Why Cleansing is Non-Negotiable for Great Skin 🧼
If skincare was a Netflix series, cleansing would be the pilot episode, aka, where everything starts. No matter how good your serums or moisturizers are, they won’t work if your skin is dirty. But here’s the thing: most people are washing their face wrong. Yup.
Let’s fix that. This guide is your one-stop beginner’s guide to cleansing.
What is Cleansing? (And Why You’re Probably Doing It Wrong) 🚨
Cleansing is not just about removing dirt. It’s about balancing oil, keeping acne at bay, and prepping your skin for whatever magic potions (ahem, serums) come next. Here’s a short summary on the 4 biggest face washing mistakes you could be making (click the link to view a more detailed explanation).
Top Cleansing Mistakes You’re Probably Making
❌ Over-Cleansing (Washing Too Much or Using Harsh Cleansers)
❌ Under-Cleansing (Not Washing Properly)
❌ Using Cleansers with Harsh Ingredients
❌ Skipping the Neck & Behind the Ears
Finding the Right Cleanser for Your Skin Type 💡
Not all cleansers are created equal. Choosing the wrong one? Prepare for dryness, breakouts, or a sad skin barrier.
🛑 Oily Skin: Go for foaming or gel cleansers with salicylic acid.
🛑 Dry Skin: Creamy, hydrating cleansers with ceramides or hyaluronic acid.
🛑 Sensitive Skin: Gentle, fragrance-free options with soothing ingredients.
🛑 Combination Skin: A balanced cleanser (gel-based works best).
👉 Deep Dive: Your guide to picking the right face cleanser.
The Right Way to Wash Your Face (Yes, There’s a Technique)
Step-by-Step Face Washing Routine:
1️⃣ Start with Clean Hands
2️⃣ Gentle is Key
3️⃣ Massage It In (For Real!): Here’s how to give yourself a face massage while washing your face.
4️⃣ Patch Test New Cleansers!
5️⃣ Avoid These Ingredients [Alcohols (Dries you out), Fragrance (Irritates sensitive skin), Sulfates (Strips your skin’s barrier)]
👉 Dig in: Best Face Washing Method
Should You Double Cleanse? (And What the Heck is Water Cleansing?) 🔥
Double cleansing is a two-step cleansing method that makes sure your skin is completely clean before you apply skincare.
The right way to double cleanse depends on your needs.
Product buildup?
- Step 1: Oil-based cleanser (to remove sunscreen & makeup)
- Step 2: Water-based cleanser (to clean skin & remove residue)
Want extra clean skin without stripping?
- Step 1: Water-based cleanser (to clean skin & remove residue)
- Step 2: Water cleanse to remove extra dirt without stripping
💡 Not wearing makeup? You might not need to double cleanse every day. But if you’re dealing with oily skin, acne, sunscreen buildup, or pollution, it can be a game changer.
👉 More on this: Should You Double Cleanse?
Warm vs. Cold Water – Does It Matter? 🌡️
The short answer? Yes. Water temperature affects how your skin reacts after cleansing.
🌡️ Cold water: Can tighten pores temporarily but doesn’t cleanse deeply.
🔥 Hot water: Strips natural oils and can trigger dryness or irritation.
💧 Lukewarm water: The sweet spot for effective yet gentle cleansing.
👉 Want the full breakdown? Warm vs. Cold Water – Which is Better?
Towels, Drying & Why It Actually Matters 🧻
If you’re using the same bath towel to dry your face, we need to talk. 🤨
🔹 Use a separate towel for your face. Bacteria = breakouts.
🔹 Pat, don’t rub. Rubbing = irritation & premature wrinkles.
🔹 Consider disposable face towels. Especially if you have acne-prone skin.
👉 More details here: Skincare Towel Rules
TL;DR – The Quick ADHD Skincare Recap ⚡
✅ Use the right cleanser for your skin type.
✅ Wash your face for at least 60 seconds.
✅ Lukewarm water > hot or cold water.
✅ Consider double cleansing if you wear sunscreen/makeup.
✅ Use a clean, soft towel & pat dry.
This is your ultimate beginner’s guide to cleansing. No more second-guessing your face wash routine! If you have questions, drop them in the comments. Happy cleansing! ✨
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