10 Skin Cleansing Habits You Should Get Into ASAP

We are currently experiencing the peak of the skincare industry; the revolutionary formulas and products have made it possible for an individual to have porcelain skin not just figuratively but literally!

The beginning of a good skincare routine lies in the process of how we prep our skins for it, while there are several self-proclaimed skin specialists on your Instagram feed, those hacks could probably not be suitable for all skin types.

This is why we have accumulated skin cleansing habits that suit every skin type and can be easily adapted into our daily lives.

Before diving into it let’s understand

What is the purpose of skincare?

You may have surveillance through several skincare routine vlogs, that may have scared you into thinking that these elaborate processes would end up costing you a fortune, so you avoid doing any skincare in the first place.

However, we are here to assure you that while it might seem expensive there are a lot of ways you can create a budget-friendly routine for you.

The main aim of skincare routines/products is to

● Prevent/reverse sun damage
● Hydrate skin, create protective barriers and minimize irritation
● Repair/restore damaged skin
● Cleanse skin deeply to remove any foreign particles

Without a set routine, you become blissfully unaware of the ways you could potentially be damaging your skin by exposing it to variables that could lead to irreversible damage.

A good way to understand skincare is to first learn the proper cleansing techniques.

Cleansing habits you should get into

If you are getting into skincare, the following are some basics that can help you start your journey towards achieving all the skincare goals you have set for 2024:

1. Clean hands for a clean face

Washing our hands it’s not just to avoid transferring bacteria to others but to also avoid getting them on your face.

If an irritant finds a way to your face it will cause a breakout, even before starting the cleansing process give those palms a good wash.

2. Setting a routine

What is the perfect time to cleanse your skin? Well, for a lot of people morning is the only time they religiously wash their faces with a separate product (facewash) however, that isn’t enough, ideally you need to do it twice. Once in the morning and then in the evening or before going to bed.

Going to bed with a clean face is essential, this sets the precedence for your skin to not break out from leftover makeup, skin oil or dirt. (1)

3. Choosing the right cleanser

If you’re amongst the statistics that still use the same soap for body and face then you need to stop! While it seems only logical to use one soap throughout the body it is important to understand that the skin on the face is more sensitive than others.

One example of how different our facial skin is to our body is comparing it to how quickly we notice the signs of ageing on our faces than any other part of our body. (2)

The cleansers that are specifically curated for your face have specific formulas that address unique skin characteristics such as dry skin or oily skin.

To choose the best-yielding cleanser you can identify your skin type and then your sensitivity towards certain ingredients and get the one that suits your skin perfectly.

4. Lukewarm water always

Now that we have established a cleansing process, we need to ensure that we always use lukewarm water to cleanse our face.

It helps open up pores for better cleansing, but if you use very hot water, it may cause the skin to dry.

5. Cleaning makeup residues

Makeup wipe removers may not completely cut it when it comes to cleansing your face. There will be some extent of residue of make-up along with dirt and dead skin cells left behind.

In this case, you can do a double cleanse, which means do your first cleanse with an
oil-based cleanser that will help get rid of any make-up and dead skin cell residue then move on to your regular water-based cleanser to get rid of any dirt left behind.

6. Exfoliate Regularly

Exfoliation is a crucial step while cleansing your skin. It helps remove all the dead skin cells, unclogs the pores and gives a brighter and smoother complexion overall.

However, it is important to remember that over-exfoliation doesn’t equal even brighter skin, this will cause you to have irritated skin.

Not every skin type can use the same exfoliator, it varies depending on your sensitivity or dry skin. Usually, people who have sensitive skin need to choose exfoliators that have mild chemicals. (3)

7. Natural Chemical-Free Products Only

Choose your skin cleansing products carefully. Those with acne-prone skin need to choose cleaners/exfoliators with more natural ingredients to not cause a flare-up. Or choose ingredients that are similar and have always worked for you.

For combination skin types you can do a patch test before using it to establish nothing in it can cause an allergic reaction.

Avoid using any skincare products that are harsh to your skin, discontinue them immediately and get in touch with a doctor if you experience an allergic reaction.

8. Be gentle

Think of your facial skin as that of newborns, you wouldn’t aggressively wipe them down, would you? Similarly, your face doesn’t need a harsh towel scrub.

Wipe it gently by dabbling it dry with a clean towel, don’t rush your skin cleansing routine. This is the last step so end it with the same attention and care as all of the above.

Conclusion

While these cleansing techniques are effective for everyone, if you’re experiencing unusual skin issues or have sensitive skin please connect with your dermatologist for professional advice.

These tips are great for beginners who are trying to get into skincare habits that are easy and will help you maintain a healthy skincare routine, they are also low maintenance, cost-effective and super accessible for everyone.

If you diligently follow the instructions there will be guaranteed results.

FAQs

1. What is the best way to clean your skin?
The best way to clean your skin is to use a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type, cleanse twice daily, avoid harsh scrubbing, and follow up with moisturizer and sunscreen.

2. Is daily cleansing good for skin?

Yes, daily cleansing is generally beneficial for skin health as it helps remove dirt, oil, and impurities, preventing clogged pores and breakouts. However, over-cleansing or using harsh products can be damaging.

3. How can I cleanse my skin naturally at home?

You can cleanse your skin naturally at home by using ingredients like honey, yogurt, oatmeal, or coconut oil as gentle cleansers, or by using rose water or witch hazel as toners. Try these best skin cleansing ingredients at home.

4. Is cleanser and face wash same?

Cleanser and face wash are similar in function as they both clean the skin, but cleansers tend to be more hydrating and may not foam, while face washes typically lather and remove oil.