine?
Exfoliating is the ultimate "beautiful skin" gesture! By eliminating excess dead skin cells, scrubs and scrubs and exfoliants (this word designates the same family of products) optimize the penetration of active ingredients, leaving skin soft and smooth, while combating small imperfections (brown spots, pimples, dilated pores). It's also a fantastic way to combat skin ageing and firmness, by boosting the production of younger, fresher cells.
How is it different from a grain scrub?
A granular exfoliant uses small particles to rub away dead skin cells. These facial scrubs are suitable for dry, normal or mature skin. But beware: in most cases, they are too strong. Often used too abruptly, mechanical exfoliation is not recommended for sensitive skin or skin with imperfections. Why not? Because these famous grains risk "opening" the pimple and causing bacterial proliferation. That's why, at Oh My Cream, we prefer a gentler mode of action, so as not to cause any tightness.
- If my normal or combination skin is sometimes a little sensitive, I choose Oh My Cream Skincare Exfoliating Powder, formulated on an oat base.
- If I also have a few spots or scars, I opt for Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, a gentle exfoliating powder that smoothes the skin and helps restore a flawless complexion.
- If I prefer an exfoliant to leave on as a mask for a "wow" effect, I prefer Ren Skincare Glycolactic Masque Eclat Peau Neuve.
Do you have another skin problem you'd like to treat? Our guide to choosing a scrub according to your skin type.
Vegetable oil
Why use a vegetable oil to protect your skin?
A new generation of serum... Because oil is a galenic formulation that is much better assimilated by the skin, it is particularly effective in conveying a wealth of active ingredients.
... that I can use to boost my cream. Because if your skin needs extra comfort and your moisturizing cream just won't do, just mix a few drops of oil into it to transform it into a creamier, more nourishing treatment, and reveal baby-soft, radiant, plumped-up skin.
What's the difference between vegetable oil and mineral oil?
Vegetable oils are derived from plants: kernels, seeds, fruits, vegetables... As natural ingredients, they can be certified organic. Since they have a great affinity with the skin (they look like it!), they penetrate and each, depending on its origin, will have a specific action. What's more, by forming a shield over the skin, they boost its natural hydration by preventing water loss. L'vegetable oil is also naturally rich in active ingredients, such as essential fatty acids (also known as Omega 3, 6 and 9) and vitamins.
Mineral oils, on the other hand, are derived from petrochemicals and are therefore not natural ingredients. They remain on the skin's surface and, unable to penetrate, form a protective film over the epidermis. Acting as an insulator, they can relieve dry or sensitive skin thanks to their "bandage" function. However, oily skin, or skin prone to dilated pores and pimples, will prefer not to use them, as the film-forming effect can clog the skin. In short, they're a real treat for the skin!
- If I have dehydrated skin, I apply Oh My Cream SkincarePlumping Oil, which smoothes fine lines and brings comfort to the skin.
- If I need to gently purify my skin, I rely on the gentle cleansing power of Oh My Cream SkincareCorrective Oil.
- To regulate my skin and boost natural healing mechanisms, I opt for Pai Skincare BioRegenerate Rosier Sauvage Oil.
Do you have another skin problem you'd like to treat? Our guide to oils and serums will help you.
Do you still have questions about a product or would you like to go further in your beauty routine? Write to us at contact@ohmycream.com, our beauty coaches will be delighted to help you. You can also book an appointment via this link link for an online consultation to speak directly with one of our experts and carry out a skin diagnosis.