Cleansing your face is an essential step in any beauty routine. Clean skin is free of impurities, makeup residue and excess sebum accumulated throughout the day. An essential gesture to preserve your balance and limit the appearance of imperfections. But having the right products isn’t everything: how you apply and remove them also matters.
Among the new beauty habits that are getting people talking, one method is particularly attracting attention. His name? The “napkin theory”. Inspired by the actions of healthcare professionals, it could well find its place in our evening routine.
Facial cleansing: what is the “towel theory”?
Double cleansing has gradually become a part of our beauty routines. This method consists of using a cleansing oil, followed by a cleansing gel, to remove makeup and impurities. But it is not necessarily suitable for all skin types. “The gel can irritate your skin excessively, in which case it is advisable to use a cleansing milk,” explains Carmen Navarro, facialist in the Spanish version of “Vogue”.
The expert also insists on the importance of the gesture. Rather than using a cotton pad to remove your treatment, she recommends a cotton or microfiber towel, lightly dampened with lukewarm water. “It’s best to use it once to remove makeup, rinse this towel well with lukewarm water to remove residue from the first pass, and iron it again dampened to finish cleaning,” she explains. A technique that allows you to gradually remove impurities accumulated during the day.
What skin type is the “towel theory” aimed at?
This cleansing method can be adapted to different skin types, provided you choose the right products. For Carmen Navarro, cleansing milk is particularly interesting for sensitive and dehydrated skin. She specifies that “for sensitive and/or dehydrated skin, cleansing milk is most recommended. First of all because it contains moisturizing properties in addition to cleansing properties and does not dry out as is the case with gels. It also washes away all the impurities accumulated during the day and not just makeup. »
Combined with a damp towel, cleansing milk constitutes an interesting alternative for those who wish to adopt a gentler double cleansing.
“Towel theory”: how to reproduce it well at home?
The secret of this method lies in an accessory that we all have at home: a simple towel. To adopt it, simply apply your cleansing milk or balm to your face, then massage gently to remove makeup and impurities. You should then moisten a small clean towel, preferably cotton or microfiber, with lukewarm water. It is gently passed over the face to remove the treatment and residue. Simply rinse it carefully before ironing it a second time, still damp, to finish cleaning the skin.
To transform this gesture into a real moment of relaxation, Carmen Navarro suggests adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to lukewarm water. Be careful, however: essential oils can be irritating, especially for sensitive skin. They are therefore not essential to this beauty routine.
Can we use the napkin theory every day?
Yes, this method can be integrated into a daily beauty routine, especially in the evening to remove makeup, sunscreen and impurities accumulated during the day. However, you must remain delicate in your actions.
Which towel should you choose to clean your face?
The choice of material is essential. Soft cotton and microfiber are particularly suitable thanks to their soft texture. It is preferable to use a small towel reserved exclusively for the face, in order to limit the transfer of bacteria and product residue.
Is the towel theory suitable for acne-prone skin?
Skin with imperfections can adopt this method, provided you take a few precautions. Rubbing too vigorously risks accentuating redness and irritating inflammatory spots. It is therefore preferable to use a very soft towel, use light gestures and use a non-comedogenic cleanser.
How often should you wash your face towel?
To maintain good hygiene, it is advisable to wash your towel after each use. Humidity actually encourages the proliferation of bacteria and micro-organisms, especially when the fabric remains in a damp bathroom.
Should you double cleanse after using the towel theory?
Not necessarily! The towel theory is already based on the use of a cleansing treatment, such as milk or balm, combined with removal in two passes with a damp towel. It is therefore not essential to systematically add a foaming cleansing gel. It all depends on the needs of the skin, the makeup worn and the formula used.
