It’s a night-time ritual that has been played out on the silver screen time and time again. A beautiful lady sits down at her boudoir table and proceeds to take off her make-up. Outside of Hollywood, it’s not as glamorous but the scene is still the same – the night-time face cleansing remains a staple routine of women today – we like to feel ‘clean’ and ready for bed, having wiped away the memories of the day.
Although the ritual has stayed the same, facial cleansing products have evolved over generations; Perhaps you remember watching your grandmother layer on the the Ponds cold cream or your mother lather up the Pears soap – I only have to smell Pears soap to be instantly transported back to my youth.
Today there is a plethora of facial cleansers all proclaiming to make us look more beautiful. If you choose to buy your cleanser from the supermarket or pharmacy you may be paying for more than you bargained. Ingredients coat or cover the skin, interfering with its own natural function and can contain artificial fragrances, artifical colours, parabens and other toxic chemicals that can contribute to system toxiciity, allergies, cellular level changes and have even been linked to cancer.
Luckily, there are other options. You can side-step all the chemical muss and fuss and go straight to a natural brand. One of my favourites brands is ‘Evan Healy’ whose name is behind the plant-based skin care range, free of synthetic and artificial ingredients. It costs around $33.00 and one bottle last me around 6 months. The brand also claims:
- Field to farm and fair trade practices,
- Certified organic ingredients,
- Vegan and not tested on animals,
- Free of GMO’s, parabens and gluten
- Ingredients sourced from family-owned farms and women’s cooperatives.
Most impressive to me though is that it the brand received ‘Best Rated' by EWG Skin Deep – a database launched in 2004 by Environmental Working Group to create online safety profiles for cosmetic and personal care products.
I'm a big fan of their Rose Cleansing Milk which is for 'mature' skins (never thought I would be in that bracket but rather that, than the alternative). According to its description on the evanhealy website, Rose Cleansing Milk is:
- A wax free, plant based milk with the gentle cleansing action of natural soapbark.
- It contains regenerating plant oils and purifying white kaolin clay which leaves the skin feeling clean, relaxed and refreshed.
- It is used for all skin conditions but especially skin with oily/dry areas (me!)
Why I like is that it has that lingering rose scent, and feels smooth and soft on my skin, with a very gentle cleansing action. My skin does feel radiant and fresh after I use it at night. Honestly, I don't need it to do much more so I am keeping it in the night time routine until I discover the next best cleanser. Keep watching this space....
