In a world of anti-bacterial fanatics, we have learned to associate "clean" with "kill". 'This product kills 99.9% of all bacteria!' Well, lo and behold, research has been telling us that over-cleansing in your skincare routine is to the face like The Purge is to society. Eek!
Our skin is our shield to the outside world, and our ONLY one at that. It protects and regulates what goes in and out of the body. Compromise that barrier, and we are only asking for forgery and mishap. There are two main components that help protect our outermost shell and microbiome: the acid mantle and a healthy microbiome ( with roughly 1,000 different species of bacteria. Yum). Think of these as a force field that can either be turned on or turned off.
Here's what turns it off:
Over-cleansing. No, breakouts do NOT necessarily mean "I need to wash my face more".
Soap-based products. Soap is alkaline; skin is not. These two don't play well together.
Synthetic chemicals. If the body doesn't recognize them, guess one place it dumps its trash: the skin.
Stress. Our skin can't even deal.
Here's what turns it on:
Acidic pH. Keeps the acid mantle acidic, healthy bacteria happy and bad bacteria at bay. Mild/Neutral pH is NOT good enough.
Hydration. Lots of water and herbal tea. Cheers!
Sleep. Give that skin a nap!
Proper nutrition. Our skin needs to go on a diet, too.
So, this is our philosophy. Cleansing is essential to skin health because it removes bad bacteria and environmental impurities that we come into contact with every day. Unlike most cleansers with soap or harsh surfactants, CONCUR cleansers do not damage or alter the acid mantle that maintains the skin’s pH balance, yet DO help protect the habitats of the plethora of healthy bacteria that live symbiotically on our epidermis (Read the latest research on this topic here and here). Men and women alike should include a cleanser in their daily routines.
Below are the deets to what's in some of our cleansers:
Raw honey cleanser with charcoal:
Soap-free: Any soap, organic or non, is extremely alkaline and disrupts the skin’s acid mantle and its pH balance.
Raw honey has antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant properties and is an excellent alternative to soap. Honey’s glycolic acid also aids cell turnover which helps keep our skin looking fresh and smooth with continued use.
Charcoal binds to impurities and toxins lingering in the epidermal layer and pulls them to the surface for removal. Charcoal is a great solution for local detoxification and problematic skin.
Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory agent that pairs perfectly with the charcoal detoxification. Turmeric will prevent most breakouts as toxins pull to the skin’s surface. Additionally, turmeric helps to brighten and even out skin tone.
Use twice daily, morning and night.
We're different (thankfully). Here's what to expect:
May feel sticky compared to most cleansers. This can be altered by adding more water.
At first, residual charcoal may remain on the skin post-rinsing. We suggest using toning water for proper removal of any residue. As the pores tighten over time, this residual charcoal will cease.
Wear make-up? Heavy makeup wearers should opt for our Cleansing Butter or use coconut or jojoba oil to rid the skin of makeup prior to cleansing with any of our Raw Honey Cleanser.
Buffing grains with seaweed:
Exfoliating cleanser powered by oats, roses and almonds to promote cell turnover.
Oats contain saponins that act as a mild cleanser to heal and soothe skin.
Kaolin clay stimulates circulation and tightens pores without stripping from the skin.
Dulse (seaweed) is a marine algae that is loaded with essential nutrients and minerals needed for optimal skin nutrition.
Use in conjunction with a raw honey cleanser for optimal results.
We're different (thankfully). Here's what to expect:
Can be combined with your favorite products (use with your go-to cleanser or simply some honey).
Due to the fineness of this product, these oats do not feel as harsh as traditional exfoliants.