Pores: The Origin of Healthy Skin
What are pores and how do they work?
Our skin is full of pores that allow us to thermoregulate and also expel the necessary sebum that we need to create the hydrolipidic film that protects and moisturizes us naturally.
Why do pores get clogged and how to prevent it?
Throughout the day, especially on the face, we generate sweat, oil, and squalene, which is essential for keeping the skin hydrated and protected, but like everything in life: in excess, it's not good. Added to this is a necessary natural process, which is the shedding of dead skin cells to make way for new ones. But what happens when all this matter combines? The pore becomes clogged and ends up enlarging by up to 300%.
Are there more elements? Yes, there are. We must add other influencing external factors: makeup and pollution, which ultimately affect the skin's condition.
To maintain proper facial skin hygiene without entering the exfoliation process, we recommend performing a double cleanse.
The Japanese Double Cleanse: The Ritual That Transforms Your Skin
Recommended for all skin types due to its benefits, it is necessary to adapt it to the needs of each skin. This cleansing process will allow us to leave the hair follicle in optimal conditions. Here are the steps:
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Makeup Removal:
This process allows us to remove residues such as makeup, excess sebum, and sunscreen filters. There are different types of products for this.
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Cleansing:
This part allows us to carry out a deep cleanse, ensuring we remove all impurities and regulate excess sebum. Since each skin has specific needs, we must choose the one that best suits ours.
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Toning:
Why a third phase? Concluding this cleanse with a toner will allow us to rebalance the skin so that it is more receptive. In this step, we will let the toner act on the skin, balancing and purifying it, ideally for about 5 minutes.
How to adapt the double cleanse to your skin type:
Depending on the time of day you perform the cleanse, we recommend completing the treatment with a serum and/or moisturizer and sunscreen, depending on your specific needs.
Toners: Much More Than Just Toning.
What is a toner and what is it for?
From the Greek tonikòs (relating to tone), toner is a product often underestimated in the facial care routine that has multiple benefits. Cosmetic toners have been fundamental elements in facial care routines for decades. Among other things, it allows to purify the skin, stimulate our face, achieve toned and fresh skin, and reduce pore size thanks to its ingredients. Its main function is to prepare the skin to receive subsequent treatments, balancing the pH and providing additional benefits depending on its active ingredients.
Adding a toner to your facial routine is essential for several key reasons that contribute to the health and appearance of the skin.
First, toners act as the intermediate step between facial cleansing and the application of treatment products. After cleansing the skin, toners remove traces of makeup, dirt, and excess oil that might remain, ensuring pores are completely free of impurities.
This not only improves the effectiveness of subsequently applied products but also promotes better absorption of their active ingredients, thus maximizing their benefits.
How toner balances pH and boosts hydration
Additionally, toners help to balance the skin's pH. Skin has a slightly acidic pH, around 5.5, which is important to maintain for optimal barrier function. Facial cleansers can temporarily alter this balance, especially if they are alkaline. Toners help restore the skin's natural pH after cleansing, which is crucial for maintaining healthy skin resistant to irritation.
Another important reason to use a toner is its ability to hydrate and prepare the skin for the absorption of hydrating and nourishing ingredients. Many toners are formulated with hydrating agents such as aloe vera or botanical extracts that help retain moisture and soften skin texture. This additional hydration is especially beneficial for dry or mature skin that tends to lose water more quickly.
Types of Toners and Their Benefits
Are they all the same? No, and we should use the one that best suits our skin type: dry, combination, or oily, because to stimulate our face and achieve toned and fresh skin, the toner needs to address our specific needs.
Toners are typically composed of a combination of water, humectants, soothing agents, antioxidants, and other specific active ingredients. Each of these components plays a crucial role in improving skin health and appearance. For example, humectants like aloe vera help maintain skin hydration, while antioxidants like rose vitamin protect against damage caused by free radicals.
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Astringent Toners:
Designed for oily or acne-prone skin, these toners often contain ingredients such as succinic acid or witch hazel, which help control excess sebum and reduce pore size. Studies have shown an average 25% reduction in sebum after four weeks of continuous use.
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Hydrating Toners:
Formulated with ingredients like Damask rose, aloe vera, or botanical extracts, these toners are designed to restore and maintain the skin's moisture balance. A 30% increase in skin hydration has been observed after regular application over a two-month period.
- Soothing and Anti-inflammatory Toners:
They contain ingredients such as jasmine water, or biotechnological ferments, known for their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Clinical studies have reported a 20% reduction in facial inflammation and redness after six weeks of use.
Effects according to skin type.
Cosmetic toners play a crucial role in daily facial care, offering specific benefits that vary depending on skin type.
For oily skin, toner will help reduce excess sebum, minimize pores, and leave the skin feeling fresh and clean. If you have dry and/or sensitive skin, toner will help reduce inflammation, soothe the skin, and improve its elasticity and firmness, while also extending its hydration.
The instant benefits are numerous: balance, additional hydration, reduction of pore size while still allowing them to be open and eliminate excess oils, but not only that.
In addition to preparing the skin optimally to assimilate the next treatment, its important nutrients and vitamins keep it healthy.
Ingredients matter.
If you already know us, you won't be surprised: it is essential that the ingredients that make up the cosmetic products we use are toxic-free.
Effective, natural cosmetics, without animal cruelty, respectful of your health and the planet, are possible.
