Whether you’ve been wearing a full face of makeup or just your favourite sunscreen, cleansing is a daily non-negotiable to keep your pores squeaky clean, complexion glowing - and ultimately the chance for your corrective serums to really shine.
With all the chatter on the internet - we get why a simple step in your routine can seem overwhelming; do I skip my morning cleanse? how long should I be cleansing for? what’s a double cleanse? We spoke with our skin experts to find out absolutely everything you need to know to nail the first step in your skincare routine.
Do I really need to cleanse in the morning?
We’ve all wondered this - why would I need to wash my face after thoroughly cleansing the night before? Well, our experts have voted and they’ve answered, yes - you do. Just like brushing your teeth, we should be cleansing our faces morning and night. While we sleep, our skin can accumulate oil, sweat and pollutants from our environment, bedding, and pillows. Cleansing once in the morning will refresh your skin and prep it for your impressive line-up of skincare to follow.
How do I cleanse like a pro?
Our experts recommend gently massaging your cleanser of choice over wet skin in a circular motion, avoiding the eye area. Start with the cheeks and work around the entire face and neck thoroughly for approximately 60 seconds before rinsing with lukewarm water.
Don’t forget any crevices around the nose and mouth - we mean it.
Should I double cleanse in the evening?
A firm yes. Your first cleanse is essential to remove surface impurities including makeup, dirt, oil or sunscreen sitting on top of the skin. The second cleanse will allow for the removal of stubborn, pore-clogging impurities that remain on the skin after the first cleanse. Two steps after a long day may seem tedious, but thankfully your efforts to cleanse twice will help you create a clean base for your corrective serums; allowing for better product absorption to experience the benefits.
Does water temperature matter?
Temperature does in fact matter. Scorching hot water can dry out your skin and strip it of its natural oils - leaving your skin feeling dry, tight or dehydrated. Cold water doesn’t necessarily irritate your skin, however, products may be difficult to dissolve, causing excess oil or makeup to be left on the skin. This is why our experts suggest pairing your cleanser (an Ultraceuticals one) with a comfortable lukewarm water temperature, guaranteed to leave you feeling clean.
A cleansing mistake to avoid?
Not considering your skin type is a giant red flag in our eyes. Your cleanser should be selected based on your skin’s needs, nourishing it with ingredients it needs to feel hydrated, refreshed and perfectly balanced.
Unsure which cleanser is right for you? we’ve got a whole article all about it here.