Why Cleansing is the Most Important Step in Your Skincare Routine

Almost all skincare regimens fall flat without proper cleansing. This is because cleansing is crucial for the rest of your products to function properly. Without a cleansed, dirt-free skin, one can’t begin layering the regimen.

Keynotes:

• Cleansing is the foundation of any skincare routine. It removes dirt, oil, and impurities to maintain your skin’s hygiene.
• Cleansing helps clear impurities, prevent breakouts, and improve absorption of other skincare products.
• Choosing the right cleanser depends on your skin type. Choose exfoliating formulas for oily skin and moisturising ones for dry skin.
• Learning how to cleanse and practising it regularly helps keep the skin healthy in the long run.

Cleansing is all about maintaining hygiene. Your skin’s surface is exposed daily to a cocktail of environmental pollutants, makeup, dead skin cells, and dirt. As the first step of your skincare, a cleanser helps you get rid of all these impurities from your face. The benefits of cleansers also keep these impurities from clogging your pores, preventing pimples, acne marks, and breakouts. This is why no matter your skin type or concern, learning how to use a cleanser is non-negotiable.

Removes Dirt and Excess Oil

If cleansing is just about removing impurities, why can’t a simple splash of water do? This is because many substances, like waterproof makeup and excessive oil, do not come off with water. Not all impurities on your skin are water soluble, which is why you need a proper, dedicated cleanser to take care of your skin. Cleansers are created with surface-active substances like detergents, surfactants, and soaps that help you emulsify these impurities and wash them off.

Learning how to use a cleanser is just as important, even if you’re spending the day indoors. This is because your skin secretes sebum, an oily substance to protect and hydrate the barrier. Excessive sebum can mix with dirt and dead skin cells to clog your pores, leading to whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and acne. Using a mild cleanser, suited to your skin type, helps you control this oiliness and prevents any breakouts that come with it.

Prevents Breakouts

Cleansing is the most crucial skincare step for acne-prone skin. Remember, acne isn’t just a teenage problem and can affect you at any point in life if you don’t look after your skin. This is because the impurities and dead skin cells on your skin can clog pores, create the right environment for acne-causing bacteria, and lead to inflammatory breakouts. Learning how to cleanse helps keep the pores clear and reduces bacterial proliferation.

If you already have active acne, look for non-comedogenic and pH-balanced cleansers that soothe your skin while preventing new pimples. Studies also show that using dedicated acne cleansers reduces both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesion counts, helping your treatment.

Prepares Skin for Better Absorption

Cleansing sets the stage for your skincare products to perform better. Your actives, exfoliants, and antioxidant serums are molecules that are trying to penetrate your skin. The higher the absorption, the better the results. Serum and moisturisers, naturally, sink in better into cleansed skin with no oiliness or impurities in their way.

Cleansers, like serums and moisturisers, are formulated differently. Choosing the right cleanser is crucial for your regimen, as the wrong ones can throw your skin off balance. Start by assessing your skin type and select a formulation that works for you:

1. Cleansers for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin

   Looking for oil-soluble ingredients is key if you’re trying to manage oily and acne-prone skin. Exfoliants like salicylic acid and soothing agents like niacinamide are your go-to options. You can also look for gentler exfoliants like lactic acid. Cleansers with these ingredients help unclog pores, reduce sebum, and target acne-causing bacteria.
   
   Try to avoid very creamy or overly hydrating formulas that may increase oiliness. Look for foaming formulas or gel-based cleansers that remove all impurities gently. We recommend the DermoPurifyer Triple Effect Cleansing Gel.

2. Cleansers for Dry and Sensitive Skin

   Dry skin often feels dull, rough, and irritated. However, it needs cleansing just as much. Among all types of cleansers, hydrating ones with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides are crucial for dry and sensitive skin. They manage to moisturise and cleanse at the same time and don’t damage your skin barrier. Try to avoid cleansers that go heavy on ingredients like sulfates or alcohol.
   
   Non-foaming, gel-based, or cream-based cleansers help you avoid dehydration while cleansing.

3. Cleansers for Normal Skin

   If your skin does not feel too dry or too oily, your goal is to keep the balance maintained. Look for cleansers that are dermatologically tested and pH-balanced. Certain types of cleansers have antioxidants and other skin actives in them, helping you restore your radiance while cleansing.
   
   Try to avoid over-cleansing or using highly concentrated cleansers without consulting your dermatologist first.

4. Mature Skin

   Aging skin has its own set of concerns. Sagging, wrinkling, and dryness can all be combated with the right types of cleansers. Look for cleansers with peptides, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and other mild agents.
   
   Follow your cleansing with serums that have Thiamidol, humectants, retinol, or vitamin C to improve texture, stimulate collagen, and hydrate your skin. We recommend the Anti-Pigment Dual Serum.

When it comes to skincare, learning how to cleanse is a necessity. Skipping this essential step can lead to a build-up, irritation, breakouts, and ultimately undo all the benefits of your skincare routine. Whether you’re dealing with oily, dry, or sensitive skin, the right cleanser can make all the difference in your skin’s health and appearance. So head onto the Eucerin website and look for cleansers, skincare products, and sunscreens to realise your skin goals with science-backed products.

1. How often should I cleanse my face?

   You should cleanse your skin at least twice every day, once before your morning skincare and once before your nighttime skincare routine. If you have skin concerns like eczema, it’s best to consult your dermatologist before choosing your cleansing routine and ingredients.

2. Can over-cleansing damage my skin?

   Yes. Cleansing too often or using very harsh, concentrated cleansers can potentially damage your skin barrier and damage your skin tone and texture.

3. What type of cleanser is best for acne-prone skin?

   Cleansers with mild concentrations of salicylic acid are ideal for acne-prone skin. Look for gel-based, lightweight cleansers.

4. Should I double cleanse daily?

   You can double cleanse every day if you use heavy makeup, creamy products, or have very oily skin. Talk to your dermatologist beforehand to prevent over drying of your skin.