Face Cleansing Done Right: Step-by-Step Guide for Radiant Skin

Cleansing your face seems easy—just splash, scrub, rinse, and you’re good to go, right? Not exactly. Using the wrong cleanser or skipping key steps can leave your skin dry, irritated, or breakout-prone. The good news? A few simple tweaks can make a huge difference. Let’s talk about how to cleanse the right way, so your skin stays fresh, clear, and ready to soak up all the good stuff from your skincare routine.

Why Cleansing the Right Way Matters

Dirt, oil, and makeup pile up on your skin throughout the day. If you don’t wash them off properly, they can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Plus, clean skin absorbs skincare products better. So, if you’re investing in serums and moisturizers, cleansing the right way makes them work even harder for you.

Types of Cleansers

Cleansers come in all textures and formulas, each designed to tackle different skincare needs.

• Gel Cleansers – These have a lightweight, jelly-like texture and are great for deep cleaning. They remove dirt, oil, and bacteria while feeling fresh on the skin.
• Foaming Cleansers – When mixed with water, these lather up into a bubbly foam that sweeps away excess oil and impurities.
• Cream Cleansers – Rich and creamy, these cleansers nourish while they cleanse. They remove dirt without stripping the skin’s natural moisture.
• Oil Cleansers – These dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil without disrupting the skin barrier.
• Micellar Water – A no-rinse formula made of tiny oil molecules (micelles) that lift dirt, oil, and makeup without harsh rubbing.
• Clay Cleansers – Infused with natural clays, these draw out toxins and absorb excess oil. They offer a deep cleanse without over-drying.

How to Pick the Right Cleanser for Your Skin Type

The perfect cleanser isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your skin type determines what works best—choose wrong, and you could end up with breakouts, dryness, or irritation.

Oily Skin

If your skin gets shiny fast or feels greasy by midday, you need a cleanser that controls oil without over-drying. Look for lightweight, gel-based, or foaming cleansers with ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil to clear pores and reduce excess sebum.

A good option you can try is CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser, which helps to clear out excess oil and prevent breakouts while also gently exfoliating the skin without causing irritation.

Dry Skin

If your skin often feels tight, flaky, or rough, a hydrating cleanser is your best friend. Go for a creamy or milky formula with moisturizing ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid.

You can try La Roche-Posay Toleriane Cleansing Lotion, a gentle and non-foaming cleanser with glycerin that hydrates while cleansing.

Sensitive Skin

Easily irritated skin needs a fragrance-free, gentle cleanser that removes dirt without disrupting the skin barrier. Look for soothing ingredients like chamomile, aloe vera, or oat extract.

A good option you can try is Round Lab Mugwort Calming Cleanser. This has a low-pH formula and contains mugwort extract, which soothes and hydrates while cleansing. It’s also free from harsh surfactants that can strip moisture.

Combination Skin

If you’re oily in the T-zone but dry elsewhere, balance is key. A mild gel or foaming cleanser that removes excess oil without drying out the skin works best.

Consider CeraVe Foaming Cleanser—a gel-based formula with ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier, niacinamide to soothe, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, making it perfect for combination skin that needs oil control without dryness.

Step-by-Step: How to Use Face Cleanser Like a Pro

1. Wash Your Hands First

Your hands touch everything, from your phone to doorknobs. You don’t want all that grime transferring to your face. Give them a quick wash with soap before touching your skin.

2. Remove Makeup First (If You Wear It)

Cleansers work best on bare skin. If you wear makeup or sunscreen, use micellar water, a cleansing balm, or an oil-based remover first. This breaks down stubborn products so your cleanser can do a deep clean.

3. Wet Your Face with Lukewarm Water

Hot water strips away natural oils, while cold water won’t loosen buildup. Lukewarm is just right—it opens pores slightly without drying out your skin.

4. Use the Right Amount of Cleanser

A dime-sized amount is usually enough. Using too much can be wasteful, and too little might not be effective. Follow the product’s instructions for best results.

5. Massage Gently (No Scrubbing!)

Apply the cleanser in circular motions with your fingertips. Be gentle—scrubbing can irritate skin and cause micro-tears. Focus on oily areas like the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), but don’t forget your hairline and jawline.

6. Rinse Thoroughly

Leftover cleanser can clog pores and cause breakouts. Rinse with lukewarm water until your skin feels clean but not tight.

7. Pat Dry (Don’t Rub!)

Use a soft, clean towel and gently pat your face dry. Rubbing can stretch your skin and lead to irritation.

8. Follow Up with Skincare

Apply toner, serum, and moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp. This helps lock in hydration and enhances absorption.

Common Cleansing Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Avoid these common cleansing mistakes—they could be sabotaging your skin without you even realizing it!

• Overwashing – Washing more than twice a day can strip your skin of natural oils, leading to dryness or excess oil production.
• Skipping Morning Cleansing – Even if you wash at night, your skin accumulates oil and bacteria overnight. A morning cleanse preps your face for the day.
• Using Dirty Towels – Reusing face towels too often can spread bacteria. Use a fresh towel every few days or switch to disposable face tissues.

Choosing the right cleanser and technique makes all the difference—so treat your skin well, and it’ll reward you with a healthy glow. And also if you want to know how to double clean your face, check our post here.