Cleanse away

In nearly every skincare routine, cleansing is a core part of the process.

It makes sense after all. Cleansing thoroughly helps to wash away dirt, dead skin cells, makeup, and anything else that might clog your pores or cause general dullness. While it seems quite straightforward, cleansing correctly can make a big difference in the health of your skin. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Quickly and gently
Try to aim for 20 to 30 seconds of cleansing, or until the product lathers up on your face. Any longer could be too harsh on your skin. Washing too aggressively or for too long can lead to red, irritated, skin.

Not too hot
While using hot water to cleanse may feel nice, too hot is not good. It can be damaging to the delicate skin on your face. It also can strip the skin of its natural oil barrier, leading to drier, irritated skin.

Twice a day
For most of us, morning and night cleansing works well. But at the bare minimum, at night is most important as during the day you accumulate dirt and oils, as well as makeup that is best not left on the skin. If you have sensitive skin, then just cleansing with water in the mornings is a good option.

Separate exfoliation
Remember that your daily cleanser is not an exfoliator. While it is important to exfoliate a few times a week, overuse can disrupt the delicate skin barrier that keeps your face hydrated and protected.