Skincare Essentials Part 1 of 5: PRE-CLEANSE

Hello Gorgeous :) This post is part one of a five part series on skincare must-haves (as requested by HelloKittyRN). I'll be discussing my current skincare routine (it changes according to the season) and what products I'm using right now. Happy Reading!

P R E - C L E A N S E

Front Side of Wipes

Back View of Wipes

The first step in what I like to call the pre-cleansing process involves loosening the dirt, excess sebum, and makeup from the surface of the skin. Some people use cleansing oils but I prefer the ease and convenience of makeup-removing wipes. These wipes are specifically designed to gently purify your skin in one simple step; they're also a great "lazy girl way" to make sure your pillow case isn't covered in face gunk when you've had a busy day and are too exhausted to do a more thorough skincare routine. But no matter how tired or busy you are you should ALWAYS clean your face before going to bed, no exceptions, even if it just involves a face cleansing/makeup removing wipe. Partial cleansing is always better than zero cleansing when it comes to skincare!

I believe it is important to do a pre-cleansing routine if you wear make up on a daily basis. Your face attracts dirt and oil like a magnet; all that gunk on your face can cause break outs, clogged pores, and disturb the overall PH balance of your skin. Pre-cleansing breaks up the initial of layer of makeup and grime so that your facial cleanser can do its job more effectively...but more on that in a post to follow :)

Aveeno's Ultra-Calming Makeup Removing Wipes can be found at any drugstore, big chain store (Wal-mart, Target, etc.), Ulta stores/Ulta website, and many online retailers (drugstore.com, amazon.com, etc.). It's usually under $8 (I've seen it for less than $6 on sale!) depending on where you purchase it so it's both cheap and efficient, practically an anomaly in the world of pricey skincare. Aveeno wipes are great to stash in your gym bag and at your desk at work; they're especially handy during travel because they're a quick way to refresh and cleanse your skin on the go.  

I use this particular product because it has the skin-calming properties of the feverfew plant, which has similar healing benefits to that of chamomile. It's specially formulated for sensitive skin but safe for all skin types overall. These Aveeno wipes are my favorite ones because they are made of soft, cloth-like material that don't irritate my sensitive skin. They are packed with just enough skin cleansers to take away makeup and other impurities without making the wipes overly soaked and runny. Plus, they aren't flimsy like many other makeup wipes out on the market; they can easily remove all sorts of cosmetic (except waterproof eyeliner and mascara; in that case, use these instead) and environmental contaminants from the top layer of skin through gentle exfoliation. I find that they soothe any redness in my face, which is a plus for my highly temperamental skin! Just a quick side note: if you're allergic to ragweed or chamomile, you may want to steer clear of these wipes because feverfew is in the same plant family...

I use the wipes daily and I am pleased with the results; my skin is softer, smoother, and definitely soothed (as well as lightly moisturized, also a plus) after I swipe them around my face. I have a feeling these will be in my beauty arsenal for years to come!

Be Beautifully Blessed!

XO ^_^ XO