Is your cleanser prematurely ageing your skin?

We often wash our face without even thinking about it, don't we? I used to believe a quick splash of water and a make up wipe would do the trick. But after years of struggling with breakouts, dull, tight and sensitised skin; I realised I was doing it all wrong.

Cleansing correctly really is the foundation of happy, healthy, radiant skin. If your skin feels tight, looks dull or seems out of balance or you feel the rest of your skincare isn't working as it should, then your cleanser is likely the culprit. But the good news? A simple switch to a natural honey cleanser ,and addressing how you cleanse, can transform your skin, plumping fine lines, smoothing texture, banishing breakouts and adding luminosity to your skin:

"This little wonder pot fairly keeps my combination skin in tip top condition!!
 it doesn't leave your skin feeling dry and tight. Quite the opposite, the essential oils provide hydration, plumpness and luminosity." - Fiona (pic above)

You won't regret switching - browse our full range of cleansers here and read on for signs your cleanser is accelerating skin ageing and how to cleanse like a pro for that fresh, dewy glow.

7 Red Flags your cleansing routine is prematurely ageing your face

(both pics taken in sunlight, wearing blush in both)

1. Your skin feels tight and looks red 

Ever washed your face, only to feel like your skin is tight and sore? That tight, squeaky, dry feeling isn’t a sign of cleanliness - it’s a sign your skin is screaming for moisture and care. Every time we cleanse we disrupt our skin barrier slightly so we need to be as gentle yet effective as possible - bam! This is where a natural cleansing balm comes in.

Swap out harsh cleansers, stripping make up wipes and mainstream micellar water for an oil-based cleansing balm to melt away makeup, spf and daily grime without stripping your skin. Follow with a natural water-based cleanser in the evening to remove every last trace of the day. We can guarantee your skin will never feel tight and sore after using our cleansing balms.

2. Your skin feels too dry or too oily

In my 30's I thought my oily skin needed 'strong' 'anti ageing' cleansers with harsh acids so I dabbled with some very well known mainstream ones.  But, instead of improving my skin, they just dried it out, made it overproduce oil and left me with sensitised skin and a weakened skin barrier.

If your face feels parched or greasy, your cleanser could be disrupting your skin’s delicate balance - your skin needs a cleanser that respects the natural, slightly acidic pH of the skin. Stay away from cleansing foams packed with harsh surfactants, synthetic scents and preservatives. Instead, treat your skin to a nourishing balm cleanser that cleans without compromising moisture.

For pH respecting cleansers that work with your skin's natural biome to help it thrive browse here.

3. Your skin looks dull and lifeless

Nothing is more frustrating than looking in the mirror and seeing a tired, dull, sallow complexion looking back at you. It feels like no matter what you do or what skincare you use, your skin just won't glow. Sound familiar?

Pollution, sweat, and grime build up daily, leaving skin dull and tired and old before its natural time. An oil-based cleanser breaks down the gunk for natural radiance.

Want to know something else? As we age our natural skin cell regeneration slows down and dead skin cells tend to stick to our face and become harder to shed - cue dull skin. Also, how can your other skincare penetrate if these dead skin cells aren't effectively swept away? That's why we've incorporated gentle exfoliating clays in all our cleansing balms to give your skin a helping hand to regenerate for a fresh luminosity.

4. Your skin lacks radiance in the morning

There's so much advocation out there at the moment to skip your morning cleanse but we wouldn't recommend this. Many people with sensitive skin feel not cleansing in the morning improves their skin but, in our experience, they are just not using the right cleanser. The facts are that overnight your skin accumulates oils, sweat and bacteria. A fresh morning cleanse wakes up you and your skin, removing nightly build up and clearing it for your follow up skincare to work effectively - just make sure you use a gentle cleanser and there's no need to double cleanse in the morning for most skins.

5. Your skin is congested

Congested skin can accelerate the aging process in several ways by contributing to inflammation, oxidative stress and impaired skin function. Struggling with breakouts, blackheads, or whiteheads? That’s your skin begging for a deeper cleanse. I used to think scrubbing my face until it stung was the answer when this happens:

But, in reality, a cleansing balm with gentle exfoliating clays made all the difference. For me, I use the sensitive one with the most gentle of the clays, Kaolin.

Shop our clay-based cleansing balms here for a deep cleanse without irritation and further inflammation for breakout prone skins.

6. Your skincare products aren't absorbing properly

Ever applied a skincare product only for it to ball up and flake off? You might think the products are the problem (this can be the case when mixing oil, water based and silicone products) BUT first look at your cleansing routine! Cleansing your skin for an adequate amount of time and with the right product will often solve this issue because it will banish the leftover residue, oil and/or dead skin cells that create a barrier preventing products from absorbing properly.

7. Your skin feels irritated and sensitive

Over-cleansing, the wrong product or treating your skin harshly when cleansing can often be why your skin feels irritated and sensitive. Check the ingredient label of your cleanser and opt for one that is harsh preservative free, full of natural oils and butters, fragrance free and free from harsh surfactants. 

Our Sensitive Bee Cleansing balm is our most loved for our reactive skin customers and has worked effectively to cleanse and soothe red, sore irritated skin. 

3 Musts for Cleansed Skin Brilliance

1. Double Cleansing is a game changer

Double cleansing with natural products is the key to deep, non-drying cleansing. Start with an oil-based cleanser to melt away makeup, then follow with a water-based mist or toner to sweep away any remaining residue, grime and make up.

2. Try a Muslin Cloth

A muslin cloth is a great addition to your cleansing routine. Its gentle exfoliating texture helps smooth the skin, reduces congestion and best of all they can be washed quickly by hand and are very quick drying for reuse, ensuring a fuss free way for using a clean cloth every time. Try a muslin cloth here.

3. Choose the right cleanser for your skin

Pick a cleanser that matches your skin type. Whether you're dealing with dryness, oiliness or sensitivity, we have the right cleanser for you:

• Dry or Dehydrated Skin: try our Bumble Bee Cleansing Balm.
• Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: our Busy Bee Cleansing Balm is perfect.
• Sensitive Skin: choose our Sensitive Bee Cleansing Balm, which is fragrance-free and gentle.

Click here to discover our full range of cleansing balms.

How to get the Perfect Cleanse

Step-by-Step Guide

• Start with Warm Water. Use warm (not hot) water. Place your muslin cloth over your face and allow the warmth to gently open your pores and loosen any grime. Breathe deeply, let go of tension and relax as you prepare your skin.
• Apply Your Cleansing Balm. Take a small amount of cleansing balm, rub it between your palms to melt, then emulsify with a splash of warm water. Massage the balm in gentle, circular motions over your face and neck for 60 - 90 seconds, working upwards to lift away impurities. Pro tip: keep your cleansing balm somewhere warm or pop on a radiator for ease of use.
• Wipe Away with a Muslin Cloth. Dampen your muslin cloth with warm water and place it over your face, inhaling the soothing natural aromas. Gently wash and wipe away the balm. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, then repeat if necessary to fully cleanse.
• Double Cleanse for that Glow. For a more thorough cleanse in the evening, follow with a second cleanse. Dampen a muslin or face pad with warm water, spray your face spritz directly onto it and gently wipe upwards, ensuring any lingering dirt is completely removed.
  

See video 'how-to' guide below:

But why the honey, honey?

When it comes to skincare, nature knows best. That's why we've turned to two incredible gifts from the bees—beeswax and raw honey—to create the perfect cleansing balm. These bee-powered ingredients work together in harmony to cleanse, nourish and protect your skin.

Beeswax, the hardworking gift from bees, binds all the nourishing oils together, melting away makeup, dirt and impurities without stripping the skin. It’s gentle and non-comedogenic, leaving your skin soft, nourished and free from clogged pores.

Raw honey, the golden nectar of our bees, brings its natural antibacterial powers to fight off dirt and bacteria without disrupting your skin. As a humectant, it draws in moisture, keeping your skin hydrated and glowing. Raw honey’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant magic calms irritation, protects against environmental stressors and its gentle enzymes deeply but gently cleanse to reveal a smooth, radiant complexion.

Together, these bee powered ingredients deliver a luxurious cleanse that leaves your skin feeling fresh, balanced and beautifully nourished. It's like bringing the calm, healing power of nature straight to your skincare routine in the first step and what a great place to start - thank you bees.

 Final Glow Up Tips

• Be Gentle Around the Eyes: our cleansing balm is ideal for the delicate eye and lip area. Go slowly and gently melt away makeup without pulling on your skin.

• Pat, Don’t Rub: after cleansing, always pat your skin dry with a soft, clean towel to avoid irritation or simply leave damp.

• Don’t Forget Your Neck: the skin on your neck is thinner and more prone to signs of premature ageing, so make sure to cleanse from your forehead all the way down to your décolleté. Follow with your face spritz for a refreshing, hydrating final touch.

• Make Time for Massage: while massaging in your cleansing balm, take a moment to promote circulation. Gentle massage enhances oxygen flow, stimulates lymphatic drainage and leaves your skin feeling refreshed and glowing. Plus the natural aromatics in our cleansing balms provide a calming experience that nourishes both skin and mind.