Why do you need to wash your face?

Cleansing is the most important step in your skincare routine/ritual, get it wrong and it will either disrupt your protective skin barrier, or fall prey to an accumulation of build up resulting in clogged pores, breakouts, and inflammation. Our skin is a remarkable organ, constantly renewing itself and protecting us from the outside world. However, throughout the day, it comes into contact with various pollutants, dirt, bacteria, cigarette smoke and you may also apply SPF amd or make-up – the list goes on. These elements can accumulate on the skin’s surface, clogging pores and leading to a host of issues if left unchecked (uncleaned).

The Daily Accumulation Breakdown

COMPOUND	SKIN ISSUE
POLLUTION	Including Volatile Organic Compounds, SMOG, Oxides and  Particulate Matter (PM) – Particles in the nanosize range, especially those from traffic sources, are considered among the most harmful components causing oxidative stress in skin meaning premature aging resulting in pigment spots and wrinkles. Pollution breaks down the acid mantle of the Stratum Corneum and damages the barrier function.
DEAD SKIN CELLS	Keratinocytes become corneocytes, these are strong, dead keratinocytes that protect you from harm, including abrasions, light, heat and pathogens. Eventually they become loose and can cause build-up and can clog the pores.
MAKEUP & SPF	By nature these form a film on your skin, which can trap oil, sweat and dead skin cells Sebum: Consisting of squalene, esters of glycerol, wax and cholesterol, as well as free cholesterol and fatty acids. Excess sebum on the skin’s surface can lead to inflammation, irritation, acne, and clogged pores.
ECCRINE SWEATE	Functions in thermoregulation and are widely distributed over the entire surface of the skin opening . Consisting of salt, water, urea, lactic acid and ammonia, they also excrete waste products, bacteria feed on these substances which in turn multiply and can cause an odour.
APOCRINE SWEAT	These are larger than eccrine glands, and open into hair follicles, instead of being directly on the skin. Apocrine sweat glands are present on the face and scalp, they produce viscous, lipid-rich sweat, which consists of proteins, salt, water, steroids, sulphur, pheromones and ammonia. Bacteria feed on these substances which in turn multiply and can cause an odour.
SEBUM	Consisting of squalene, esters of glycerol, wax and cholesterol, as well as free cholesterol and fatty acids. Excess sebum on the skin’s surface can lead to inflammation, irritation, acne, and clogged pores.

What is a Surfactant?

This is the agent within the product formula that cleanses, the surfactant molecules interact with both water and oil on the skin to remove dirt, build-up, and pollution making it easy to wash off. An oil cleanser will bind to makeup and sebum but it will not wash off adequately, likewise if you just use water it will not remove oil and or excess sebum and everything that binds to it. 

The importance of pH

The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral. Your skin’s natural pH is acidic ranging between 4 and 6 which helps to control unhealthy bacteria on the surface of the skin. The skin’s natural oils and sweat help maintain the balance of the skin’s pH. Tap water should have a pH between 6.5 and 8.5. If water is below 7 on the pH scale, it’s “acidic.” If it’s higher than 7, it’s “alkaline”. Soap has a pH of 10.

Keeping the skin pH at its optimal range is important for both skin barrier integrity and healthy skin microbiome, most bacteria will overgrow given the right conditions, one of them being skin pH. 

Cleansers should have a pH of 7 or lower with the aim to cleanse without stripping the skin of its natural protective barrier i.e skin lipids and the microbiome.

The Microbiome

The skin microbiome consists of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses and fungi that naturally live on your skin. These microorganisms are necessary to maintain your skin health. Disturbing the skin microbiome balance can lead to infections and skin issues including: eczema, acne, rosacea, and fungal infections. Washing with conventional, detergent based face washes, soap, and over exfoliating with acids quickly disrupts the microbiome leading to a compromised skin barrier. A healthy microbiome thrives at a pH of around 5.

Common detergents Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate are well-known irritants, they are both harsh and stripping on the skin and will further aggravate active acne and blemish prone skins.

The Double Cleanse 

This term simply means to cleanse your skin/face twice. Why? To make sure you adequately remove make-up, SPF and impurities. If your skin isn’t clean, any serums or creams you apply will not penetrate as effectively.

Do you need to do a morning Cleanse?

If you have a compromised skin barrier and/or dry, sensitive skin or even rosacea and you change your pillow case cover daily, then your skin may do well with a gentle wash with cool or lukewarm water may be all you need. However should you have acne-prone skin bacteria can build up overnight so a gentle, morning freshen-up cleanse may be beneficial. You know your skin best, how does it feel after a morning cleanse? experiment with not washing on alternate mornings and track your skin state.

HOW TO CLEANSE STEP BY STEP

• WASH YOUR HANDS – A crucial first step is to throughly wash and cleanse, your hands before you begin your facial cleanse!
• PULL YOUR HAIR BACK – Tie back long hair or use a headband to make sure you can expose the entire face. Hairline congestion is related to the accumulation of makeup/daily grime along the hairline.
• REMOVE EYE MAKE-UP – Use a specific eye make-up remover that has been ophthalmologically tested and proven to be gentle enough for use around the eyes, many skincare ingredients are irritating to eyes – yes even the ones found in facial cleansers! 
• THE FIRST CLEANSE – This is to loosen and remove makeup and SPF. Cleansing oils are a great choice for this first step as they don’t disturb the acid mantle and bind with sebum, make-up ect wash off with water and/or face washer.
• THE SECOND CLEANSE – You can use the same product again or use a different one if you prefer. This is the massage stage to deeply clean the skin now you have removed the make-up, SPF and pollution ect. Take your time, take a few slow breaths enjoy the process! wash off with cool or luke warm water and/or face washer.
• LEAVE YOUR SKIN DAMP – Your skin is clean and now is the time to apply your morning or evening skincare.

SKINCARE APPLICATION

1. Damp Skin – Start with slightly damp skin this helps the products absorb into the skin
2. Hydrate – Water-based Serum
3. Treat – Specific Eye treatment, lip treatment ect
4. Moisturise – Choose either a Facial Oil, Balm or Moisturizer to seal in the Hydration, you do not need all 3 this can potentially cause clogged pores and breakouts.
5. SPF – In the morning if going outside.

ZUCI Unbind Balancing Purity Cleanse 

Our New Award-Winning Multi-Use Cleanser dissolves oils, removes SPF and makeup, while gently eliminating pollution that accumulates daily on your skin and hair, leaving your skin/scalp pH-balanced, soft, smooth and purified. ZUCI is specifically formulated to perform as a 3-in-1 cleansing treatment for the Skin, Scalp and Hair!

SURFACTANT: ZUCI has a super gentle Amino acid surfactant cleansing system, known for both their moisturising properties, and nourishing skin properties. Amino acids form part of the skin’s Natural Moisturising Factor (NMF). A novel microemulsion technology, holds the cleansing surfactant in a stable, transparent formulation until water is added and the surfactant is released, transforming ZUCI into a creamy milk that is easily rinsed off with water, leaving no residue without strupping the microbiome or skin lipid layer.
PH: Balanced 5-7
SAFE: To use around the eye area, avoid direct contact with the eyes, use a specific eye makeup remover first.

High Performance Actives

1. OCEAN MIST®
+ Clinically Demonstrated – To provide excellent microbiome balancing and nourishing properties for the skin.
+ Micro Algae – Plays a major role in repairing and boosting barrier function thanks to the phytocholesterol action to rebuild the fundamental extracellular lamellar matrix of the skin.
+ Delicate Skin Saviour – Safe to be used on atopic and sensitive skins promoting a healthier skin condition, by counteracting negative effects of inflammatory responses, restoring homeostasis and reducing skin irritations.

2. PAPAYA FRUIT-FERMENT
+ Gentle Exfoliation – Unlike some chemical exfoliants, which can cause skin irritation, Papain enzyme exfoliates gently, it is safe for sensitive skin and can be used on a regular basis.
+ Improved Absorption – Papain enzyme can help other skincare products absorb better, as dead skin cells and impurities are removed from the skin’s surface, serums and can penetrate deeper into the skin for improved skin results.
+ Soothing Properties – Papain enzymes contain anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated or sensitive skin, particularly beneficial for individuals with redness or skin conditions like rosacea.

3. BIOPHYTOSEBUM®
+ Derived from Olives – A natural silicone alternative allows for fast absorption of ZUCI and its active ingredients.
+ Lipid Replenishing Effect – High content unsaponifiables, along with Essential Fatty Acids promote soft, and silky skin.
+ Restores The Skin’s Lipid Barrier – Preventing water loss, increasing the skin’s suppleness and moisture levels.

YOUR SKIN BENEFITS:

• Purifying cleanser to minimise congestion
• Balances oil production
• Restore and rebalance the skin
• Balances Microbiome
• Gently exfoliates the skin
• Dissolves makeup, SPF and dirt 
• For on all skins – including blemish-prone
• Crafted for delicate/sensitive skins – no essential oil
• Suitable for daily AM and PM use

The importance of washing your face transcends mere hygiene—it is a cornerstone of skincare and self-care alike. By making this simple yet powerful practice a daily habit, you empower your skin to thrive, free from impurities. As you embark on your skincare journey, remember: a clean canvas is the first step towards radiant, healthy skin.

So, why not embrace the ritual of washing your face, savoring the transformative effects ZUCI Unbind Balancing Purity Cleanse bestows upon your skin. Your complexion (and future skin) will thank you for the care and attention, glowing with newfound vitality, and radiancent.

Until next time, be human, be kind, be you.