A face wash's job is to remove deeper seated debris and also cleanse pores, thanks to its foaming action. If you're wearing a lot of makeup, or have been exposed to a lot of dust and pollution, it might be a good idea to use a cleanser first, before using a face wash.
You can use face washes and cleansers together. If you plan on using both products, use the face wash more frequently than the cleanser to keep your skin feeling healthy, hydrated, and refreshed.
A face wash is usually better for very oily skin types, while a face cleanser is often universally helpful. Choosing the right product for your skin, and using it only once or twice a day, will help ensure you look and feel your best!
Daily: Cleanser – No matter how much you skimp on your skin care routine, you should always wash your face at least once a day. Those with oily or combination skin may benefit from twice daily washes (morning and night) while drier skin may be fine with just a nightly wash.
“But washing your face with a cleanser can be skipped every once in awhile. Some people prefer to simply rinse their face with water and no cleanser. If this works for you, then no harm done: It's not necessary to use a cleanser every time you wash your face.”
1. Do Wet Your Hands and Face First. If you're going to use a rinse-off facial cleanser, wet your hands and splash your face with water before applying the cleanser to your skin. It'll help you work a good lather to grab onto that dirt and oil before rinsing.
While you do want to give your face a good cleaning, you don't want to overly strip the skin of essential oils or cause dryness, notes Zeichner. After washing, he recommends hydrating your skin with a light moisturizer.
The order should be: wash, cleanse, exfoliate, tone, face mask, moisturiser. By following this order, you'll be able to remove all the dirt and impurities from your face, and you'll be on your way to a clearer, healthy-looking skin.
Active ingredients are great for people with specific concerns and a minimal routine — but for any kind of cleanser to work its best magic, you need to be gently washing your skin for 60 seconds.
Toner. If you enjoy using your best toner and it your skin has no problem with it, do so after cleanser.
Whether you choose a gel or a cream cleanser, a dime-sized amount is all you need. For foaming cleanser, one pump should get the job done. Miami dermatologist Alicia Barba, MD, suggests washing once in the morning and twice in the evening if you wear makeup, or only once at night if you don't wear makeup.
"During the day, use a foamy cleanser in the morning followed by a good serum, moisturiser and sun block. At night, use a creamy cleanser to gently remove topical impurities to keep the skin hydrated," Dr Chhabra explains. Try Dermalogica Essential Cleansing Solution or Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser.
One triple-cleanse route is to start with an oil-based cleanser, followed by a cream cleanser, and then finish with a gel or foaming cleanser. Another way to triple cleanse is to first use a makeup remover or cleansing wipe, followed by a cleansing oil, and finally a foaming cleanser.
If your skin gets oily quickly, you may be tempted to wash your face multiple times a day. However, this will do more harm than good. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should only wash your face twice a day (and after sweating heavily).
SOMETIMES your face should be dry, and sometimes it should be wet. Tissue-off cleansers (which are mainly used for very dry, sensitive skin) should be applied to a dry face. No water necessary. Simply tissue it off for skin that's clean, soft, and hydrated.
Cleansing in the morning is important because it rids the skin of excess oil and impurities that build up while sleeping, and cleansing at night is important because it ensures the skin is cleared of makeup, oil and dirt from the day.
Keep it simple. For beginners, we recommend starting with a basic three step routine—cleanse, moisturize, and apply sunscreen. Of course, this can be modified, and products can be added depending on your individual skincare needs. For example, if you're struggling with acne, you may consider adding a spot treatment.
"Toners are most helpful and necessary for people with oily or acne-prone skin, or for people who want extra cleansing after wearing makeup or other heavy skin products such as sunscreen," she said. If you're wondering what else face toner does for your skin, King outlined some additional benefits: It shrinks pores.
Exfoliate regularly
Exfoliation helps shed this layer and clears out dirt, oil and clogged pores, giving you spotless glowing skin. Scrubbing regularly improves skin's health with time and ensures a healthy glow too. You can pick a scrub for your skin type and exfoliate according to your skin's requirement.
Drink plenty of water in the evening.
Holistic nutritionist Joy McCarthy recommends drinking at least a liter of water overnight for glowing skin in the morning. “Keep it beside your bed, and if you wake up thirsty, take a couple sips.