How To Properly Cleanse Your Skin in 5 Simple Steps

Wondering what’s the right way to cleanse your skin? You can achieve a radiant look without booking a facial treatment. A proper skincare routine consists of a mild face wash, the right washing technique, and regular water intake (at least eight glasses a day). Clogged pores, external factors, and heavy makeup contribute to a dull complexion. So, if you want to cleanse your skin in the comfort of your home and achieve a glowy complexion, here is how to do it.

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1. Ask Yourself: What's Your Skin Type?

Figure out your skin type first before you purchase a facial cleanser.

• Oily Skin: Do you have oily skin? Often described as greasy, this skin type is characterized by clogged pores and severe sebum production. If this sounds like you, opt for a gel-based cleanser. Ingredients such as tea tree oil will prevent breakouts and acne.
• Dry Skin: Those with dry skin often lack moisture and glow from within. In this case, bring back the radiance with hyaluronic acid.
• Combination Skin: Combination skin is a mix and mash of both types. Typically characterized by an oily T-zone and drier cheeks, you can customize your skincare routine and combine different products to nourish your complexion.
• Sensitive Skin: Those with sensitive skin often have red cheeks, skin prone to redness, rosacea, or similar skincare issues. To avoid further irritation, use gentle cleansers with aloe vera as the active ingredient, as this works to calm the redness.

What Complexion Am I? Skin Complexion Types

2. Remove Makeup With the Right Cleanser

If you wear matte foundation, waterproof mascara, or liquid lipstick, it’s essential to remove it thoroughly before your head hits the pillow. Use makeup wipes or micellar water and cotton pads to remove the initial layers of your makeup. After that, use your favorite face wash products to double cleanse. Wash your face with lukewarm water and use patting motions.

Heads up! Hot water tends to remove your natural oils, while cold water isn't effective in removing bacteria or dirt. Therefore, lukewarm water is just right for cleansing effectively.

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3. Be Gentle

Never scrub your skin too harshly or over-exfoliate. Harsh motions damage your skin and cause small tears underneath the outer layers. Be extra careful around your eyes, as your skin is relatively thin in this area. Make circular motions with your fingertips and rinse thoroughly. You can also use a soft towel to pat dry your skin and get a smooth, makeup-free complexion.

PS: While cleansing, don't neglect your forehead and hairline area. If neglected, you can expect breakouts in this region.

Tips for Taking Care of Sensitive Skin

4. Apply Skincare On Top

Once you've removed your makeup and cleansed your skin, the next step is skincare application and moisturization. After cleansing, your pores are open, making your skin more prone to damage and other external factors. Use a toner to balance your pH levels and moisturize your skin. Follow with a serum and then your favorite face cream and an eye cream.

If you plan to go out into the sun, you must use SPF to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Aim for an SPF 30 for adequate protection.

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5. FAQ: How To Properly Cleanse Your Skin

A) How Do You Properly Cleanse Your Skin at Home? Cleanse your skin twice daily — morning and night — to remove excess oils, sebum, external pollutants, and makeup. Use a mild face wash in the morning (something natural and calming), but be more thorough at night.

B) How Do You Prevent Stripping Moisture? How can you cleanse your face without stripping moisture? Be gentle. Did you know that harsh chemicals and detergents in soap can strip away your natural oils? Soap-free cleansers work best, especially if you have sensitive skin. So, how do you cleanse your skin naturally? Use products that are highly reviewed, recommended, and non-comedogenic. Adjust your skincare accordingly, depending on your needs, season changes, etc.

C) What Are the Common Cleansing Mistakes To Avoid? If you're a newbie when it comes to skincare maintenance, don't panic. Here are some rookie mistakes you need to avoid:

• Don't use harsh cleansers, which can lead to dryness and irritation.
• Always remove your makeup first. Pay attention to your skin even if you're tired after a long day at work.
• If you go to the gym, make sure you cleanse your skin after each physical activity (also, try not to wear makeup when working out and when sweating).
• Exfoliate only once a week if you have dry skin and up to three times if you have oily skin.

Cleanse Away!

Choosing the right cleanser and staying consistent can make your skin look healthy and glowy without any breakouts. Don't forget to drink water and pay close attention to your everyday needs, seasonal changes, and skin texture changes — the little things can make all the difference!

How to Really Clean Your Face