Raise your hand if you’ve ever had one of those days. The kind where work was a whirlwind, the kids needed everything right now, your to-do list kept growing, and by the time you finally sat down… the idea of doing a full skincare routine felt like a far-off dream. Or maybe it was a night out with the girls, a few espresso martinis deep, and the last thing you wanted to do was anything involving a cleanser and running water. “I’ll just wash my face in the morning,” you whisper to yourself (we’ve all been there).
Here’s the thing: when it comes to skincare, cleansing isn’t just a once in a while thing, but rather it’s the essential, non-negotiable first step that sets the tone for everything that follows. And no, we’re not talking about a quick splash of water and you’re done. We’re talking about proper, effective cleansing that keeps your skin healthy and glowing. Think of cleansing as your skin’s daily reset button. Let’s talk about how to do it right so your glow can keep going strong!
Why Proper Cleansing Matters
If you’re not cleansing properly, your skin might be quietly plotting its revenge. We’re talking clogged pores, dullness, unexpected breakouts and even early signs of aging. Throughout the day, makeup, sweat, oil, dead skin cells, and environmental pollutants pile up on your face. Even if you skip makeup that day, your skin still collects dirt and bacteria that needs to be washed away before your head hits the pillow.
Whether you’re a skincare minimalist or love a multi-step ritual, if you’re not cleansing the right way, you’re missing the foundation. Think of cleansing as the warm-up before your favorite workout or the primer before your makeup. A clean canvas means your serums, moisturizers, and treatments can actually do their job. Without proper cleansing, your skincare products are just sitting on top of layers of buildup, working way harder than they need to (and not nearly as well). So if you’re investing in good skincare, give your products a fighting chance to be effective.
How To Cleanse The Right Way
Still see makeup on your face towel or feel as if your skin is not as clean as you’d like post-cleanse? Enter: the double cleanse. This two-step method is skincare’s equivalent of shampooing twice. Your first cleanse melts away makeup, SPF, excess oil, and environmental grime. Your second cleanse actually cleans your skin. Double cleansing is especially key at night, post-workout, or anytime you’re wearing sunscreen or makeup. Additionally, it’s important that you’re cleansing regularly and in areas that are commonly missed such as…
- The “Bermuda Triangle”: as our Master Esthetician, Savannah, likes to call it. This is an often overlooked area behind the jawline and under the ears which collects sweat, oil, and makeup.
- Under the chin and neck: Don’t forget that your face doesn’t just stop at your jaw. Take your cleanser all the way down to your décolleté too!
- Hairline: If you wear headbands, hats, use hairspray, or dry shampoo, this area is a build-up zone for your everyday hair products.
Pro Tip: Massage your cleanser in for at least 60 seconds to help lift up dirt, grime, and build-up from the day!
How to Choose the Right Cleanser for Your Skin Type
Not all cleansers are created equal and picking one that fits your skin type can make all the difference. We carry a variety of cleansers to suit every skin type and concern. Here are some of our most-loved picks:
- Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: Go for a gel cleanser with clarifying ingredients such as salicylic acid to help unclog pores and control oil.
- Our recommendation for oily or congested skin: Cleansing Gel with Salicylic Acid
- Our recommendation for acne-prone or pigmented skin: Cleansing Gel with Mandelic Acid
- Our recommendation for mild exfoliation: Refining Cleanser by SkinBetter Science
- Dry or Sensitive Skin: Choose creamy or milky cleansers that gently clean while still keeping your skin nourished and hydrated.
- Our recommendation for added hydration: Amandola Milk Cleanser
- Combination Skin: Gentle foaming cleansers or balancing formulas work well to handle oilier areas without over-drying the rest.
- Our recommendation for barrier-supporting and hydrating while thoroughly cleansing: Lipid Gel Cleanser
- Normal Skin: You’ve got options! Focus on gentle cleansers that protect and support your skin’s barrier.
- Our recommendation for gentle exfoliation: Papaya Enzyme Cleanser
- Our recommendation that’s lightweight and effective: Gentle Foam Cleanser
Pro Tip: If you’re a full glam type of girl or wear makeup on a regular basis, using an oil cleanser such as our Vitamin Veil Oil Cleanser as the first step in your double cleanse helps to melt away makeup and sets the stage for your second cleanse.
Washing your face may seem simple, but doing it right can transform your skin. Your daily face wash sets the tone for the rest of your skincare routine. Need help picking the right cleanser for your routine? Our team of aesthetic professionals are happy to make product recommendations that are suited to your skin type and concerns. Schedule a complimentary consultation with our team, and let us create a personalized skincare routine just for you!
