Facial Cleansing: Are You Doing It Right?

Pollution, sebum, sweat, makeup, skincare residue, sunscreen, dead skin cells, and dust. All of these accumulate on the skin. Thorough cleansing is essential for beautiful, healthy skin. This is now widely known. But opinions often differ on how and what to use to cleanse the skin. However, there are some guidelines with basic recommendations that can serve as a good guide.

There are countless products for cleansing the face on the shelves of drugstores and perfumeries. In every price range. Apart from the price, they differ in texture and therefore offer different levels of cleansing. In plain language, this means: always choose the formula according to your skin type and individual cleansing needs. If you don’t wear makeup, for example, you can opt for a light cleansing cream. If you wear a lot of makeup on your face, a richer cleansing balm is the better choice.

Clean twice a day

No matter what product you use to cleanse your skin, the golden rule is: cleansing should always be more thorough in the evening than in the morning, because there is simply less to clean off the skin after a night’s sleep. In the evening, however, makeup, dirt, impurities, product residues, and everything else that has accumulated on the skin during the day must be removed. This does not mean that you have to use two different types of products. You can use the same product in the morning and evening. However, some people prefer a milder cleanser in the morning. In this case, a cream-based or milky texture is recommended.

Is double cleansing better?

Many skincare lines now offer products for double cleansing. This is also a trend that comes from Asia, where women use a whole range of products and textures for day and night. When it comes to double cleansing, opinions differ. Proponents of this additional step in the daily routine argue that it prevents clogged pores, blemishes, and a dull complexion. But there is an easier way.

So when it comes to double cleansing, you can, but you don’t have to. And even if you think “double” is a good idea, you shouldn’t do it every day. It is possible to over-treat your skin. In most cases, it is sufficient to use a makeup remover or micellar water before cleansing. It is ideal for removing makeup, especially before using a washable cleanser. It can even remove heavy makeup. After that, the actual cleanser is used.

It depends on the ingredients

When choosing your cleansing products, pay attention to the ingredients. You do the same with your skincare products. If your skin is rather blemished and prone to excessive sebum production, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and niacinamide are helpful. If, on the other hand, your skin needs more moisture, you should give preference to glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Ceramides can be beneficial for irritations that indicate a weakened skin barrier.

Stay away from cleansing wipes

Cleansing wipes are practical and handy (especially when traveling), but they are not always good for the skin. If you use them too often or reuse them without washing them frequently, bacteria can accumulate in them and cause impurities. Dirt and deposits are actually only spread across the face instead of being removed. In addition, wipes are not particularly gentle on the skin and can damage the skin’s barrier.

Last but not least, such wipes place an unnecessary burden on the environment. You have probably heard the recent news from London. It was reported that millions of wet wipes disposed of in toilets had formed a disgusting island (“Wet Wipe Island”) in the middle of the Thames. Heavy excavators weighing several tons had to be brought in. It is therefore better to use your clean hands to apply and remove a washable cleanser.