washing your face: it’s not about the cleanser
We get a lot of inquiries about cleansers, asking for recommendations for them and questions about why we don’t sell one.
Considering we’re a skincare company, our reason for not manufacturing a cleanser is unconventional. Truth is, we don’t think you should spend much money on a cleanser, and we couldn’t, in good conscience, sell it for much more than it costs us to make.
That said, we know for a fact that cleansing, and cleansing well, is absolutely crucial to maintaining healthy skin. It’s arguably the most important step in your routine. Cleanser aside, here’s how to do it properly.
- technique matters. Use a washcloth, lukewarm water, and a gentle cleanser that grabs grime. Wash, rinse, repeat. We suggest a white washcloth that shows you that every bit of makeup is gone and it’s time to move on to the next step of your routine.
- makeup removal wipes do not clean your face. Micellar water does not clean your face. If you’re going to use them to remove makeup, you’ll also need to remove whatever is on the wipe and in the micellar water. Wash, rinse, repeat.
- once a day is enough. If you’re doing it right, your evening wash removes all the dirt, oil, makeup, and other impurities on your face. Unless you’re sleepwalking and getting into mischief, your face is still clean in the morning and needs only a lukewarm rinse to remove your nighttime products.
- as with all things, consistency is key. It’s important to do this every single night. One half-baked cleanse can lead to a breakout or create other nasty things you don’t want on your face. Also, putting products on unclean skin is a waste.
- even if you have acne, you’re better off with a gentle, thorough cleanse. When you use a harsh cleanser to get rid of a few spots, you’re putting your whole face and skin barrier at risk.
Back to our original point: how you cleanse is much more important than what you cleanse with. Case in point: I (Naida) have washed my face and neck with Trader Joe’s unscented hand and body lotion for years. It scoops up all my makeup and gives me the super clean I want without the tightness or drying.
