How To Cleanse Your Face Properly

by Alexandra Mansilla

How To Cleanse Your Face Properly

18 Apr 2024

Cosmetologists often say, “Stop washing your face with water.” When you step into a beauty store and request for the consultation, you are likely to be asked, "What do you use to cleanse your face?" If your confident response is just water, expect some surprised expressions. (I have been in that customer's shoes before.)

But what is wrong with the water? Well, it is not that water isn't useful; it is just that water ALONE isn't enough to effectively remove dirt, makeup, and other impurities. Your skin deserves a more thorough cleansing routine.

Here are some simple steps to properly wash your face — save them in your notes or, for a visual reminder, print them out and hang them in your bathroom.

Step 1. Removing makeup (if you have it)

Don't forget to take off your makeup. Seriously, don't skip it. Picture this: you're back home after a crazy long day, right? You change into your comfy clothes, feeling all relieved and stuff. Now, imagine if you didn't change and just stayed in your work gear. Sounds kinda uncomfortable, doesn’t it?

Well, that is how your skin feels after being stuck under makeup all day. So, to give your skin a breather and a little break, you have to take that makeup off. Use micellar water for this purpose even if you don’t wear makeup. I have tried Bioderma Crealine H2O Make-up Removing Micellair Water and La Roche-Posay, and they are total game-changers.

Step 2. Cleansing

I personally lean towards mousses, but some people might prefer gels. Good ones include 5α Control Melting Cleansing Gel and BABOR Gel & Tonic Cleanser. Among the mousses I have tried, I love Caudalie Vinoclean Instant Foaming Cleanser the most because after using it, I could feel my skin breathing.

Step 3. Massaging

Pay attention to this step — don't rush it. Take a full minute to massage your face in circular motions gently. This stimulates your lymphatic system, promoting oxygen and blood circulation.

Step 4. Patting with a clean towel

Does it sound obvious? Oh, absolutely, but it is crucial. After cleansing, the skin is quite delicate, so be sure to pat it dry gently with a clean, soft towel. There is no need for the skin to be bone-dry when you are finished. It is perfectly fine to leave a thin layer of moisture on your skin since the products you apply next will help seal that in.

Step 5. What is next?

After cleansing, it is time to wrap up your skincare routine. Start by applying toners or essences, followed by serums and moisturiser to seal in all the products and hydrate the skin. For the serum, I like EISENBERG Comforting Calming Serum, and for moisturising cream, Caudalie Vinosource Moisturising Sorbet is one of my favourites (it comes in a pink tube!).

by Alexandra Mansilla