We’ve all heard the expression “New year, New you” commonly used to encourage us to start anew on January 1st. We also all have that one friend who claims to never wash their face. Or, maybe you are the friend in question. I’m here to inform and beg you to stop neglecting your skin! The most common misconception regarding washing your face is, “If I don’t wear makeup there’s nothing to wash off.”
False! Amongst other things such as dirt and dust, the air is filled with free radicals – small particles that damage healthy cells leaving our skin’s lipid barrier compromised. Skin damage caused by free radicals can appear in the form of wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and dull skin. This is why it’s important to cleanse because even in the absence of makeup your skin is taking in a lot throughout the day, and removing environmental buildup is vital to maintaining skin health. After all, it is your body’s largest organ.
Now you may be thinking, “If all of this is in the air, then simply washing my face can’t make much of a difference”.
You are partially correct! Using antioxidant-rich products is also essential to fighting free radicals. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and enhance the body’s defense system, leaving skin both protected and nourished. I recommend any of our three Visual Changes cleansers ($30) for antioxidant-rich cleansing. In addition to cleansing and nourishing, these products also act as a toner to balance the skin’s pH level.
All things considered, kicking bad habits cold turkey can seem intimidating, but slowly incorporating healthier choices into your daily routine (such as washing your face) can prove to be less of a challenge. It’s all about balance! But for the record, poor skincare habits are so 2019 😉
Have a happy New Year, everyone!