Toning & Exfoliation

Are toners really useful?

Toners are often undervalued – but they do perform a very useful task in any beauty routine. They help to complete the cleansing process, especially if you wear makeup, removing any stray residue or ecess oil that can clog your pores. Mild toners such as Ionzyme C-Quence Toner also help to restore the pH balance on the surface of the skin and prepare it to accept skincare products. The best formulas are alcohol-free, won’t strip your skin of its vital oils, and will leave it feeling energized and fresh.

I have oily, acne-prone skin – do I need to use a toner?

An acidic toner will be beneficial for oily skin – it will pick up any leftover residue after cleansing and assist in maintaining the pH balance of the skin, which in turn will reduce the risk of infection. B-Active Sebutone is great for extremely oily or acne-prone skin, helping to degrease with lactic acid and disinfect with tea-tree oil.

Is exfoliation an important part of my beauty routine?

Yes and no. Pre-cleansing helps you to double-clean skin but if it still looks dull and tired, exfoliation with a clay-based mask will help to revitalize it. However, exfoliation should be as gentle as possible – you don’t want to damage the skin’s surface by removing the outer protective layer. If you have rough skin, use a gentle exfoliating mask such as Ionzyme C-Quence Energising masque – it helps to stimulate blood flow, giving skin a radiant glow. Be careful not to overexfoliate even if you have problem skin- this can strip away skin’s natural oils. Moderation is key.

I have sensitive skin. Do I still need to exfoliate?

Exfoliation is not recommended for sensitive skins – they need to maintain a healthy layer of dead skin cells (known as the horny layer) in order to prevent excessive water loss. Exfoliation strips this layer and can aggravate skin’s sensitivity.

Rather clean your skin with a pre-cleanser, then rinse off with water. If your skin is supersensitive, use a high-grade mineral oil as a pre-cleanser. Take vitamin A capsules or supplements to try to build up your skin’s protective horny layer, and use a vitamin-enriched face cream.

This is the first part in a series in which we're going to cover the "Most asked about beauty questions". There are so many variables when it comes to achieving your healthiest possible skin, and with so much mixed information out there we thought it would be best to start from the beginning, covering the basics such as your skin care routine, and then move on to other questions such as combatting particular skin problems, age variables and environmental issues.

Dr Des Fernandes, the founder and Scientific Director of Environ Skincare has put together a series of solutions and answers to the most commonly asked questions which we're going to share with you. In order not to bombard you with too much information, let's start with the first step in any good skincare routine,  cleansing.

Pre-Cleansing
What are pre-cleansers and are they really necessary?

Pre-cleansing is a vital part of a two-step cleansing process. It’s first n line to provide deep, specific cleansing and helps to lift off surface debris that can cause break-outs and dullness. This should be followed with face wash or cleanser for complete cleanliness.

Gentle, oil-based pre-cleansers such as those in the Environ ranges will help you achieve ultra-clean, healthy skin with a double cleansing regimen that melts off the layers of unwanted sebum (oil), makeup, environmental pollutants, sweat and grime that buildup through the day. A mineral-oil-based pre-cleanser such as B-Active Sebuprep will sooth and improve problem skin while cleaning it and unblocking pores.

Cleansing
Certain Cleansers leave my skin feeling tight. How do I know which one to use?

A cleanser should leave your skin feeling comfortable and relaxed. A soap-free foaming wash (such as the gel cleansers in the Environ ranges) is great for normal skin. Dry or sensitive complexions need a gentle, hydrating formulation such as Ionzyme C-Quence Cleanser, which won’t strip skin of essential oils. Oil skin types and problem skins need a mild, foaming gel cleanser such as B-Active Sebuwash to keep excess oil under control and balance out the complexion. Always massage the cleanser carefully into the skin with your fingertips, using soft, circular movements.

Why shouldn’t I use soap to clean my face?

Regardless of your age, soap is a no-no. It’s too harsh, as are soapy cleansers. Some people believe their skin should feel tight and tingly after cleansing but that would indicate that you’re actually harming and drying out your skin. Soaps are alkaline, which means they can strip the skin’s essential acid mantle and also impair its waterproofing properties, potentially leaving it dry and flaky. That’s why Environ has a suitable cleanser in each of its ranges to cater for every skin type.

This information was written by Dr Des Fernandes and produced for Environ by Cosmopolitan Magazine South Africa.



This fantastic video explains the history of Environ and it's skin care philosophy.

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