It feels a bit redundant to write a post about how to cleanse your face. I mean put the cleanser on, lather up and rinse it off, right? Yes, those are the basic steps and everyone knows how to do that.
However, recent years have brought with them a myriad of options that make the basic step of how to cleanse your face, just a little bit more complicated. In this post, I’ll revisit the steps and help you decide which type of cleanser is right for you.
Why You Should Cleanse
We’ve all done it – after a long day or late night – we stumble home, too tired to do anything more than fall straight into bed. And if it happens occasionally and you forget your night-time skincare routine, it’s not such a big deal. However, skip the cleansing on a regular basis and your skin may not like you back. Cleansing helps to rid our faces of make-up, dirt and oils, which can lead to blemishes and skin irritation. It also helps to prep our skin so that it absorbs whatever serum, oil or moisturizer we apply on top and it provides a smooth base for make-up.
For many people, the morning cleanse is optional – I find that a warm water splash is sufficient most days. If you like to cleanse in the morning with more than water, that’s fine too. Let your face and preference be the guide. The night-time cleanse, however, is one I don’t take lightly. It is very important to remove the make-up, sunscreen and pollution that we expose our faces to each day. If we don’t do that, we can clog our pores and increase the potential for breakouts. Some people like a one-step cleanse while others prefer a two-step.
The one-step cleanse, which most of us in North America and Northern Europe are familiar with, includes a cleanser only to clean the face. Apothekari Cloud Nine Foaming Cleansing Crème is gentle and rich with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Skin never feels dry or stripped of its natural oils. If you’re looking for a bit of exfoliation, try Apothekari AHA-Mazing Clean Exfoliating Cleansing Gel, which features a triple combination of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to help smooth fine lines and wrinkles, gently exfoliate clogged pores and promote cellular renewal.
The two-step cleanse incorporates a cleansing oil/cleansing balm/make-up remover first, which is then followed by a cleanser. Also known as Double Cleansing, the two-step method has gained many followers recently due to a growth in the popularity of facial oils and balms and innovative ideas from Asia.
How To Cleanse
Whether you are a fan of the one or two-step method, here’s how to cleanse properly (yes, I know you already know, but this post can’t be called complete unless I put it down here):
- Wet skin lightly with warm (not hot) water.
- Using circular motions, apply a dime-sized amount of cleanser and massage in a circular motion for thirty seconds to a minute.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry with a soft towel.
- If you are doing a double cleanse with a cleansing oil or balm, apply to dry skin and massage in. These products are then either emulsified/lathered up with warm water prior to being rinsed or wiped off. Some may be wiped off with a cloth without rinsing. Read directions to know for certain.
Deed done. Now it’s ok to fall into bed!
