Learn how to perform a proper facial cleansing

Why is facial cleansing so important?

Facial cleansing is important for several reasons. First, it helps remove pollutants, dust, bacteria, excess oil, and dead skin cells that accumulate on the skin on a daily basis. If not removed, these impurities can clog pores, and sometimes lead to blemishes and blackheads, or lead to other skin concerns if left. That's why performing facial cleansing twice a day will help keep the skin looking healthy and free of impurities.

 

Another important aspect is that a properly performed facial cleansing routine can help prepare the skin for the application of other skincare products. Removing impurities facilitates the absorption of products such as moisturisers, serums, or specific treatments, maximising their benefits.

 

Not all facial cleansers are appropriate for all skin types. Therefore, making sure to use a facial cleanser that is right for your skin type, and not over-exfoliating, is key to not diminishing the integrity of the barrier function and causing dryness, and sometimes even a tightness sensation. It is essential to understand which ingredients are right for your skin and how to use them correctly for facial cleansing.

   

What ingredients are suitable according to your skin type?

It is important to know your skin type when choosing the most suitable products and ingredients in your skincare.

• Oily and combination skin: Ingredients such as salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), are recommended to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, making it an ideal choice for those with oily skin. It is advisable to use a facial cleanser for oily skin with active ingredients such as salicylic acid, clay, niacinamide and the three essential ceramides, as formulas with these ingredients can help to sebum-regulate and mattify the skin, while moisturising and repairing the skin barrier.
 
• Sensitive and dry skin: It is important to select ingredients that are gentle and moisturising. Look for a facial cleanser for sensitive or dry skin that contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and glycerin. Formulas with these ingredients can help protect and maintain the skin’s natural barrier, while providing hydration and nourishment. A facial cleanser for dry or sensitive skin will purify your skin while preserving its natural oils.

 

What facial cleansing products and tools are recommended?

Having the right products is essential for a successful facial cleansing routine.

• Gentle facial cleanser: A gentle facial cleanser is essential for cleansing the face without irritating the skin. Look for a cleanser that is formulated for your skin type, whether it is dry, oily, combination, or sensitive, has a physiological pH, and has been tested under dermatological control.
 

For oily or combination skin, it is recommended to use a product that respects the skin's protective barrier such as CeraVe Foaming Cleanser or CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser.

 

For dry skin, the use of specific cleansers, creams, foaming oil, or cream-foam textures is recommended, as they provide gentle hydration while purifying the face. Try CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser or Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser if you have this skin type.

 
• Micellar water: Micellar water is a gentle cleansing product containing micelles, which are small spheres formed by surfactants that attract and remove dirt, makeup and impurities from the skin without the need of rinsing. It is ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin, as it does not usually irritate it. You can use micellar cleansing water as a first step or as the only step in your facial cleansing routine to remove makeup and cleanse the skin.
 
• Facial toner: Facial toners help to balance the pH of the skin after facial cleansing and prepare it for moisturising products. Look for a toner that contains moisturising and soothing ingredients.
 
• Facial scrub: A facial scrub can help remove dead skin cells and keep the skin smooth and radiant. However, it is important not to over-exfoliate, as this can irritate the skin. Look for a gentle exfoliant and use it once or twice a week, or as recommended.
 
• Facial brush: Facial brushes can be used for deep cleansing of the face. There are several types of facial brushes available. Make sure to choose one with soft bristles and one that is suitable for your skin type. These can be used in conjunction with your gentle facial cleanser to help remove dirt, makeup, and impurities from the skin.
 

Most common skin cleansing errors

In this section, we will tell you about some of the most common mistakes people make when cleansing.

• Use of hot water: Hot water can be harmful to the facial skin, as it can strip the skin's natural oils and cause dryness and redness. It is better to use lukewarm or cold water.
 
• Using harsh cleansers: Some facial cleansers contain harsh ingredients such as fragrances, which can be irritating to the facial skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. It's important to choose gentle cleansers formulated for your skin type to avoid irritation and dryness.
 
• Incomplete removal of makeup: It’s essential to make sure you completely remove your makeup from the face before cleansing. Leaving traces of makeup on the skin can clog pores and cause blemishes or skin irritations.
 
• Vigorous scrubbing: Rubbing the facial skin vigorously when cleansing can cause irritation and damage the skin barrier. It is best to use gentle, circular motions with your hands or a soft facial cleansing tool.
 
• Not cleansing the neck and décolleté: Many people forget to cleanse the neck and décolleté as well, which can result in a buildup of dirt and makeup in these areas. Be sure to include the neck and décolleté in your facial cleansing routine to keep them clean and looking healthy.
 
• Not rinsing your face properly: It is important to thoroughly rinse the skin after facial cleansing to ensure that no cleanser residue is left on the skin, as this can clog pores and lead to skin concerns.
 
• Using a wet or dirty towel: If you use a wet or dirty towel to dry your face after cleansing, you could transfer bacteria and dirt to your skin, which can cause clogged pores and lead to blemishes. It is important to use a clean, dry towel to dry your face after cleansing.
 
• Exfoliating the skin too much: While chemical or physical exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and promote cell regeneration, over exfoliating will significantly impact the skin barrier, removing part of the skin's hydrolipidic film, causing tightness, stinging, and even redness and inflammation. If you use an exfoliating cleanser, limit it to once or twice a week, and be gentle when applying it to your face.

 

Find our best facial cleanser for your skin type

To achieve a healthy and luminous appearance it is important to choose the right facial cleanser. Note it is important to consider your skin type and its characteristics when choosing a cleanser.

 

Facial cleanser for oily and combination skin: CeraVe Moisturising Micellar Water and CeraVe Foaming Cleanser

Care for oily and combination skin requires special attention. Choosing the right facial cleanser for oily and combination skin is essential to effectively removing dirt and oil without drying it out while maintaining the skin's protective barrier.

   

CeraVe Micellar Cleansing Water is ideal for all skin types. It is a gentle formula that removes dirt and makeup without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.

 

For proper facial cleansing, pair it with CeraVe Foaming Cleanser for optimal results.

   

A great recommendation for people with oily and combination skin is CeraVe Foaming Cleanser. This facial cleanser developed by dermatologists for normal to oily skin provides deep facial cleansing without stripping the skin of any moisture. Its gentle foaming action helps remove excess oil and dirt, leaving the skin revitalised and soft.

 

Its formula includes niacinamide, hyaluronic acid & 3 essential ceramides, and is non-comedogenic to prevent clogged pores.

 

Facial cleanser for normal to dry skin: CeraVe Hydrating Cream to Foaming Cleanser

For normal to dry skin, suitable cleansers are the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser or Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser. These cleansers effectively work in just a single step to cleanse and remove makeup from the skin while moisturising it. They are fragrance-free and have been tested under dermatological and ophthalmological control.

   

CeraVe Hydrating Cream to Foam Cleanser is the recommended choice for normal to dry skin. It's formulated with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and amino acids. This formula helps maintain the skin's natural barrier, hydrate and plump the skin, and help retain moisture.

 

Its mild, non-comedogenic formula is perfect for daily use, even for those with delicate skin, and its foaming texture provides thorough cleansing without the need for aggressive scrubbing.

 

Having a proper cleansing routine is an important part of achieving a healthy appearance. CeraVe develops effective products, tested under dermatological control, to help support the integrity of our skin's barrier function, the wall that protects our skin from contact with the outside world. By following these tips and using the right cleanser, you can help your skin remain clean and radiant every day.