5 Signs You’re Probably Cleansing Your Face Wrong (and What to Do Instead)

4 May

For many of us, cleansing our face at the end of the day is a pretty basic, boring thing to check off the to-do list. The actives are the fun part, right? Who cares about the cleansing step?

However, the cleansing step is actually very important. Probably the most important. And without it, the rest of your skincare won’t be able to do its job.

But how do you know if you're washing your face properly? And which cleanser is the best for your skin type?

Let's chat about a few things to know for the next time you cleanse your face.

What Is a Cleanser and Why Do You Need One?

A cleanser is a product designed to remove makeup, oil and debris from the skin. Using the right one for your skin type will help you achieve and maintain healthy skin.

Meh, but do I really need one? Why should I care about the cleanser?

Well... because of clogged pores, dullness and skin texture. Also acne breakouts and irritation.

It's true, not washing your face properly may lead to all of the above. And even if your skincare routine is packed with the best products money can buy, applying them without removing your makeup and sunscreen properly is basically setting yourself up for failure.

Dirt, makeup, sunscreen and oil are much harder to remove from the skin than you think. If you skip this step, your other skincare products won't work.

Am I Washing My Face Properly?

Great question. Here are five signs you probably aren't cleansing correctly:

1. If you’re opting for a makeup wipe at the end of the day and nothing else.

2. If you wake up and you have makeup residue on your pillow or the towel you use to dry your face after cleansing.

3. If your skin feels “squeaky clean” or tight after cleansing due to stripping ingredients in an incorrect cleanser.

4. If you’re using a physical exfoliant every day rather than two to three times per week.

5. If your skin texture is getting to you or you keep getting recurring breakouts. (This is especially common around your hairline where a lot of people leave makeup.)

How To Wash Your Face and Remove Makeup.

Now we are all in agreement on just how important cleansing is (right?!), here are some easy tips to ensure you're removing your makeup properly at the end of the day.

Double cleanse

Using your first cleanse to remove makeup, SPF or anything that is living on your skin from the day (eg. environmental pollution or smoke) gives your second cleanse the boost it needs

If you wear a lot of makeup, I want you to take it off before you actually go in with your second cleanse. I promise, it's not that much more work but you'll notice a big difference.

Micellar waters were made specifically to remove makeup while also being gentle on the skin. They contain micelles that attract and bind to the oily stuff on your skin (makeup, sunscreen, grime). We recommend Ultra B2 Micellar Solution. This no-rinse micellar solution gently and thoroughly cleanses to remove impurities and make-up on the face, lips and eyes.

For your second cleanse use a cleanser that suits your skin, a good skin care regimen begins with the right cleanser that is both gentle and thorough enough to be used twice daily.
It’s also important to pave the way for the application of any treatment products and so cleansing helps to unclog pores suffering at the hands of pollution, makeup, dust, smoke, excess oil and bacteria. Cleansing can also help maintain proper pore size and importantly pH levels of the skin which encourage balanced hydration and prevents the production of excess oils.

Cleanse for at least 60 seconds.

A lot of people tend to cleanse their face as quickly as they brush their teeth. And we all know we need to brush our teeth for longer. Ditto for our face.

Do you think 15 seconds is enough? Spending at least 60 seconds is more ideal. Plus, cleansing for longer will also ensure the ingredients in your cleanser actually have the time to dissolve and break down any makeup/sunscreen/dirt from the day.

If 60 seconds sounds like an eternity to you, then start with 30 seconds. A good cleanser won’t strip your skin

Prefer an exfoliating cleanser? There is an exception to the rule. Manually scrubbing your face for a long time will become way too much, so take your time with your first cleanser and keep the scrubbing to a minimum when you exfoliate.

Cleanse right up to your hairline.

Where you cleanse your face is just as important as the cleanser you use.

Did you know a lot of clients tend to break out or experience congestion along their hairline? This is often because they've stopped cleansing a few centimetres from the hairline, leaving product and grime there to get comfy.

This is why it's important to tie your hair back or use a headband when washing your face. If you work late nights, don't have the time or think a splash of water in the shower gets the job done, I get it - keep your micellar water and some cotton rounds by the bed, or your cleanser in the shower. You'll thank me in the morning.

Cindy Hooker