Why Soaking is an Essential Part of Your Skin Routine
Soaking.
Heard of it?
If you’re a client of ours you will probably have been told about soaking, and why it is so beneficial for your skin. If you’re new here, welcome! Or if you’re thinking you’ve never heard of soaking - keep reading to find out the 3 reasons why we recommend that you soak your skin every morning and night for optimal skin health and function (and to have that much-desired glow!)
Side note: you might be thinking (and we often hear this) “but I drink so much water!”. Sure, that’s great. And please don’t stop doing that. But the water you’re drinking is reaching as far as your dermis and the very bottom layer of your epidermis, via your blood. The cells of the epidermis then need to travel all the way up to the top (where you can see them) and by that time they are not their same squishy selves they were way back 6 weeks ago when they started their journey.
So double down - drink your 2-3 litres per day, and soak your skin morning and evening. Keep reading to find out why.
A hydrated stratum corneum (top layer/s of your epidermis) is stronger and more protective from the outside world
There is an enzyme that lives in the stratum corneum, who’s job is to help mature the corneocyte into a fully matured keratinocyte. This is the type of flat, hard cell that we see on the surface of our skin. In order for enzymes to work, they need to be activated by water. During this process, protective bilayers are formed, which help to protect your skin from a number of things including bacteria which could result in acne, redness and/or sensitivity.
A hydrated skin reflects light better
Those bilayers and enzyme we just mentioned? They have another job - making you look more beautiful and giving you that ‘glow’ we all want. The bilayers are arranged into nice structured lines by this enzyme, which gives your skin a better light reflecting quality and your skin feels more silky and smooth.
You will have less congestion
When your skin is dehydrated, you will look and feel congested for 2 reasons. Firstly, this enzyme we’ve been discussing, he get’s lazy again. And another of his jobs is to munch away the bonds that hold the corneocytes that are actually ready to naturally shed off, together. This leads to a build up of excess skin cells which can get trapped in your pores, leave your skin feeling rough and thick, and can actually trap acne bacteria in the most perfect breeding ground for creating a nice, juicy spot. Secondly, a dehydrated skin will have tighter pores (which look more enlarged). What this means is, your pores will look bigger, but on the inside they are actually very tight, so the sebum very easily gets stuck. This will result in your trying your hardest to squeeze blackheads that look like they should come out easily, where in fact inside the pore is so tight you’re just going to do damage to your skin. By hydrating your epidermis you encourage more free flowing oil (a good thing) which will act as a natural moisturiser and result in smaller, less clogged pores.
So how do you start soaking?
First up, go and get yourself some soaking drops and a muslin cloth from our online store (or pick up next time you’re in the clinic!)
Next, you’re going to soak twice daily. In the morning, either after cleansing or instead of cleansing (chat to us to see what’s best for your skin specifically) and in the evening (always after cleansing). Fill a clean bowl with nice warm water, add 2-3 drops of your beautiful botanical soaking drops, immerse your muslin cloth and then wring it out (not totally, but you don’t want it to be dripping). Next hold your cloth to your face and take 3-5 nice deep belly breaths. Repeat this process at least 3 times, up to 5. Finish with your usual skincare routine (we recommend a mist, serum, moisturiser and/or oil, book a consult if you want to have one tailored to your needs).