Cleansing 101: Everything You Need to Know

Hey beautybees! I hope you are doing great and as promised a detailed blog on cleansers is here. 

If you’re new here, check out my first blog where I helped you identify your skin type and the second blog where I helped you a little with the skincare routine. If not I will tag the link below. 

Ok so let's not make you wait anymore and start talking about cleansers.

As I have said in my second blog as well-

Cleansing is where everything starts.

Keeping your face clean is super important—it helps get rid of dirt, oil, makeup, and other stuff that builds up (because of pollution, sweat etc.) and can mess with your skin. If you don't cleanse properly for your skin type, it can clog your pores and lead to breakouts or dullness. 

Just so you know, cleaning is important as it-

• Removes dirt, oil, and pollutants from the skin.
• Prepares skin for treatment.
• Prevents breakouts and acne by unclogging pores.
• Promotes a brighter and more radiant complexion.
• Helps prevent premature aging by removing environmental toxins.
• Balancing pH

A lot is happening on the surface of your skin that you can't see with the naked eye. Tiny particles like dead skin cells, pollutants, and unabsorbed particles of skin care products can build up and clog your pores. That's why face cleansing is an essential step in any skincare routine. In this blog post, we're going to take a deep discussion into skincare to understand what a face cleanser is and why it's absolutely critical for healthy, radiant skin.

Now there is much confusion regarding face washes and face cleansers- so let's start with this question only.

Face Washes VS. Face Cleansers

Face washes are like the heavy-duty cleaners of the skincare world. They typically come in foaming or gel forms and are great for deep cleaning your skin. When you mix them with water, they create a nice lather that helps to remove dirt, oil, and impurities effectively. Face washes are excellent for people with oily or acne-prone skin because they help control oil and prevent breakouts. If you love that fresh, clean feeling after washing your face, a face wash might be your go-to!

Cleansers are like the all-inclusive option in skincare. They come in various forms such as gel cleansers, cream cleansers, oil cleansers etc. Unlike face washes, cleansers don't always foam up, but they are just as effective in cleaning your skin. They tend to be gentler and more moisturizing, making them suitable for all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin. Cleansers are great for removing makeup and other impurities without stripping away your skin's natural oils.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between a face wash and a cleanser depends on your skin type and what you're looking for in your skincare routine. If you have oily skin and want a deep clean, a face wash might be perfect for you. On the other hand, if you have dry or sensitive skin and need something more gentle, a cleanser could be the better option.

FreshhFleshhTip: You can even use both! Some people like to double cleanse by using an oil-based cleanser first to remove makeup and sunscreen, followed by a face wash or gentle cleanser to clean their skin.

Remember, the key is to find what works best for your skin and makes you feel comfortable and refreshed.

 If you have any queries or want more tips, feel free to drop them in the comments!

Double Cleansing

Double cleansing is a popular skincare technique that involves using two different cleansers in sequence to thoroughly clean your skin. It is one of the most recommended Korean skincare techniques for cleansers.

Here's how it works:

• First Cleanse - Oil-Based Cleanser
• Second Cleanse - Water-Based Cleanser

Well double cleansing has its own benefits including:

• Deep cleansing
• Prevents clogged pores
• Enhances skincare absorption
• Promotes radiant skin

Which skin type should double cleanse?

Oily Skin: If your face tends to get shiny and you're prone to breakouts, double cleansing could be a game-changer. It helps to wash away all that excess oil and grime that can clog your pores and cause pimples.

Combination Skin: Do you have areas on your face that get oily, like your forehead, nose, and chin, but other parts are drier? Double cleansing is awesome because it cleans up the oily bits without drying out the rest.

Acne-Prone Skin: Dealing with acne? Double cleansing can really help. It clears out the bacteria, dead skin cells, and oil that can lead to those annoying breakouts.

Makeup Users: Love rocking makeup? Double cleansing ensures you're getting all that foundation, mascara, and lipstick off your face before bed. 

Sunscreen Users: Sunscreen is a must, but it can be tricky to wash off the unabsorbed particles of SPFs. Double cleansing ensures you're removing all that SPF, so your pores stay clear and your skin stays healthy.

So, if any of these sound like you, double cleansing might just be the missing link in your skincare routine. It's all about keeping your skin clean, happy, and ready to soak in all those other awesome skincare products.

Do's while cleansing your face

• Choose the Right Cleansing agent: Find a cleanser that suits your skin type—whether it's dry, oily, combination, or sensitive. Look for gentle formulas be it face wash or face cleanser that won't strip your skin of its natural oils.
• Use Lukewarm Water: Hot water can be harsh on your skin and lead to dryness. Stick to lukewarm water when cleansing to avoid irritation.
• Massage Gently: Take your time to massage the cleanser into your skin using gentle, circular motions. This helps to improve circulation and ensures a thorough cleanse. 
• Double Cleanse if Needed: If you wear makeup or sunscreen, double cleansing can be beneficial. Start with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and follow up with a water-based cleanser to clean your skin.
• Pat Dry, Don't Rub: After cleansing, pat your skin dry with a clean towel instead of rubbing it. This helps to avoid unnecessary irritation and keeps your skin happy.
• Follow with Toner: Using a toner after cleansing can help to balance your skin's pH levels and prepare it for subsequent skincare products.

Don't while cleansing your face

• Don't Over-Wash: Cleansing more than twice a day can strip your skin of its natural oils and lead to dryness. Stick to cleansing morning and night, or as needed.
• Avoid Harsh Ingredients: Stay away from cleansers that contain harsh chemicals like sulphates, parabens, or artificial fragrances. These can irritate your skin and cause breakouts.
• Skip the Scrubbing: Avoid using harsh scrubs or exfoliants daily. Over-exfoliating can damage your skin's barrier and lead to redness and sensitivity.
• Don't Use Hot Water: Hot water can be too aggressive on your skin and cause it to become dry and irritated. Stick to lukewarm water for cleansing.
• Don't Forget to Clean your Neck: Your neck needs love too! Otherwise, the difference between your face and neck will be easily visible. 
• Avoid Rushing: Take your time with your skincare routine. Rushing through cleansing can mean you miss spots or don't fully cleanse your skin.

I hope you found the basics about cleansing quite helpful. In my next blog, I will come up with the best of the best recommendations for every skin type and don't forget to follow and comment.

What's Your Skintype? (First blog)- https://freshhfleshhglowup.blogspot.com/2024/05/the-beginners-guide-to-skincare-how-to.html

Let's make you a skincare routine (Second blog)- https://freshhfleshhglowup.blogspot.com/2024/05/the-essential-steps-of-basic-skincare.html

I’m always here to answer your questions, so feel free to drop them in the comments section or DM me on Instagram "https://www.instagram.com/freshh_fleshh?igsh=bjhpMXk3ODJwaDlt."

Follow me here. You can also check me out on-"https://medium.com/@freshhfleshh"

Stay tuned!