Cleansing your face is the foundation of any good skincare routine. Without proper cleansing, dirt, oil, and impurities can build up, leading to breakouts and dull skin. Whether you have oily, dry, or sensitive skin, following the right steps can make all the difference. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tips that have really worked for me, and I’m excited to share them with you! So, let’s dive in and get your skin feeling fresh and radiant with these simple yet effective face-cleansing tips!
Everything I share here is based strictly on my personal experience. I want to be transparent and mention that while these products have worked for me, they may not have the same results for everyone. Also, this post may contain affiliate links, which come at no extra cost to you. Enjoy reading!
1.Choose a cleanser suited to your skin
The first and most important step to finding the best and effective cleanser for your skin is understanding your skin type. Knowing your skin type allows you to choose products that cater specifically to your needs, whether it’s hydration, oil control, or addressing concerns like acne or sensitivity. To determine your skin type, consider factors like how your skin feels after cleansing, how it reacts to different products, and the presence of shine, dryness, or irritation throughout the day.
Here’s a short breakdown of the different skin types and how to identify them:
Normal Skin
Characteristics: Balanced skin, neither too oily nor too dry. Pores are not enlarged, and the skin feels comfortable without any visible dry patches or excessive shine.
How to Identify: Your skin feels soft, smooth, and comfortable throughout the day. It doesn’t experience breakouts often, nor does it feel tight or flaky.
Skincare Focus: Maintain balance with gentle products and hydration.
Oily Skin
Characteristics: Excess oil production, particularly in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). Pores may appear enlarged, and the skin may look shiny throughout the day.
How to Identify: After washing your face, within a few hours, your skin feels greasy, especially in the T-zone. You might also experience frequent breakouts or blackheads.
Skincare Focus: Use oil-control and mattifying products, as well as gentle exfoliation to prevent clogged pores.
Dry Skin
Characteristics: Skin feels tight, rough, or flaky. It might have visible dry patches and can sometimes appear dull or rough.
How to Identify: Your skin may feel tight after washing, and it can be prone to flaking or redness. You may notice fine lines appearing more prominent.
Skincare Focus: Use products that provide deep hydration and avoid harsh ingredients. Moisturizers and oils can help restore the skin’s natural barrier.
Combination Skin
Characteristics: A mix of different skin types, usually oily in the T-zone and dry or normal on the cheeks and other areas of the face.
How to Identify: You may notice oil buildup in the T-zone but dry or flaky patches on the cheeks or around the eyes.
Skincare Focus: Use products that balance oil production and hydrate the dry areas without overloading the oily sections.
Sensitive Skin
Characteristics: Prone to redness, irritation, burning sensations, or allergic reactions when exposed to certain ingredients or environmental factors.
How to Identify: Your skin reacts easily to new products, weather changes, or even stress, often resulting in redness or a rash.
Skincare Focus: Choose gentle, fragrance-free products that are hypoallergenic. Avoid harsh exfoliants and ingredients like alcohol.
By identifying your skin type, you can tailor your skincare routine to meet your skin’s specific needs and improve its overall health and appearance.
Personally, I used the Skin Bliss app to determine my skin type, which is quite tricky (combination & sensitive). This isn’t any kind of promotion for the app; I’m just recommending it because it genuinely helped me understand exactly what my skin needs. With just a few honest answers, it creates your profile, telling you your exact skin type. It also shows how suitable each product is for your skin, the expected positive effects, and any possible negative effects the product might cause. So, I personally trust and use this app confidently, and I encourage you all to try it as well. I hope it has extremely positive results for your skin too!
2. Don’t skip double cleansing
Double cleansing is a skincare method that involves washing your face in two steps. First, you use an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, and excess oils that build up during the day. Oil dissolves oil, so it helps break down all the impurities without stripping your skin. After that, you follow up with a water-based cleanser, like a gel or foam, to get rid of sweat, dirt, and anything else still left behind. This routine ensures that your skin is thoroughly clean, giving it a fresh start for the rest of your skincare products to work better.
It’s also important to choose an oil-based cleanser and a water-based cleanser that are suitable for your skin type for this method to work effectively. Selecting the right products ensures that you cleanse your skin without causing irritation, allowing you to achieve the best results from your skincare routine.
When I started using the double cleansing method, I didn’t see it as absolutely necessary and was rather skeptical. However, after the first few uses of the cleansing oil, I noticed and felt a huge difference. My face looked much cleaner after washing with the cleansing oil compared to just using a regular cleanser. The first cleansing oil I tried was the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil. At that time, I still had acne issues, and my skin was very sensitive.
This cleansing oil was a perfect choice because it’s often considered a great option for acne-prone skin due to its gentle ingredients and formula that helps cleanse impurities without drying out the skin. Centella Asiatica, one of its key ingredients, has anti-inflammatory and healing properties, which can help reduce irritation and redness associated with acne.
I now use the Roundlab Cleansing Oil, and I have to say, it’s quickly become one of my favorites! This oil is so effective at removing impurities, makeup, and excess sebum, leaving my skin feeling clean and refreshed. One of the things I love most about it is how it keeps my skin hydrated; the oils in the formula prevent any dryness or irritation. Plus, it has a soothing effect that really calms my sensitive skin and reduces redness.
It’s perfect for my combination skin, and I’ve noticed how well it hydrates, especially since Roundlab is known for their extremely moisturizing products. This is why it’s one of my go-to brands, and I find myself reaching for many of their products in my routine!
3. Avoid hot water
Avoiding hot or warm water when washing your face is important for several reasons:
Skin Irritation: Hot water can irritate the skin, causing redness, inflammation, or even breakouts. This is especially true for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Skin Dryness: High temperatures can strip away the natural oils from your skin, leading to dryness. Dry skin is more prone to irritation and can exacerbate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Skin’s Defense System: Hot water can weaken your skin’s natural barrier, which protects against bacteria and other external aggressors. A compromised barrier can lead to infections or other dermatological issues.
Oil Production Cycle: When the skin is exposed to hot water, sebaceous glands may produce more oil to compensate for the dryness, leading to an oily appearance and potential acne flare-ups.
Long-Term Effects: Regularly using hot water can gradually damage the skin’s texture and contribute to long-term skin problems.
To keep your skin healthy, it’s recommended to use lukewarm or cool water when washing your face, helping to maintain the skin’s natural balance.
A real life exemple…
Recently, I watched a segment of a report featuring a Korean actress, and I regret not remembering her name. I was pleasantly shocked when she revealed that she is over 40 years old, yet looks like she’s in her 20s. Her youthful appearance was truly remarkable!
She shared her main advice for maintaining healthy skin and slowing down aging: washing the face with cold water. She emphasized that she completely avoids using hot water for face washing, and her theory is clearly visible in her skin! It’s well-known that Koreans generally have excellent skin texture, but as that actress mentioned, using cold water instead of warm or hot water plays a crucial role in skin health.
This advice aligns perfectly with the idea that using cooler water can help preserve the skin’s natural moisture and prevent irritation, ultimately contributing to a more youthful appearance.
4. Exfoliate- but in moderation
Exfoliation is a crucial step in any skincare routine, helping to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and promote a brighter complexion. Regular exfoliation, ideally 1-2 times a week, can work wonders for your skin! However, it’s essential to strike the right balance—overdoing it can lead to irritation and sensitivity.
When choosing an exfoliant, opt for gentle products rather than harsh scrubs that can damage your skin barrier. Look for chemical exfoliants with ingredients like AHAs or BHAs, or soft physical exfoliants that provide a more delicate touch. Your skin will thank you for the care you give it!
I personally use the COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid exfoliant. Its oily texture helps not only to prevent blackheads but also reduce their appearance over time. It also works wonders in preventing breakouts and balancing sebum production while improving skin texture, thanks to the niacinamide in the formula. I use this toner 1-2 times a week and would recommend starting with no more than twice weekly, especially for beginners. Since it’s an exfoliant, your skin needs some time to adjust to the acids.
I also use the Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam exfoliating cleanser. I pair it with the Anua Cleansing Oil for sensitive skin—I use this duo once or twice a week, and I don’t regret it for a second. It’s incredible how deeply it cleans the pores and leaves my skin feeling so soft and squeaky clean. I’m a huge fan of Anua products; they never disappoint me with their quality, especially for such affordable prices!
Of course, it’s important to find the perfect exfoliant for your skin type. Personally, I’d recommend trying samples whenever possible to ensure the product works well for your skin. There’s no point in using or buying products that don’t deliver the results you’re looking for. Test it out first so you can invest in something that truly benefits your skin!
5. Moisturize right after cleansing
After cleansing, your skin is clean and slightly damp, making it the best time to lock in moisture. Applying a moisturizer or serum right away helps seal in the water on your skin, keeping it soft and hydrated. If you wait too long, your skin can start to lose moisture to the air. That’s why it’s important to act quickly for a natural, healthy glow.
Dermatologists suggest moisturizing within 5 minutes after cleansing to keep your skin hydrated. When applied right away, the product helps trap the moisture, preventing dryness and keeping your skin smooth and radiant. So don’t wait—moisturize while your skin is still fresh!
I personally use the COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream, and it truly delivers on its promises! It has so many benefits, from repairing the skin and healing acne scars to soothing irritation, redness, and fading dark spots. Snail mucin is also known to slow down aging, which is an added bonus. For me, it’s been a game-changer, especially with my acne scars and irritation—it started working wonders from the first uses! It’s an incredible moisturizer for all skin types, and that’s why I’ve never stopped repurchasing it.
Cleansing your face doesn’t have to be complicated, but doing it the right way can truly transform your skin. I hope these tips help you create a cleansing routine that leaves your skin feeling fresh, healthy, and glowing. Remember, consistency is key, and your skin will thank you for the extra care!
I’d love to hear your thoughts and any of your own skincare secrets. Don’t forget to check back for more skincare advice or subscribe to stay updated with my latest posts! Let’s keep glowing together!
