←Face Cleansing

What facial cleansing is and what it's for

Facial cleansing is the first step in any skincare routine and also one of the most important: it involves removing makeup, sunscreen, excess sebum and pollution particles accumulated throughout the day, leaving the skin ready to better absorb the rest of your products. Without proper cleansing, toners, serums and creams act on a surface still covered in impurities, which reduces their effectiveness. There are multiple formats for doing this, from gels and foams to oils, balms or cleansing milks, each designed for a different skin type and time of day.

Why facial cleansing is the foundation of your routine

Well-cleansed skin allows toner, serum and cream to penetrate more evenly. In addition, removing pollution residue and excess oil daily helps keep pores clearer and gives skin a more even, rested appearance over time.

How to choose your facial cleanser according to your skin

Not all skin types need the same kind of cleansing. Dry skin benefits from creamy or oil-based formulas that cleanse without leaving a tight feeling. Oily or shiny skin tends to prefer gels or foams with a more purifying action, capable of controlling excess sebum. Sensitive skin needs gentle formulas, free from harsh sulphates and fragrance, that respect the skin barrier. And combination skin can combine different products depending on the area, a more purifying approach in the central part of the face and a gentler one on the cheeks.

• Dry skin: cream, balm or oil cleansers.
• Oily skin: gels or foams with a purifying action.
• Sensitive skin: gentle formulas without sulphates or fragrance.
• Skin with makeup: cleansing oils or balms as a first step.

What double cleansing is and when to do it

Double cleansing involves first applying an oil-based product, such as an oil or a balm, which dissolves makeup, sunscreen and excess oil, followed by a water-based cleanser, such as a gel or foam, which removes water-soluble residue and leaves the skin deeply clean. This method is especially useful at night, when skin has accumulated makeup or sunscreen throughout the day, while in the morning a single, gentler cleansing step is usually enough.

Korean facial cleansing: several gentle steps

The Korean-style routine takes double cleansing a step further, combining an oil-based product, a water-based one and sometimes an occasional gentle exfoliant, always with lightweight formulas low in harsh surfactants. The underlying idea is to cleanse deeply without compromising the skin barrier, introducing each step gradually and paying attention to how the skin responds before adding a new one to your usual routine.

How to cleanse your face correctly

The first step, if you wear makeup or sunscreen, is to apply the oil-based product to dry skin and massage gently for half a minute to fully dissolve impurities. It's then removed with lukewarm water, and the water-based cleanser is applied to damp skin, massaging again with circular motions before rinsing off. It's best to avoid very hot water, which can dry out the skin, and pat the face dry gently with a clean towel instead of rubbing.

Common facial cleansing mistakes

One of the most common mistakes is washing your face with water that's too hot, which disrupts the skin barrier and can cause a tight feeling. Another common error is using a cleanser that's too harsh, thinking it will clean better, when in reality it can weaken the skin in the long run. It's also common to skip evening cleansing even when no makeup was worn, when in fact skin still accumulates pollution and excess sebum throughout the day that should be removed before sleeping. Finally, drying the face by rubbing with a towel instead of patting gently is also a common mistake, as friction can irritate the skin, especially if it's sensitive or if a cleanser with exfoliating actives was used just before.