Washing your face might seem like a no-brainer: a splash of water, a little cleanser, done. But there are a few crucial steps to this everyday ritual you might not be doing…and that could be setting back your skincare goals.
A proper cleanse sets the foundation for your entire skincare routine. It’s essential to remove makeup, sunscreen and pollution every night, otherwise, you risk clogged pores and premature aging. (Yep, it’s true—not removing daily grime can cause free radical damage and accelerate collagen breakdown.)
Let’s take a deeper look, so you can get the best results from every cleanse.
First, wash your hands
It’s essential to always wash your hands before you cleanse, so you don’t accidentally spread bacteria from your hands to your face. Seems so obvious, right? But when we’re in a hurry and thinking about the one million things on our to-do list, it’s easy to forget and skip this little step. (No judgment here!)
Remove sunscreen + makeup before you cleanse
Are you wearing sunscreen and/or makeup? Stop! Do not pass go….and definitely do not go directly to your cleanser. To get the best results, you want to remove any sunscreen or makeup before you cleanse. “This allows you to remove that first layer of gunk on your face, so that when you go in with your cleanser, it can work better,” explains Dr. Shereene Idriss, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC.
Since sunscreen and makeup (especially long-wear foundations) are formulated to adhere to your skin, you’ll need a product that dissolves them but is still gentle on your skin. Micellar water, cleansing oil and cleansing balm all “bond” to makeup and oil and gently lift them off your skin. There are countless formulas available, but here are three we love:
- Bioderma Micellar Water is a makeup-artist approved pick to whisk away makeup in a few swipes—just pour it onto a cotton pad and swipe over your face.
- DHC Deep Cleansing Facial Oil is a budget-friendly formula that dissolves makeup and sunscreen instantly.
- Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is a splurge-worthy formula for a luxurious pre-cleanse.
How to choose the right cleanser for your skin type
Now that it’s time to cleanse, you want a formula that's right for your skin type. No matter what your skin type is, your cleanser has to be gentle and non-stripping. It’s best to avoid anything with sodium lauryl sulfate. This ingredient (which helps products foam up) can damage your skin barrier and it’s a common trigger for rosacea flares, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
If your skin is normal, oily or combination, a non-stripping gel cleanser will leave your face clean, but not tight or dry. Krave Beauty Matcha Hemp Cleanser is one formula we love. If you’re on the dry skin, a creamy cleanser like La Roche Posay Toleriane removes impurities while maintaining skin’s natural moisture barrier. Both gel or cream formulas can work for sensitive skin—it’s really more about avoiding triggering ingredients like sulfates or strong fragrances. If you’re a sensitive type, it’s best to stick to fragrance-free formulas.
Now, if you struggle with breakouts, a cleanser with acne-fighting ingredients can help. Exfoliating ingredients like salicylic or lactic acid can help dissolve the dead skin and oil that builds up in our pores, and sulfur-based cleansers can work to reduce acne-causing bacteria.
Just add water (but not too hot!)
When you cleanse, make sure to use lukewarm water (not hot, which can strip your skin). And there’s no need to rub your skin with force. Cleanse gently, but for a longer period of time. Aim for 1 full minute to allow your cleanser to fully dissolve dirt and oil, then rinse with a damp face cloth or splash with water.
How often should I wash my face?
In general, dermatologists recommend cleansing in the a.m. and p.m. In the morning, there’s no need to double cleanse, since you’ve (ideally!) removed your makeup and daily grime the night before. And listen, if you went to sleep in your makeup? Like we said before, we’re not here to judge. We all have nights where we’re exhausted. Just don’t make a habit of it and get back on track with your cleansing ritual the next day.
What can I use for a deeper cleanse?
If you’re looking for a deeper cleanse that removes pore-clogging debris, DERMAPORE+ is here to help. This device uses ultrasonic and ionic technology to unclog pores without causing skin damage. High-level sonic vibrations gently loosen gunk that’s trapped in your pores, and ionic technology draws it out. No picking, squeezing or sharp (and damaging) tools required.
Before you use your DERMAPORE+ device, remove any makeup and sunscreen, wash your face, and mist thoroughly with Prep Mist, which is formulated to help soften up clogs so they’re even easier to remove. As a final step, you can apply a gentle exfoliating toner like Botanical Ketoacid Toner. The gentle acid blend is formulated to help dissolve built-up dead skin, oil and debris without irritating your skin.
