A Step-By-Step Guide To Using A Cleanser Successfully!

By Rish Sharma

Ask any grooming expert about the one thing that should be a part of your skincare routine, and the unanimous response would be ‘Cleansing-Exfoliation-Toning-Moisturising’. This is because your skin is pitted against insane pollution levels and damaging lifestyle habits.

Of these three steps, cleansing is the most important. Not many know the right way to use a cleanser or even its importance in skincare.

Let’s take a detailed look at why you need a cleanser, and how to use it the right way…

Why You Need A Cleanser…

Cleansers are skincare products available in different forms and types to cleanse or clean your skin. Every second of the day, various pollutants end up on your skin, causing irreversible damage in the long run, possibly skin cancer.

You may be washing your face at different times of the day, but is that enough? Sadly, some of the pollutants are so stubborn, that you may not be able to get rid of them so easily. Here is where cleansers can help.

Cleansers have multiple advantages. They contain elements that can help remove dirt, pollutants and also dead skin cells. They clean your skin thoroughly and deeply but without affecting the top layer of your skin.

Thus, the regular use of a cleanser will ensure that your skin remains clean and youthful. Did you know that the accumulation of dead skin cells on your skin can lead to a dull, unhealthy texture and the formation of wrinkles and fine lines? Remove the dead skin cells regularly, and you will be able to delay skin aging.

Dos And Don’ts Of Cleansing

1. Find a good cleanser

The first step is to get a cleanser that suits your skin type. Skin requirements vary as per the type. What skin type do you have? Is it dry, normal, oily, sensitive or combination skin?

We go deeper into this in our Guide and infographic.

2. Do not overdo it

You need to cleanse your skin twice a day — in the morning and at night before going to bed. Do not cleanse your skin more often because it will prove harmful to your skin.

3. Follow the CETM ritual

Cleansing may remove dirt, pollutants and dead skin cells, but it can also remove oil from your skin. If your skin is oily, it helps but if your skin is dry, then stripping your skin of oil is not healthy for your skin. But when you use a toner and moisturizer after cleansing, your skin is able to retain its hydration.

4. Take your time with cleansing

Haste is waste, and it is true for a cleanser as well. Some of you may apply cleanser and then wash it off immediately. What you should do is let the cleanser remain on the skin for a minute or two so that it works into the skin and breaks up dirt, dead skin cells and oil. So, while you wash off the cleanser, all of the dirt and dead cells also wash away.

5. Massage it right, massage it well

Remember, it is a cleanser and not a scrub. Use only your fingertips to massage the cleanser on your face, neck, back of the ear and neck. Work your fingers outward while massaging in a circular motion. The process will increase blood and oxygen circulation and thus help your skin be healthy, young and smooth.

6. Rinsing is essential

You should rinse off the cleanser well. Use lukewarm water first and then use cold water. It stimulates blood circulation and also shuts open pores.

7. Choose cleansers over soaps/face washes

If the face wash is mild, then it is fine for your face, but most face washes are soapy solutions. A cleanser is gentle and does not remove all the natural oils of your skin. Find a cleanser that has ingredients to clean your skin well.

Here’s How You Should Use A Cleanser

Follow these steps to get the maximum benefits out of using a cleanser…

• Wash your hands thoroughly. Use hands wash if need be.
• Splash a little lukewarm water on to your face to moisten the skin.
• Take a small amount of cleanser in your hand and using your fingertips, apply on your face. Use gentle and circular motions. Do not be hard on your skin. Ensure you cover the entire surface of your face — the hairline area, forehead, nose, cheeks, chin and also your neck.
• Most of the time, we are so focused on our face that we ignore the neck region, the emphasis is on the face and neck is ignored. If the neck region looks dirty and unkempt, it will show on your face. So, always ensure you cleanse, tone and moisturize your neck regularly.
• Apply the cleanser to the area behind your ears and neck as well. Cleansing your open shoulder is also necessary.
• Massage the cleanser onto your skin for at least a minute and leave it thus for two or three minutes. Allowing the cleanser to settle in your skin for a couple of minutes helps in deep penetration and draws out dirt and dead skin cells.
• The next step is rinsing every bit of cleanser using lukewarm water. Check if you have cleaned all parts of your skin where you have used the cleanser.
• After rinsing with lukewarm water, splash some cold water on your face because it will help in shrinking the pores. It will also increase blood circulation, thus lending your skin glow.
• Then, pat with a dry muslin cloth. Never rub your face harshly, but pat it gently.
• Always use a clean cloth to pat your face.
• Follow up the cleansing procedure with toning and moisturizing.

Following the right method of cleansing ensures clean, smooth skin. Make sure you make this a part of your daily skincare routine!