The importance of cleansing your skin

To cleanse, or not to cleanse? That may be the question you ask yourself every morning, or perhaps in the early hours of the morning after a late night, and we’re here to tell you that the answer is (almost) always a firm yes. We’re breaking down everything you need to know about the importance of cleansing for happy, healthy, glowy skin, and the different types of cleansers you can incorporate into your skincare routine. 

Why do we need to cleanse?

Possibly one of the most important steps in our skincare routine, cleansing allows us to wash away the day, and all the makeup, dirt, pollution and bacteria that comes with it. Think of this step like a skin reset, unclogging pores and providing a clean canvas for the rest of your skincare or even your makeup. Clear, happy, glowing skin starts with cleansing, so it’s important to find the right one for your skin.

Should you cleanse in the morning?

If the question ‘do I need to cleanse in the morning?’ has crossed your mind before, you’re not alone – and it’s a valid one! Although you may have cleansed the night before, and your skin is technically clean or free from makeup in the mornings, it’s still important to incorporate a gentle cleanse first thing as our skin can still accumulate oil (or even bits of bacteria from our pillows) overnight. It’s also an important step in the mornings to prime your skin for the rest of your skincare, so if you want to get the best out of your serums, moisturisers and treatments, it’s best to pop them onto clean skin first thing. In saying this, a morning cleanse can be a gentle one, and it’s best to save your elaborate cleansing routine for the evenings.

What is double cleansing and why should you do it?

Speaking of elaborate cleansing routines, double cleansing once a day is the game-changing step to achieving clean, glowing skin. It’s a two-step process: a cleansing oil, balm or milk as a first cleanse (to properly remove makeup, dirt, pollution and SPF), followed by a lighter foam or gel cleanser as your second step to remove any remaining traces or even leftover residue from your cleanser. Double cleansing allows you to achieve a deep clean, keeping the skin clear, glowing and nourished and free from product build-up, clogged pores and breakouts. 

Which is the best cleanser for each skin type?

Not all cleansers are made equal when it comes to skin types, so it’s crucial to ensure you pick the right one for your skin. Here’s a helpful guide:

If you have oily or combination skin:

For those with excess sebum – and dreaded 3pm shine on the T-zone – an oil-based cleanser is a great option. If an oil cleanser seems daunting or counterintuitive (more oil, you ask?!), rest assured! Oil-based formulas are actually great for oily or combination skin types as an oil cleanser helps to attract oil from the pores, making it ideal to help draw out excess sebum from the skin and provide a deep cleanse. These cleansers pair well with a facial or muslin cloth, which ensures no oily residue is left behind – just a clean, silky soft face! Alternatively, a gel or foam-based cleanser, or even a clay-based cleanser, will work a treat in helping to balance the skin’s oil production. Just be sure not to get one that’s too stripping, as oily skin still needs a little nourishment, too! 

If you have breakout-prone skin:

If you’re prone to breakouts, opt for a cleanser that contains exfoliating ingredients such as AHAs or BHAs which can help to buff away dead skin cells and deeply unclog pores. These can come in all sorts of formulas, including oils, gels or foams, and can be suitable for use either daily or a couple of times per week.

If you have dry or dehydrated skin:

If your skin could use a water hit, opt for an oil, balm or milk cleanser that will provide a deep cleanse without the tight, stripped feeling. Dry skin generally lacks oil or hydration, so these types of cleansers offer that extra boost of nourishment, all while keeping the skin clean.

If you have normal skin:

If you have balanced skin, lucky you! The cleanser world is your oyster. Any form of cleanser should work a treat for your skin, so it may come down to personal preference in terms of consistency and formulas you prefer. Just listen to your skin – if you try a cleanser that makes your skin feel tight, or perhaps leaves too much of an oily residue for your liking, switch it up accordingly.