Once And For All, This Is How To Cleanse Your Face

We don't know who needs to hear this, but please stop using face wipes to remove your makeup.

Like washing your hair and brushing your teeth, you probably think you have your face-washing routine nailed by now. It's not exactly rocket science, is it? However, like the daily tasks you're faced with in work (here's looking at you, expenses), sometimes you start to slack.

And although you can probably get away with putting off filing your expenses for a couple of days, the same can't be said for cleansing. See, cleansing is anything but a basic task. Despite how many skincare products we haul or the hours we spend watching skincare routines on Instagram, when it comes to the very first step, we don't give it half as much the attention it truly deserves.

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Fear not, we're here to correct your facial cleansing wrongs. Starting with taking off the day and finishing off with exactly when to apply serums and moisturisers onto your freshly-washed visage, these straightforward face-washing steps guarantee to get you on your way to clearer, healthier skin. Keep reading to learn the art of cleansing.

always, always wash your hands first

If there ever was a time for this point to stand true, it's now. While washing your hands is vital in the fight against Coronavirus, it's also crucial when cleansing the skin. Think of it like this; if you were to wipe down a countertop with a dirty cloth, would you really be cleaning it? No. Similarly, when you wash your face with unclean hands, you’re pushing that dirt around on your face. Simply put, wash your hands first.

Remove your makeup first

That waterproof eye makeup and 48-hour wear foundation aren't going to come off with cleanser alone. Use an oil-based makeup remover. Or douse a cleansing cloth in micellar water until it comes up clean. Once that's done, you're ready to wash.

use warm to cool water

Using hot water may feel nice, but it’s not doing your skin any favours. Hot water is dehydrating—it strips healthy, natural oils from your skin too quickly. Stick to lukewarm or cool water as both are warm enough to help loosen dirt and sebum without stripping your skin.

PICK THE RIGHT CLEANSER FOR YOU

With so many cleansers on shelf and so many options available, we thought we'd simplify things and recommend the only cleanser we feel is worth singing about: Skingredients PreProbiotic Cleanser, more affectionately known as PrePro. Formulated to help restore the skin's flora, the daily cleanser also keeps your skin nourished, plump and hydrated. It is an incredible daily cleanser that contains a prebiotic-probiotic complex and PHA (polyhydroxy acid) for hydration - so it nourishes while removing any traces of makeup, oils or debris left over after pre-cleansing the skin. The great thing about PrePro is that it is suitable for everyone, it is gentle enough for sensitive skin and suitable for use twice a day. Apply a euro-coin sized amount (two pumps) and massage it into wet skin for at least a minute (more on that below).

Skingredients PreProbiotic Cleanser, €25, Skingredients

DOUBLE CLEANSE

The benefits of double cleansing are plentiful—smoother skin, a more thorough clean, better product absorption. Pollution, makeup, and some sunscreens just can’t be removed with one cleanse. Cleanse twice people.

MASSAGE YOUR FACE FOR AT LEAST 60 SECONDS

You need to give your cleanser time to work. And technique matters too. Rather than scrubbing vigorously for 20 seconds, spend a full minute gently massaging your face in circular motions. This stimulates your lymphatic system, which encourages oxygen and blood circulation.

never, ever forget your neck

In case you haven’t heard it lately, your neck needs love too. It’s one of the spots that show signs of ageing first, mainly because it’s not a top priority in your skincare regimen. But your neck should be included in every step of your routine, starting with cleansing.

pat dry with a clean towel

Time to rethink that air-dry. Leaving water dripping on your face doesn’t hydrate it; in fact, when the water evaporates, it could lead to dryness. But it's important to note that it doesn’t need to be bone-dry when you’re done. It’s okay to leave a thin layer of moisture on your skin since the products you apply next will seal that in. It’s not okay, however, to grab any old towel you can find. Towels you use to dry your hair and body could have pore-clogging residue from your shower products on them. Make it a habit to use a fresh towel each day and you’ll avoid problem-causing germs and bacteria.

APPLY SKINCARE WITHIN ONE MINUTE OF CLEANSING

The moment your skin starts to feel tight, you’ve officially waited too long to apply your skincare. Every second your skin is left bare, dry air is pulling moisture right out of it. To sidestep unnecessary dehydration, apply the first layer of your skincare regimen within one minute of cleansing.