Cleansing
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Why is cleansing important?
Cleansing is vital for two reasons. Firstly to remove excess sebum (the natural oils produced in your skin) dirt and pollution. Secondly, to remove SPF and makeup.
What happens if I don’t cleanse my face?
Not removing makeup, SPF, dirt and oils allow these products to sit on your skin and potentially enables dirt to build up causing congestion, inflammation, spots and irritated, unhealthy skin.
When do I need to cleanse?
Frequency depends on your skin type. Most people like to do a quick face wash (either with a face wash or Micellar water) in the morning and a thorough cleanse on an evening.
What do I use to cleanse my face?
Your chosen cleansing product is quite personal to you. It should be one that is suited to your skin type and sufficiently removes product (makeup and SPF) and the daily build-up of pollution dirt and oils.
Types of cleansers
I’m going to break this down into four categories with subcategories of texture or formula differences to help point out which kind of cleanser is best suited for which skin type. With multiple products shown and recommended to suit a range of budgets.
Face wash – Wash off cleansers
A traditional cleanser designed to be applied to wet skin. Once massaged into the skin the product is then washed away with a splash of water or a face cloth depending on your preference.
Gel

Foaming
Milky / Cream

Oil

Wipe off Cleanser -Apply with a cotton pad
A cleansing liquid which comes in a bottle, with a typical cotton pad application. Meaning you soak a cotton pad with the cleansing fluid then apply to dry skin to both remove makeup and clean skin. These come in a few different textures to suit all skin types. They can also be used to refresh skin.
Cream
Micellar water

Eye Makeup Remover
A classic liquid eye makeup remover also sits in this category whether it is a regular or bi-phase (oil and water mix-best for waterproof and stubborn eye makeup) based formula.
Solid – Balm

What about face wipes?
Face wipes don’t cut it in my view! They cannot effectively remove full makeup and SPF and the harsh tugging isn’t good for your delicate skin (trust me, your future self will thank you for it!). In a pinch, it’s better than nothing but try and make sure they’re biodegradable or reusable because they’re really bad for the environment…
Do I need a muslin cloth?
Overuse of a face cloth can be irritating to those with sensitive skin, you are applying friction to your face after all, so go easy. The majority of facial cleansers are designed to be applied and either washed off straight away or emulsified into a milky texture before doing so.
How do I clean them?
Makeup Remover Cloths
Exfoliating Cleansers

Try:
PIXI Glow Tonic Cleansing Gel £18.00
Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Brightening & Exfoliating Daily Cleanser £28.00
Double Cleanse
To double cleanse or not to double cleanse. Look it up in a google search and you’ll either find die-hard fans or those who argue whether cleansing twice is necessary. It can be a bit confusing.
Does everyone need to double cleanse?
Those of us who wear foundation and a full SPF may find the double cleanse technique beneficial.
How to double cleanse
Cleansing faux pas
To sum up
Tips:


Jen
July 23, 2019I’m bad about washing my face daily but this inspired me! Thanks for the info!
Amy
July 23, 2019I’m glad you’ve found this post helpful! There’s lots of wipe-on products listed that you can keep by your bedside that can be handy too 🙂
Nyxie
July 23, 2019I never thought that cleansing and moisturising my face was important until I turned 25. Now I know how important it is and try my best to work it into a routine.
Amy
July 23, 2019You’re certainly not alone there, it’s quite common! But getting a good cleansing step down and then moisturising well really can enhance your skin, as I’m sure you’ve found 🙂
Christie
July 23, 2019I’ve wanted to try Elemis! Your skin is gorgeous and this post was fab!
Thanks babe!
xoxo
Amy
July 24, 2019Thanks, that’s so kind of you to say! I suffered cystic acne for many years so try my best to keep on top of my skincare routine now I’ve got it under control. The Elemis balm really is beautiful, it thoroughly cleans skin, removes makeup and smells like a spa at the same time! You can use it as a mask too 🙂
Abby
July 23, 2019I’ve been on the hunt for a good, non-drying cleanser. Thanks for this!
Amy
July 24, 2019You’re very welcome! I’m glad you found this post helpful!
Laurie Ann Harmon
July 24, 2019Very thorough post. When I was a teen I was always using whatever acne remedy was on the market and of course that was too harsh for my skin. Now with my autoimmune issues finding a product that isn’t irritating to the skin is much more challenging. Thank you for all this info.
Amy
July 24, 2019I did exactly the same! And as I had very oily acne skin I liked the tight feeling post-wash, of course, come a few hours later my face was so oily again. It wasn’t until I learnt about skin in my training that I realised how stripping some of those products can actually be and make the problem worse. It’s so hard as consumers, when we don’t have the information, isn’t it and have to trust the manufacturers! That’s why I wanted to share what I have learnt. Also suffering autoimmune issues I can appreciate what you’re saying with current challenges. I’d recommend looking at the Tolerane range from La Roche Posay, or the Avene cleansers both are non-irritating 🙂