Here’s our a Könse Q&A! Today we answer the 10 most frequently asked questions from the Könse Beauty community about organic cosmetics, skincare and wellness. Ready to take notes?
1- What is the correct order of skincare application?
In the case of skincare, the order of the factors DOES alter the product. For a personalised routine, we invite you to take the Skin Quiz by clicking here.
Simplistically, the application of the products should go from the lightest to the thickest product. However, the order of application will also depend on the function of the product, i.e. all products should be applied on a clean and toned base for deep penetration. That said, the first step is obvious: cleanse, cleanse, cleanse.
Cleansing:
At Könse Beauty we have various formats of cleansers, such as creams, balms and gels that, thanks to their natural ingredients, gently remove impurities from the skin, allowing the skin to breathe freely, leaving it completely clean, fresh and soothed.
Some of our favourites are:
Alex Carro Facial Cleanser:Gel cleanser with anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant and soothing properties. Promotes cell renewal while relieving skin congestion.
Grown Alchemist Crema Limpiadora Restauradora:Cleanser in cream format, ideal for dry and sensitive skin, as it maintains the skin’s natural moisture balance. Acts against irritation and blemishes. Evens out uneven skin tone and texture. Reduces pore size. In three words: It’s pure magic!
Dafna’s Bálsamo Limpiador Recovery:If you like lighter textures, this delicious balm is for you. It contains pure, organic moringa, olive and bamboo oils and essential oils of lavender, orange and rosemary to enhance the feeling of relaxation. You can leave it on overnight to increase the nourishing effect on the skin.
More cleansers? We have a huge range for you if you click here.
Toner / Essence
After cleansing, you should apply your favourite toner or essence. These products help the rest of the products penetrate more effectively and remove residual impurities that the cleanser has failed to remove.
There is a difference between tonic and essence. We explain it briefly:
Toner is a liquid substance that removes bacteria and impurities that the cleanser failed to remove. The most important task of this product, however, is to balance the pH of the skin which, after being in contact with pollution, make-up, etc., becomes a bit dull and needs to be rebalanced. This is where our friend the toner comes in, reinforcing the skin barrier, controlling the appearance of imperfections and restoring pore size.
Do you want to know the variety of tonics we have to offer? Click here.
The essence is responsible for moisturising, smoothing, fading lines and improving the texture of the complexion. It provides a radiance boost to the complexion and revitalises mature and dry skin. It also has soothing properties, making it an ideal product for sensitive skin or skin with rosacea.
Both products, toner and essence, have a light consistency, which is why they are sometimes confused, but they are not exactly the same. Each has a function. If you are going to choose to use both in your routine, the order should be toner first and then essence.
Serum
The serum comes next. A serum is a moisturising treatment that is characterised by a high concentration of active ingredients and a liquid texture that favours rapid and deeper absorption. The choice of one type of serum or another will depend on its components and the results we want to achieve.
Some options:
Merme Sérum Facial Hidratante: Formulated in its purest and highest concentration at 1% hyaluronic acid, extremely hydrating, it will instantly plump and firm your skin. Once applied, it forms a lightweight film that locks moisture into the skin’s surface to promote smoothness, elasticity and supports the skin’s natural protective barrier.
Grown Alchemist Detox Serum: This lightweight, oil-free, instantly absorbed serum is recommended for daily use. Detoxifies facial skin from free radicals metabolised by the body due to factors such as diet and environmental conditions like pollution and UVA/UVB rays from the sun. Provides radiant, healthy skin, ready to maximise the active ingredients of additional treatments.
Remember to give the serum time to absorb, for example the time it takes you to apply your lip balm, and then apply your moisturising face cream or oil (or both, if your skin needs it). We like to apply the facial oil on top of the cream, as it helps to keep the skin hydrated and also protected, sealing in the moisture.
Sunscreen:
Finish off your routine with the ever-present sunscreen, the most effective way to protect your skin against UV rays, preserve collagen and prevent premature wrinkles. And don’t forget: Sunscreen all year round (not just in the summer).
2- What is the best moisturiser for dry skin?
Thick day and night creams, facial oils rich in moisturising properties and balms that lock in moisture by forming a barrier on the skin are the best options to effectively and efficiently hydrate and soothe dry skin.
Our recommendation: Apply a moisturising serum to cleansed skin as a first step and follow with a facial cream and/or oil if your skin is extremely dry.
Remember to exfoliate regularly (once a week for dry skin), to remove dead skin and dirt and thus allow products to penetrate the skin more effectively. Alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic acid, citric acid, malic acid, etc.) were initially developed to treat dry skin. Want to know more about exfoliation? Click here.
3- Can I use oils if I have oily skin?
If you have oily skin, you’re likely to opt for oil-free cosmetics to mattify your complexion, refine pores and keep shine well and truly at bay. While this makes sense, oils can also provide many benefits. And no, don’t be afraid to shine brighter than a light bulb if you use them. You just have to know how to choose them correctly.
Most of the oils used in conventional cosmetics are mineral oils, derived from petroleum, which clog pores, so we end up with more imperfections than expected. Your true friends are vegetable oils, used in organic cosmetics, where their composition is not altered.
In addition to nourishing, they act as oil regulators. Oils such as ylang ylang are balancing, non-greasy and have antiseptic and bactericidal properties, perfect for keeping potential acne processes at bay. Remember: oily skin also needs moisture, otherwise it will just produce excess sebum and that’s exactly what you need to avoid. Don’t be afraid of oils. Click here for more product recommendations for oily skin.
4- What routine is recommended for skin with pimples after treatment with a dermatologist and retinol creams?
Our mantra is: “less is more”. We believe that having a simplified, consistent routine is worth more, especially if you have acne is the most important thing.
If you are on synthetic retinol, your skin may feel drier and more sensitive, so it is important to nourish it well and apply sunscreen. For your skin type we recommend a good cleanser: Dafna’s Purify Cleanser Gel Cleanser is an excellent choice, as it not only removes daily impurities, but also decongests pores and helps reduce hormonal acne.
As a next step, to moisturise and seal in hydration, the Wisdow Rosehip-Neroli Facial Oil. Orange blossom essential oil is composed of linalool, which exerts antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, as well as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant properties – a super powerful ally against acne!
If you want to add an extra “something”, you can exfoliate once a week: the Alex Carro Exfoliating Powder combines physical and enzymatic exfoliation. It causes a natural breakdown of dead skin cells, thus improving skin texture and appearance. Powerful fruit enzymes and natural plant extracts brighten and regenerate the skin.
Another alternative is to add supplements such as Depuravita Absolute Shine, which contains antioxidants that help fight skin inflammation. Ideal during seasonal changes and as a support in times of psychophysical stress, take 2 capsules in the morning with meals.
5- What products do you recommend for a daily routine for sensitive skin that is not too dense?
For sensitive skin we recommend Dafna’s Moisture + Light Version Moisturising Cream, a formula with aroma-therapeutic properties of organic essential oils, plant extracts and the most advanced biotechnology designed to moisturise, nourish and fight against skin ageing.
In the short term you will notice how the skin feels more hydrated, luminous, soft and oil-free. Calmer skin. Moisture light is absorbed quickly, it is ideal especially in summer because it is lighter, but if you are not generally one of those who like thicker and heavier creams, this is a perfect option.
For a soft and gentle exfoliation, we recommend Flower and Spice Exfoliator Instant Glow. A creamy formula that hydrates thirsty skin while fruit acids and bamboo work to enzymatically exfoliate dead skin cells.
For weekly pampering, we also recommend the Alex Carro Superfood Detox Mask that restores, repairs and protects. It contains natural botanicals and minerals such as kale, turmeric, organic soya, Q-10 peptides and malachite, with a detoxifying and regenerating effect.
You can find more natural cosmetics and specific products for sensitive skin by clicking here.
Do you want to know what the next five questions are, stay tuned because you’ll have them on our blog very soon! #staytuned 😉