A:

Cleansing is an essential part of any skincare regime. We've all had the urge to grab a makeup wipe and call it quits yet taking some extra time to wash away the day and unwind will leave your skin thanking you. As well as ending your day with a cleanse, starting your day with one can be just as important. Let's get down on the benefits of each!

Cleansing in the evening?

The day can take its toll on our skin. The air around us contains harmful pollutants such as smoke, dust and dirt, which can clog your pores. Bacteria and other irritants can also have nasty long-term effects on the skin. Left to their own devices overnight, these pollutants can cause stress to our skin, resulting in a dull and lacklustre complexion come morning. This is why an evening cleanse is essential for maintaining healthy and happy skin.

On top of this, you probably apply products in the morning like SPF or makeup, that are formulated to sit on the skin. By the evening, they have well and truly done their job and are ready to be removed. Oils and moisturisers help to lock in skin moisture, but they can also prevent the absorption of other hydrating products layered over the top. Makeup can have a similar effect trapping sebum on the skin and potentially leading to clogged pores. Opting for an oil-based cleanser like the Grapefruit Cleansing Balm is the best way to melt away product build-up. Alternatively, our soothing Oat Milk Cream Cleanser, formulated with a triple blend of oat-derived ingredients designed to help gently lift makeup and impurities, is ideal for sensitive skin. A double cleanse is also a great way to remove any excess irritants as well as begin targeting your skin needs. The hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Cleanser or the rebalancing Niacinamide Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser make the ideal choice for a second cleanse. Feel free to use our checklist when picking your Q+A cleanser to learn about the extra-benefits.

Make cleansing the first step in your evening routine to help rid your skin of anything nasty, prepare for easy absorption of your favourite ingredients and kick-start your targeted skincare regime.

Cleansing in the morning?

Whilst you were sleeping, your skin is producing sebum, working with your evening routine actives, and undergoing regular skin turnover. Each skin cell has a life span of around 27 days, starting from when it is first generates in your skin to when it dies and it's replaced by a healthier cell. Because you have over a trillion skin cells in your body, the rate per minute of dead cells is in the tens of thousands. Dead skin cells can drift off to become dust, or remain sitting on your skin, clogging your pores and making your complexion appear lacklustre or dull. Plus, this is all happening under the protective layer of moisturiser or oil that you applied before going to bed.

When you skip cleansing and go straight to layering your serums and creams, you risk trapping pollutants against the skin which can lead to clogged pores, skin irritation, dullness, skin flushing, and worsening of blemishes and dry patches. I'm guessing the visual image of you applying your daily moisturiser, SPF or makeup over the top of this is enough to get you on board with morning cleansing. Alongside feeling good, clean skin is the perfect way to ensure optimal absorption of your favourite skincare products and smooth application of your makeup for a glowing complexion all day.

Cleansing can also be a great way to wake up your skin. Our refreshing Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Cleanser will leave your skin hydrated and rejuvenated - a great way to kick-start your day if you ask me!

If a full cleanse in the morning still doesn't sound like your cup of tea, a toner or micellar water, applied with a reusable cotton pad or soft face cloth, can help refresh your skin in a matter of seconds. I would recommend getting into the habit of cleansing, but for a quick fix this can be a skin-saver!

So, to summarise… Should you be cleansing morning and night? Yes! Your skin will absolutely thank you for it, and you’ll be thanking your skin for looking so damn gorgeous all of the time!

Signing off,

Amy @ Team Q+A