Quick Question: What Is a Cleansing Patch?

Although we completely thrive on having an in depth skin-care regimen, we wouldn’t mind condensing some parts of it for a more efficient turnaround time — and there are only a select number of products on the market that allow us to do it with ease. One such skin-care innovation is a cleansing patch, like the Artis Phantom Cleansing Silks, which aim to replace traditional foam, balm or liquid face cleansers. Ahead, we consulted with Jeremy Adelman, founder and managing partner of Artis about what exactly goes into the magic of these little patches, and how to use them like a pro.

What Is a Cleansing Patch?

According to Adelman, cleansing patches differ from your typical cleanser because they offer the same amount of product and active ingredients each time you use them — making your skin-care cleansing step a whole lot more consistent. “For patches that include an exfoliator, this also makes it easier to avoid over-exfoliating and figure out the right frequency of use, especially tailored to your skin needs,” he says. The idea of the patch simply takes away the thought of how much product you should be using, and allows the ingredients to be delivered in a more succinct fashion.

How Do Cleansing Patches Work?

Cleansing patches can work in a variety of ways, but in the case of the Artis Silks, they are dissolving textiles that use nanofiber technology in order to help you get your deepest clean. “They transform what traditionally has been a three-step process — oil-cleansing, foam cleansing and exfoliating — into one graceful, effective ritual,” says Adelman. Because the ingredients are coming straight from the patches, excess preservatives that are often found in serums, lotions or gels to keep them stable aren’t necessary in the patches. This allows for the ingredients in the silks (in this case, everything from jojoba oil to vitamin E) to reach your skin in a pure form.

How to Incorporate Cleansing Patches Into Your Routine

Cleansing patches are very simple to include into any routine, and Adelman recommends using them two to three times a week. “They can be customized to your personal skin-care routine and it really depends on how often you like to exfoliate,” he says. It’s important to avoid your eye area when you apply these, as the exfoliating properties may irritate the sensitive skin in that area. “These cleansing silks are designed to be versatile — anyone can incorporate them into their beauty ritual, regardless of gender or skin type,” says Adelman. Your three-step cleansing routine just became one!

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