Slow cleansing

Over the last few years I have developed a new pet hate: facial cleansing wipes. Not only are they wasteful and generally laden with chemicals in order not to 'go off' and keep moist forever, they are also the most utilitarian, sober and unsensuous way of cleansing your face. The fast food of skin care! The latest generation even promises to cleanse, tone and moisturise all in one simple wipe. So in under 60 seconds we can all 'take off the day' from our faces. Not only do I not believe that this kind of skin care has any benefits - how could it, there is no 'care' in it! I just as much lament the fact that it takes out the joy and, if you like, the ritual of looking after your skin, the taking off the day and preparing for the night.
I am not advocating spending 3 hours every night and using hundreds of products to wash your face. But I am advocating finding a routine that you enjoy practising and that benefits your skin. It can be quite simple. I take less than 10 minutes to prepare my skin for night time: I use organic sweet almond oil on moistened cotton wool pads to take off any traces of make-up. I further cleanse and massage my face with a rich organic facial cleanser balm which I remove with tissues. Finally I soak an organic muslin face cloth in warm to hot water (maybe with a bit of lavender oil), put it on my face to open the pores and gently apply some ghassoul wash-clay (which I prepare in a little dish with water and organic sweet almond oil every few days). I take off the ghassoul with the organic muslin cloth, dry my face and spray some rose water on my skin. After a few minutes I decide whether my skin needs extra oils or creams. Often it doesn't.
So, more than 60 seconds but still a very appropriate transition time from day to night. My 'end of the day ritual' and a cultural act as much as one of simply cleansing. My skin would certainly miss it, but I would miss it even more.

(Granted, facial wipes might come in handy on those camping trips ... but then don't get me started on camping!)

Gabriela Lana