Beauty & Skincare – Page 109

We know that high cortisol levels aren’t exactly doing us any favours. And you don’t need a PhD in hormones to have picked that up somewhere between a stress headache and your third coffee. We’re all cycling between various de-stressing techniques to lower cortisol—and for good reason.

“Cortisol rises in response to demanding situations or perceived threats. Our body is designed to release it as needed, but problems arise when levels stay chronically elevated—which can impact the immune system, sleep, and mood,” says psychologist Pilar Guerra Escudero.

To get a sense of how damaging excess cortisol can be, consider this explanation from Dr Vicente Mera, an anti-ageing medicine expert at SHA Wellness and author of Young at Any Age (HarperCollins): “Cortisol reduces immunity as severely as treatments given to transplant or autoimmune patients. That’s why latent infections like herpes, or more serious ones like pneumonia in smokers, often appear during times of stress,” he writes.

Just as we aim to lower cortisol, we also benefit from boosting our so-called ‘happy hormones’— serotonin, which helps stabilise mood, and endorphins, which ease pain and increase feelings of euphoria. And while meditation and massages are tried-and-true methods, there are everyday habits that can quietly do the same heavy lifting.

“Physical activities like swimming or tai chi can be even more effective than meditation when it comes to lowering cortisol—especially if meditation feels frustrating or hard to sustain over time,” explains Guerra Escudero. “While meditation has been shown to reduce cortisol, if it causes stress or resistance, the benefits may backfire. Physical activity, on the other hand, offers a more natural release — it distracts without requiring mental effort, encouraging spontaneous disconnection from stressful thoughts.”

Below, five daily rituals that help lower cortisol while boosting feel-good hormones.

Laugh a little (or a lot)

“The best remedy against adversity is always a sense of humour,” explains Dr Mera. “Taking life with a sense of humour is not only fun, but it also reduces cortisol levels and anti-inflammatory substances.” So go ahead, watch that rom-com or, better yet, giggle with your friends. Laughter sometimes really is the best medicine, flooding the body with serotonin and endorphins.

**Walk in nature (AKA Shinrin Yoku)**

Sitting for hours at a stretch doesn’t just sap energy, it can tank your mood. “According to several studies, people who spend more than 8 hours a day sitting are 65% more likely to experience chronic fatigue and alterations in their mood,” says Dr Ángela Llaneza, gynaecologist and medical director of the Antiaging Medical Institute. Her recommendation? Forest bathing, or Shinrin Yoku, a Japanese practice of spending time in nature, particularly forests. “Walking in nature for 20 minutes can reduce cortisol by 16%, promoting mental calm.”

Eat dark chocolate

Rich, dark, and ideally over 85% cocoa. “Not only is it a pleasure for the palate, but it helps release endorphins, the hormones of happiness,” says Yaraseth del Castillo, nutritionist at Instituto Medico Antiaging. A square or two can go a long way.

Stretch (strike a power pose)

“Standing up, stretching your arms, or simply shifting your posture can lower stress and boost confidence,” says Beatriz Crespo, PhD in Medicine and High Sports Performance and author of Healthy Microhabits. A Harvard study even links ‘power poses’ with improved self-assurance. Stretching also helps ease muscle tension — and, you guessed it, lower cortisol.

Swim

Swimming is one of the best workouts you can do for your brain, body, and mood. “A Mayo Clinic study revealed that swimming reduces cortisol levels by 30 per cent and improves sleep quality,” notes Dr Llaneza. “Plus, it is a low-impact activity that promotes relaxation and improves blood circulation.”

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Amidst the wide variety of serums, moisturizers, and exfoliators that can elevate your beauty routine, it’s easy to overlook the simplest, yet most crucial element of your daily regimen: cleansing. Proper cleansing and toning is not just about removing the day’s makeup and grime; it’s a ritual of renewal for your skin, setting the stage for every product and practice that follows. It’s in this initial step where double cleansing emerges as a game-changer, offering a deeper, more thorough clean that can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your entire skin care routine.

The principle behind double cleansing is as elegant as it is effective. This process involving two types of cleansers not only purifies the skin but also refines the pores, enhancing the skin’s ability to absorb and benefit from subsequent skin care products. As we explore the benefits and techniques of double cleansing, our skin experts at Kate Somerville invite you to discover how this method can be the cornerstone of not just a skin care routine, but a beauty revolution, leading to visibly improved skin health and radiance.

What is Double Cleansing?

Double cleansing, at its core, is a face wash method that’s as straightforward as it sounds but twice as beneficial as you might imagine. This viral two-step routine popularized in Korea starts with an oil-based cleansing balm, designed to dissolve the day’s makeup, SPF, and sebum buildup. Follow this with a water-based cleanser to whisk away any lingering impurities and refresh your skin. It’s not just washing your face twice—it’s a tailored science that ensures your skin is impeccably clean, yet never stripped of its natural oils.

Key Benefits of Double Cleansing

Double cleansing has a multitude of benefits, far surpassing the basic expectation of clean skin. This methodical approach to skincare is designed to elevate your routine, targeting and solving an array of skin concerns from the surface level down to the deeper layers. Whether you’re looking to enhance the clarity of your complexion, boost the absorption of your favorite skincare products, or simply achieve a more thorough cleanse, double cleansing holds the key. Below, we explore the transformative advantages this technique offers, each one contributing to the overall health and beauty of your skin.

Improved Skin Clarity

Ever wondered why, despite a dedicated skin care routine, that dreamy, translucent skin clarity seems just out of reach? The answer could lie in the depths of your pores. The double cleanse face regimen goes beyond surface cleaning, targeting the root of skin dullness and congestion. By first removing oil-based debris and then addressing water-soluble dirt, this method ensures a deep clean that can lead to a noticeable improvement in skin clarity. Say goodbye to dull skin and hello to a luminous, vibrant complexion. Double cleansing is a great first step in achieving an even skin tone.

Prevention of Breakouts and Acne

Closely coupled with skin clarity is double cleansing’s ability to help those with acne feel more confident with clearer skin. By thoroughly removing layers of makeup, sunscreen, and the day’s accumulated oil and grime, this method prevents the clogging of pores, a primary culprit behind breakouts. The initial oil cleanse dissolves sebum and debris lodged deep within pores, while the subsequent water-based cleanse sweeps away any residuals and bacteria. This comprehensive cleansing ritual not only addresses existing acne but also prevents future flare-ups, ensuring your skin remains balanced, clear, and confidently radiant. Our EradiKate™ 3% Sulfur Daily Foaming Cleanser is a perfect component for your double cleansing routine, as it actively fights acne while providing a soothing cleanse.

Enhanced Product Efficacy

Imagine applying your favorite, carefully selected skin care products, only for them to sit atop an invisible barrier of leftover grime. It’s like whispering sweet nothings into a void. Double cleansing ensures that this barrier is removed, allowing your skin care products to penetrate deeply and work their magic more effectively. Whether it’s the rejuvenating power of plant stem cell skin care or the brightening benefits of vitamin C, your products can perform better on a perfectly cleansed canvas.

Balancing Oil Production

For those wrestling with oily skin or battling the shine that creeps in by midday, double cleansing might just be the strategy you need. It might seem counterintuitive to use an oil-based cleanser on oily skin, but just like the benefits of squalane, double cleansing is nothing short of a game-changer when it comes to skin suppleness. This method can actually help regulate sebum production, making it a rejuvenating way to get rid of sebaceous filaments. Double cleansing strikes a delicate balance that leaves your skin feeling nourished, not greasy. The result? A soft, matte finish that lasts.

Gentle on Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin types often tread lightly around cleansing routines, wary of stripping their delicate skin barrier. However, double cleansing, when done right, can be a sanctuary of calm for reactive skin. Choosing gentle cleansers and skincare for sensitive skin can remove irritants without provoking your skin’s temper. Too harsh a cleanse, and double cleansing can dry out already dry or sensitive skin. It’s all about finding that gentle touch that leaves your skin clean and serene.

Identifying Your Need for Double Cleansing

Wondering if the double cleansing method is the missing piece in your skin care puzzle? If you find yourself battling persistent breakouts, or if your makeup seems to cling on for dear life, it might be time to double down on your cleansing routine. Those with a penchant for heavy makeup or SPF wearers (which should be all of us) will find double cleansing especially beneficial. Listen to your skin—it’ll tell you what it needs.

Moreover, if you’re someone who finds their skin looking perpetually tired or if your complexion has lost its natural glow, double cleansing might be the wake-up call your skin routine needs. This method goes beyond the surface to eliminate the environmental toxins and pollutants that latch onto our skin throughout the day, contributing to a dull and aged appearance. By thoroughly cleansing with both an oil and a water-based cleanser, you’re not just fighting visible dirt and makeup; you’re also combating the invisible aggressors that can rob your skin of its vitality. So, if you’re asking yourself, “Do I need to double cleanse?” you might just find that it can help you unlock that elusive, luminous glow and revive your skin’s inherent brightness.

Step-by-Step Double Cleansing Guide

Mastering the art of double cleansing doesn’t require a degree in dermatology, just a willingness to learn and a commitment to your skin’s health. This step-by-step guide will demystify the process, making it accessible and straightforward for skincare enthusiasts at any level. From selecting the perfect duo of cleansers to executing the routine with precision, we’ll walk you through each phase, ensuring you’re well-equipped to reap the full benefits of double cleansing.

Selecting Your Cleansers

The first step is choosing the right tag team of cleansers. For your oil-based cleanser, look for one that suits your skin type—there are formulations for every concern, from acne-prone to ultra-sensitive. Your water-based cleanser should be gentle yet effective, capable of removing any residual impurities without stripping your skin. Remember, the goal is clean, happy skin.

The Double Cleanse Routine

The steps are simple and intuitive, making it oh-so-easy to add to your daily routine:

Start with dry skin and your oil cleanser, massaging it gently to break down makeup and sebum.
Add a bit of warm water to emulsify, then rinse thoroughly.
Next, apply your water-based cleanser, working up a lather to remove any remaining dirt and impurities.
Rinse with lukewarm water, and you’re done—refreshed, clean, and ready for the rest of your skin care regimen.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Double cleansing is straightforward, but there are pitfalls to avoid:

While proper double cleaning combats excess oil, overwashing can strip your skin of its natural oils, so resist the urge to cleanse more than twice a day.
Gentleness is key. Don’t scrub your face too harshly, or irritation may occur that could be avoided with a gentle massage.
Be mindful of the temperature of the water—too hot, and you risk irritation; too cold, and you won’t effectively remove oils.
And always, always listen to your skin—if irritation occurs, revisit your product choices or consult with a dermatologist.

Kate’s Advice on Product Choice

At Kate Somerville, we understand that every skin is a universe of its own, unique and deserving of care tailored to its needs. For those embarking on the double cleansing journey, we recommend starting with our Nourish and Cleanse Kit for a balanced, gentle, and effective introduction. Our EradiKate® Essentials Duo offers a targeted approach for acne-prone skin, while our DeliKate® Soothing Cleanser is a water-based haven for sensitive skin types. Whatever your skin calls for, we’re here to nurture it with innovative solutions that pave the way to radiant, healthy skin.

Embarking on your double cleansing journey is like unlocking a secret level in your skin care game—one where clearer, more radiant skin is the reward. By choosing the right products and following the proper techniques, you’re not just cleansing; you’re setting the stage for a skin care routine that brings out your best. Ready to dive in? Your clearer, more luminous complexion awaits.

Sources:

https://www.everydayhealth.com/healthy-skin/what-is-double-cleansing-and-should-you-be-doing-it/
https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/beauty-style/what-is-double-cleansing
https://www.vogue.in/content/is-double-cleansing-doing-your-skin-more-harm-than-good-we-ask-the-experts