What Is the Proper Facial Cleansing Routine?

Confused about face cleansing? You’re not alone! Let’s untangle the cleansing mystery and discover a facial cleansing routine that leaves your face feeling fresh and healthy.

Unlocking the Secrets to Effortless Skincare

Taking care of your skin doesn’t have to be confusing. Let’s talk about a simple routine for mornings and nights. Once you find what works for you, the key is to stick with it. It’s like going to the gym – you won’t see results with just a few visits. Dedicate 5-10 minutes to your skin twice a day for a proper routine.

Your routine can be as easy as 4-5 steps. In the morning, cleanse, tone, moisturize, and apply sunscreen. At night, follow the order of cleanse, tone, use serums, and moisturize. The sequence matters to get the most out of each product. Remember to apply products from thinnest to thickest consistency, like applying serums before moisturizer.

Everyone’s skin is different, so tailor your routine to your skin type – whether it’s dry, normal, oily, or combination. Your skin might change with the seasons and where you live, so adjust your routine slightly to match the changes.

Skin care can seem overwhelming and complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. I will be discussing the proper routine for your morning and night regimens. Once you determine your regimen, being consistent is the next part. For example, you can’t see results in weight lifting if you only do it once to twice a month. Multiple visits to the gym will get you the results you are looking for. It is the same with skin care. Giving yourself 5-10 minutes twice a day is all you need to have the proper cleansing routine.

Proper Facial Cleansing Routine – Necessary Steps

Ensure a thorough facial cleansing routine by following these essential steps, making sure not to skip any part for optimal skincare:

Step 1: Cleanser

You will start with your cleanser to remove makeup, dirt, debris, and excess oil. Cleanse twice as the first cleanse can be done with an oil based cleanser that will help to dissolve your makeup and then following with your normal cleanser. When cleansing use lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel when finished. If you use too warm of water, it can break capillaries, cause redness, and damage your skin cells. Make sure you are picking a cleanser for your skin type.

Step 2: Toner

Toning can serve for multiple purposes such as bringing the skin back to its normal pH, further cleanse any remaining residue that the cleansing didn’t get, close your pores, and can deposit active ingredients further into the skin. There are different forms such as astringents, skin refreshers, and toners. Astringents are best for oily to scenic skin and skin refreshers and toners are good for dry, mature, and sensitive skin.

Step 3: Serums

Serums are highly-concentrated, nutrient based treatment that addresses specific concerns. When choosing the right serum you want to determine the specific need such as anti-aging, dark spots, pimples, or wrinkles. If you can’t find a serum that is an all-in-one type serum, layer the serums from the thinnest consistency to thicker. This allows the serums to fully penetrate into the skin. Some serums are also used for preventable measures, so it can stop the problem before it starts. You will apply serums at night after you have used your toner. Make sure your skin as absorbed all the serum before moving onto the moisturizer.

Step 4: Moisturizer

All skin types need a moisturizer used twice daily. Make sure you have the right moisturizer as they can leave the skin feeling heavy, greasy, or still dry. For oily skin looking for a more gel-like consistency and for dry skin, a cream based moisturizer is best. Not only are you looking at the consistency but also look at the ingredients such as the terms glycerin, hyaluronic acid, coconut oil, or plant-based oils. These ingredients will ensure you are using a good moisturizer. Apply moisturizer when your skin is still a little damp so it can lock in the hydration.

Step 5: Sunscreen

After you apply your moisturizer, apply a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30. There are moisturizers that have sunscreen in them, but if it doesn’t have an SPF 30 then it wouldn’t hurt to apply a sunscreen over top of the moisturizer. Make sure the sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays.

Once you have found your skin care routine that works best for you it isn’t something that shouldn’t be changed. Make changes when the seasons change or if new problems arise.

Extra Pointers for Effective Skin Cleansing

We can suggest the following additional tips for an effective cleansing routine:

• Know your skin type – Understanding your unique skin type—whether oily, dry, sensitive, or combination—is key to selecting the perfect cleanser. Opt for hydrating creams if you have dry skin, choose non-comedogenic and gel-like balms for oily types, and go for non-irritating formulas if your skin is sensitive.
• Cleanse twice a day, and not more – Over-cleansing can disrupt your skin’s delicate balance, leading to dryness and irritation.
• Technique matters – Massaging your cleanser in with gentle circular motions is very beneficial, and in most cases, all you need.
• Don’t neglect exfoliation – Exfoliation is crucial for skin health as it removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, promotes cell turnover. Ideally, it is recommended to exfoliate 1 to 3 times a week depending on your skin type and the exfoliation method used.

Pictured & Author: Kelsey Hoffman: Licensed Esthetician, Licensed Nail Technician and Esthetics Instructor at La’ James International College Iowa City.

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Sources: Northwestern Medicine, DermStore