Cleansing Your Face: The Foundation of a Good Routine

Cleansing is the first — and often underestimated — step of any skincare routine. Do it well and the rest of your routine works better. Do it too harshly or too often and you can actually throw your skin off balance. In this article we lay out the basics: why you cleanse, how to go about it and what to look out for per skin type.

Why cleanse?

Throughout the day all sorts of things settle on your skin: sebum, sweat, leftover skincare and make-up, and fine particles from the air. A cleanser gently removes all of that, so your skin feels fresh and your nourishing products can then absorb properly afterwards. The goal is not to leave your skin "squeaky clean" or tight — that's usually a sign that a cleanser was too aggressive.

Morning and evening: do you need to cleanse twice?

For most people this rhythm works nicely:

• In the evening cleansing matters most. You take the day off your face: make-up, sunscreen and built-up grime. If you wear a lot of make-up or sunscreen, a double cleanse can be lovely (first an oil or balm, then a mild cleanser).
• In the morning something mild is often enough — sometimes even just water — to "rinse off" the night before you apply your day cream.

If you have dry or sensitive skin, feel free to cleanse more lightly in the morning. Oily or combination skin often actually enjoys a proper morning cleanse.

Which cleanser suits you?

There is no "best" cleanser — there's one that suits your skin. Broadly speaking:

• Cleansing bar (soap) — practical, economical and free of plastic packaging. Look for a mild, nourishing formulation. Our Detox Charcoal facial cleansing bar with activated charcoal and goat's milk cleanses thoroughly and is lovely for oily and combination skin.
• Cleansing gel — lathers up lightly, pleasant for oily or quickly shiny skin.
• Cleansing milk or oil — gentle and nourishing, lovely for dry or sensitive skin and for lifting away make-up.

Not sure? Start mild. You can always build up to something more active, but repairing irritated skin takes more time.

How to cleanse step by step

1. Wet your face with lukewarm water — not hot.
2. Let the cleanser lather in your hands (or apply gel/milk directly) and massage gently in circular motions over your face and neck. Thirty seconds is enough; there's no need to scrub.
3. Rinse off well with lukewarm water and pat your face dry with a clean towel.
4. Finish with a toner and a moisturiser while your skin is still slightly damp — that way you seal in the skincare better.

What to do next

Cleansing is the lead-up to the rest. A facial toner freshens up your skin and prepares it for what follows; if you want to know exactly what a toner is for, read How to Use a Facial Toner. If you like a nourishing final step, a facial oil in your routine is worth considering. And if you want to start exfoliating, AHA and PHA: What's the Difference will help you on your way.

Common mistakes

• Water that's too hot. It feels nice, but it can dry out your skin. Lukewarm is better.
• Cleansing too often or too harshly. A tight, "stretched" feeling after washing is not a good sign.
• Forgetting the neck. Simply include it — it's a logical continuation of your face.
• Stacking active products straight away. Build up gradually and introduce new steps one at a time.

In short

Always cleanse in the evening, mildly in the morning, with lukewarm water and a gentle hand. Choose a cleanser that suits your skin type and finish with a toner and a moisturiser. Simple, consistent and without asking too much of your skin — that's the foundation everything else builds on.

This article is informative and cosmetic in nature and does not replace medical or dermatological advice. Always check products for ingredients you may be sensitive to.