Skincare 101: Everything you need to know about cleansing

Skincare 101: The Ultimate Guide to Cleansing

After a long, hot, and busy day, your skin has been through a lot—makeup smudging, oil building up, and pollution settling in. Finally, it’s time to unwind. What’s the first thing you do? Reach for your favorite cleanser, of course!

Cleansing is one of the most essential steps in any skincare routine—right up there with sunscreen. It may seem simple, but there’s more to it than just splashing on water and lathering up. In this edition of Skincare 101, we’re diving deep into everything you need to know about cleansing, with expert advice from our Dermatology Team on how to level up your routine.


Why Is Cleansing So Important?

From childhood days of soapy flannels to today’s carefully curated skincare rituals, cleansing keeps our skin fresh and healthy.

“The most important step in any skincare routine is cleansing,” says Consultant Dermatologist, Dr. Malvina Cunningham. “I can’t stress enough how essential this step is for keeping your skin looking and feeling its best.”

Throughout the day, dirt, sweat, oil, and environmental pollutants accumulate on your skin. If not properly removed, they can clog pores, contribute to breakouts, and create a barrier that prevents your active skincare ingredients from working effectively. A consistent cleansing routine keeps everything in balance and sets the stage for glowing, healthy skin.


Choosing the Right Cleanser for Your Skin

With so many cleansers available, it can feel overwhelming to choose the right one. But don’t worry—we’re breaking it down for you.

Oil-Based Cleansers

Perfect for: Normal to dry skin
Oil cleansers dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum effortlessly. They come in liquid form (like BYOMA’s Milky Oil Cleanser) or solid balm (like Clinique’s Take The Day Off Balm) and are often the first step in a double cleanse.

Gel-Based Cleansers

Perfect for: All skin types
Gel cleansers, like Skin + Me Purify + Prep Hydrating Cleanser or Glossier Milky Jelly, provide a deep clean without stripping the skin. Their lightweight formulas make them ideal for a refreshing morning cleanse.

Cream Cleansers

Perfect for: Normal to dry skin
These hydrating, gentle cleansers help nourish the skin while effectively removing impurities. Some, like CeraVe’s Hydrating Cleanser, rinse off, while others, like Avène’s Gentle Cleansing Milk, can be wiped away with a cotton pad.

Foaming Cleansers

Perfect for: Oily and acne-prone skin
Designed to lather up and deeply cleanse pores, foaming cleansers (like Skin + Me Purify + Prep Clarifying Cleanser) help remove excess oil without stripping the skin. They’re often formulated with mild surfactants to prevent irritation.

Micellar Water

Perfect for: All skin types (especially as a first step in cleansing)
This gentle, water-based cleanser quickly removes makeup and surface dirt. While great for a quick refresh, micellar water doesn’t deeply cleanse pores, so always follow up with a gel, cream, or foaming cleanser.


Should You Be Double Cleansing?

Double cleansing has become a skincare staple, especially for those who wear makeup or sunscreen. The process involves using an oil-based cleanser or micellar water first, followed by a gel or foaming cleanser.

“Double cleansing can be helpful to remove stubborn sunscreen and makeup,” says Dr. Malvina. “It also allows active ingredients in your evening skincare routine to penetrate better and work more effectively.”

However, not everyone needs to double cleanse. If you have very dry or sensitive skin, or conditions like eczema, it’s best to stick to a single, hydrating cleanse to avoid irritation.


Cleansing Best Practices

To get the most out of your cleansing routine, keep these expert tips in mind:

Use cool or lukewarm water – Hot water can strip your skin and cause irritation.
Avoid harsh scrubs or cleansing brushes – These can damage the skin barrier and lead to irritation. Instead, use a soft cotton cloth or flannel and swap it out daily.
Pay attention to how your skin feels – If your skin feels tight after cleansing, your cleanser may be too harsh. Opt for something gentler and more hydrating.
Take your time – Massage your cleanser into your skin for at least 30–60 seconds to break down impurities properly.
Avoid cleansing your face in the shower – The hot water and high pressure can be too harsh for delicate facial skin.


Ingredients to Love & Avoid

🟢 Ingredients to Look For:

  • Hydrating humectants (Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, betaine)
  • Gentle acids (PHAs or low-percentage AHAs/BHAs)
  • Skin-friendly surfactants (Sodium cocoyl isethionate)
  • Nourishing emollients (Shea butter, ceramides)

🔴 Ingredients to Avoid:

  • Strong AHAs/BHAs (unless recommended for specific concerns)
  • Alcohol-based formulas (can be overly drying)
  • Physical exfoliants (harsh scrubs can cause micro-tears in the skin)

Final Thoughts

A good cleanse is the foundation of any effective skincare routine. Choose the right cleanser for your skin type, cleanse consistently, and be gentle with your skin. If your face feels fresh, clean, and hydrated after washing—not tight or dry—you’re doing it right!

Looking for product recommendations tailored to your skin? I am always here to help! 💛

Discover your best skin at Natalie H Aesthetics.

At Natalie H Aesthetics, I specialize in glowing, healthy skin and treatments tailored to your unique skin concerns. Whether you’re looking to treat and prevent ageing skin concerns, uneven skin tone or breakouts and acne, I have a treatment plan for you. Schedule your treatment (including a free consultation)today to start your journey towards smoother, more youthful skin!

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