BEAUTY

How to Cleanse Your Skin the Right Way For Fresh, Healthy and Glowing Skin

how to cleanse your skin woman washing face hands water
Get A Glowing Complexion!

Whether you’re a beauty minimalist – sporting sunscreen and a touch of lip gloss, or a beauty diva honing her contouring and winged liner skills – a twice-daily cleanse is key to fresh, healthy-looking skin.  It’s so important to remove makeup, dirt, and pollutants that are accumulating on your skin during the day. Even if you don’t wear makeup regularly, it’s still important to make sure you’re cleansing at bedtime. And it’s equally important to do it right. I’m a fan of the double-cleanse method that first lifts the dirt and grime and then washes them away.  However, a double-cleanse isn’t necessarily needed both morning and night. A mild cleanser or rinse is plenty in the morning.  But if you’ve never tried a double-cleanse or simply need a refresher, here’s how to cleanse your skin the right way.

Want to know exactly what NOT to do to your skin? Check out this post for all the helpful details!

What cleansers are you obsessed with?  I’m always on the lookout for new products to try, so please share in the comments!
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The First Cleanse

A quick once over with make-up remover or (gasp!) a cleansing wipe won't cut it. A deep cleanse is never more essential than in the evening, and the first cleanse begins with an oil, balm or milky lotion to break down makeup, SPF and sebum on the surface of your skin. The idea here is to remove sweat, bacteria and old skin cells. So, be generous with your application and massage in the product for a solid minute. A warm water (never hot!) rinse isn't enough though, so I recommend using a muslin cloth or thin washcloth to really get everything off. I've tried all three types of cleansers and they are equally effective. It's really a matter of personal choice, so use the formula that you'll enjoy. Remember, the goal is to find a product you'll use each and every day. Here are several that I love!
Kiehl’s Cleansing Oil
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Amore Pacific Cleansing Oil
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Augustinus Bader Cleansing Balm
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REN Cleansing Milk
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Bobbi Brown Cleansing Oil
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Naturopathica Cleansing Balm
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Elemis Cleansing Balm
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Shisheido Brush
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Clarins Cleansing Milk
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Eve Lom Cleansing Cloths
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Tata Harper Cleansing Milk
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The Second Cleanse

Once you've removed the surface makeup, dirt, and grime, it's time for a full-fledged water-based cleanse. Ensure you gain all the benefits from your cleanser and its ingredients. Reach for a gel, foam or mild exfoliating liquid to remove every trace. I actually enjoy a mild exfoliant, especially when the weather is warm or if it's been a heavier makeup day. I don't use a cloth or tool on the second cleanse, but instead, rinse with warm water for a solid minute or two. I use cold water on the last few splashes just because I like the feel. Here are a few favorites.
Eminence Stone Crop Exfoliant
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Tatcha Rice Polish
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Sulwhasoo Gel Cleanser
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Volition Beauty Gel Cleanser
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Lemonade Soothing Scrub
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Indie Lee Gel Cleanser
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13 thoughts on “How to Cleanse Your Skin the Right Way For Fresh, Healthy and Glowing Skin

  1. I just use plain ole’ Neutrogena for cleansing and an astrigent to remove dirt and oil. I am just a simple girl. lol

    1. Hi Shelia! It’s great you have products you love that work for you. That’s the important thing!

      xoxo-Francine

  2. Great post. Thank you!

    I would also love to know the lipstick that Erin is wearing in the photo used in the email promoting this blog post. It is beautiful! 😍🤩

  3. I just realized this “removing makeup and cleansing are not the same thing” over the past few days. I bought a CeraVE hydrating cleanser and washed my face with it like I normally would and I still had makeup and mascara all over my face. I used some micellar water to remove the makeup and decided the hydrating cleanser was a bad purchase — but I was just using it wrong! Thanks so much for sharing this info. I learn so much from you.

    1. Thank you for sharing your story, Linda! I think there are a lot of us not quite doing it right. Hopefully this will help.. Erin xo

  4. HIGHLY RECOMMEND DOING THIS. I had awful hormonal acne from starting the pill, and even worse when I got off it. Nothing seemed to work, from all natural face washes/moisturizers, topical acne ointments, nothing… UNTIL I TRIED RAW HONEY AS A CLEANSER!! People have said that they’ve broken out after trying it, but it was the complete opposite for me because my existing blemishes diminished over night!! My face looks beautiful, with acne scarring here and there, and I’m so happy I tried this. For those wondering, I use Whole Foods regular raw honey and it works great.

  5. My daughter surprised me with the Colleen Rothschild trial kit for Christmas. I wasn’t sure if a super hydrating regimen would work with my oily 58 yo skin, but I love it. Maybe I will try this line when I use it up. Thanks for sharing these great skin care product lines.

    1. I keep alternating between the two and I LOVE both!! The cleansing water and oil are absolute heaven! If you are already used to a balm, you’ll love the oil… Erin xo

  6. I’ve used L’OCCITANE for Body and another brand for my Face regimen but I would definitely try this out. You look amazing even without a stitch of make-up on!

  7. Love this post, the pictures, everything! Once I use up the face wash I have now I’m seriously thinking about switching to this system! Sounds wonderfully thought through.

    1. The cleansing water and oil are HEAVEN!
      You will love them… thanks for the sweet words. I appreciate your support… Erin xo

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