How to Get Better Skin with Proper Cleansing

Double cleansing has become a go-to method for many, but is it truly the best way to get better skin? Washing your face doesn’t have to be complicated — just like every other step in your skincare routine, it’s important to know there's a right and wrong way to cleanse. And we want to make sure you’re doing it properly so your skin looks its best!

The steps you follow to cleanse your face depend on the type of facial cleanser you're using, but the result should be the same: smooth, soft, refreshed skin — never dry, tight, reddened, or dull.

Here are our step-by-step instructions, backed up by research, on how to use each type of facial cleanser.

How to Use a Gel, Cream, or Lotion Cleanser

If you’re using a water-soluble cleanser with a gel, cream, or lotion texture in your skincare routine — by far the most common types of face wash — do the following:

1. At your sink, splash your face with lukewarm water.
2. Dispense a nickel- to quarter-size amount of facial cleanser into the palm of one hand.
3. Rub your hands together to disperse the cleanser in a thin layer.
4. Apply the cleanser to your face and eye area using gentle, but vigorous, circular motions. Do this for 20–30 seconds, longer if you wear heavy makeup. Avoid pulling at the skin as much as possible because that will encourage the sagging of the skin.
5. You may want to use a washcloth or gentle cleansing brush with your facial cleanser to be sure all your makeup is off or for an extra-clean feeling.
6. Rinse your face enough times so that you don’t feel any cleanser on your skin.
7. Pat (don’t rub — always pamper your skin) skin dry with a clean, soft towel.

Cleansing with Balms and Oils for Dry Skin

The best types of facial cleansers may vary depending on your skin type. If you have dry skin and you’re using a thicker, cold cream-style cleanser, cleansing balm, or cleansing oil, the steps are similar to those above:

1. Apply a small amount of cleanser to clean fingers, rub them together, and then use gentle, circular massaging motions to apply it to either wet or dry skin. Do this for 30–45 seconds.
2. Optional: Use a washcloth or gentle cleansing brush to be sure all your makeup is off or for an extra clean (but not dry) feeling.
3. Dampen your face with lukewarm water and rinse several times.
4. Pat your skin dry with a clean, soft towel.

What About Micellar Water Cleansers?

Micellar water is a type of liquid cleanser that resembles large bottles of makeup remover, and is, in many ways, similar to water-based makeup removers that contain mild surfactants. “Micelles” are minute structures that have to do with how cleansing ingredients known as surfactants combine with water. It is a way to formulate a cleanser that interacts with oils and debris to wash them away. Micellar technology is effective, but nothing special. Other than ease of use, this type of facial cleanser doesn’t have a strong edge over others. Here’s how to use micellar water:

1. Apply the watery liquid to a cotton pad.
2. Gently stroke over the face (avoid pulling skin because, over time, that will cause the skin to sag!), replacing each pad with a fresh one until you do not see any makeup or dirt on the pad.
3. With most micellar waters, the directions indicate that you don’t need to rinse. However, leaving a mild cleansing agents on skin isn’t ideal. We strongly recommend following with a regular rinse-off cleanser or rinsing with plain tap water before doing the rest of your skin care routine.

How to Use Face Cleansing Wipes

If you’re using a face cleansing cloth or makeup remover wipe, the steps are as follows:

1. Get one face cleansing wipe or a makeup remover wipe and unfold it to its full size.
2. Without pulling or tugging on the skin, gently massage the cloth over your face and eye area, including eyelashes.
3. Discard the used cloth or wipe and take out another if you have more makeup to remove. One cloth usually isn’t enough to remove a full face of makeup.
4. Rinse your face with lukewarm water.
5. Pat your skin dry with a clean, soft towel.

Note that some cleansing cloths and wipes state that you don’t need to rinse and should instead massage any remaining product into your skin. It's important that when doing this in your skincare routine, you choose cloths that have skin-replenishing and soothing ingredients in their solution instead of harsh cleansing agents.

Eye-Makeup Remover

What about removing eye makeup? Most types of cleansers or wipes do a great job of removing light eye makeup such as eyeshadow, pencil liner, and regular mascara. But if you prefer using makeup with long-wearing, waterproof formulas, a product like our RESIST Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser is a must to ensure every last trace of makeup is off. Check out our tips for removing eye makeup.

Achieving Your Best Cleanse

Proper cleansing sets the foundation for your entire skincare routine. By mastering the right technique for your specific cleanser, you can ensure your skin looks and feels its best. Shop for the best facial cleansers today. 

References for this information

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, January 2020, pages 180–184
Indian Journal of Dermatology, September-October 2014, pages 442–444; and February-March 2011, pages 2–6
Clinics in Dermatology, May-June 2012, pages 297–300
The Journal of Clinical & Aesthetic Dermatology, August 2011, pages 31–49
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, Supplement 1, 2009, pages 1317