Facial Treatment By Nana · 8 min read

Facial Cleansing: the Right Routine for Clear Skin

Well-groomed skin does not start with the most expensive cream, but with the right cleansing. Anyone who cleanses their face regularly and in a way that suits their own skin type creates the foundation that allows all other skincare products to work in the first place. In this guide you will learn why facial cleansing is so important, in which order to proceed and which mistakes you are better off avoiding.

Why facial cleansing is the basis of any skincare

Over the course of a day, many things build up on your skin: excess sebum, dead skin flakes, sweat, residues of make-up, sun protection and fine dirt from the environment. At night, the skin additionally produces sebum and regenerates itself. If all these residues remain, they can clog the pores, make the complexion look dull and encourage blemishes.

A thorough but gentle cleansing removes these deposits without overwhelming the skin. At the same time, it prepares the skin to better absorb the active ingredients from serum and cream. In short: without a clean basis, a large part of your skincare goes to waste.

Cleansing in the morning and evening – what matters

In the morning and evening, cleansing fulfils slightly different tasks.

In the morning your skin is usually only lightly soiled. Overnight, mainly sebum and residues of the night care have accumulated. For many skin types, a mild cleansing is therefore enough in the morning – with very dry or sensitive skin, sometimes even clear lukewarm water is sufficient. This way you start the day fresh without drying out the skin.

In the evening, thorough cleansing is especially important. Now you want to completely remove make-up, sun protection, sebum and the dirt of the day. Here the so-called double cleansing is often worthwhile.

Double Cleansing: the double cleanse in the evening

With double cleansing you cleanse in two steps:

• Step 1 – oil-based cleansing: A cleansing oil or a cleansing balm dissolves greasy residues such as make-up, sun protection and sebum particularly well, because fat dissolves in fat.
• Step 2 – water-based cleansing: A mild cleansing gel or a cleansing milk then removes the last residues as well as water-soluble dirt and sweat.

Double cleansing is particularly useful if you have worn make-up or sun protection. With very dry or irritated skin, you can use it less often and reduce it to a single mild cleanse on low-care days.

Matching the cleansing to your skin type

Not every skin needs the same thing. It is important that the product suits your skin type.

• Dry skin: Choose creamy, replenishing products such as a cleansing milk or a gentle balm. They cleanse without additionally stripping the skin of moisture and oil.
• Oily skin: Here a cleansing gel or a light cleansing foam, which dissolve excess sebum well, are often suitable. Still make sure to use a mild formulation so that the skin doesn’t “counteract” and produce even more sebum.
• Combination skin: With an oily T-zone and drier cheeks, a balanced, mild gel is usually a good choice. You can also proceed differently on the various areas.
• Sensitive skin: Rely on particularly mild, low-fragrance products. Micellar water or a gentle milk cleanse gently without heavily stressing the skin’s protective barrier.

If you are unsure, start with a mild product and observe how your skin reacts. If it feels very tight after cleansing, the product is probably too aggressive.

The right water temperature

An often underestimated point is the water. Always cleanse your face with lukewarm water. Water that is too hot strips the skin of oil and moisture, can irritate it and encourages a feeling of tightness. Water that is too cold, on the other hand, dissolves dirt and sebum less well. Lukewarm is the ideal compromise: pleasant, gentle and effective.

An overview of suitable product types

To make it easier for you to find the right thing, here are the common product types and when they make sense:

• Cleansing gel: Refreshing, good for oily and combination skin as well as for removing sebum.
• Cleansing milk: Creamy and mild, ideal for dry and sensitive skin.
• Cleansing foam: Light and airy, pleasant for normal to oily skin.
• Micellar water: Practical with no rinsing, very mild – good for sensitive skin or on the go.
• Cleansing oil/balm: Perfect as the first step in double cleansing to dissolve make-up and sun protection.

Common mistakes in facial cleansing

Many skin problems arise less from too little than from incorrect cleansing. You should avoid these mistakes:

• Water that is too hot, which dries out and irritates the skin.
• Cleansing too often or too aggressively, which weakens the natural protective barrier.
• Rough cloths or vigorous rubbing, which mechanically irritate and promote redness.
• Over-care: too many products and steps at once, which can overwhelm the skin.
• Skipping cleansing in the evening, so that make-up and dirt stay on the skin overnight.

Less is often more here. A calm, consistent routine usually brings better results than constantly changing, intensive measures.

Step by step: your cleansing routine

This is how you proceed in a structured way:

1. Wash your hands, so that you don’t bring additional germs to your face.
2. Dampen your face with lukewarm water (or, with oil/balm, apply directly to the dry skin).
3. Distribute the cleansing product gently with your fingertips in circular movements.
4. Rinse off with lukewarm water until no residues can be felt anymore.
5. In the evening, if needed, follow up with the second cleansing step (water-based).
6. Gently pat your face dry with a clean, soft cloth – do not rub.
7. Afterwards continue with serum and care while the skin is still slightly damp.

Which skin type are you?

The right cleansing depends heavily on your skin type. Take the short test and get an immediate assessment with suitable tips:

Welcher Hauttyp bist du?

Beantworte fünf kurze Fragen und finde heraus, welche Pflege am besten zu deiner Haut passt.

Wie fühlt sich deine Haut kurz nach der Reinigung an?

Spannt und fühlt sich rau an Schnell wieder glänzend, besonders auf der Stirn An der Stirn glänzend, an den Wangen normal Gereizt, manchmal leicht gerötet

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How often should I cleanse my face? As a rule, twice a day: in the morning and in the evening. With very dry skin, clear water can be enough in the morning.

Do I absolutely need double cleansing? No. It is mainly useful if you wear make-up or sun protection. On low-care days, a mild cleanse is often enough.

Is micellar water a complete cleansing? It cleanses mildly and is practical, especially on the go. With make-up or sun protection, a subsequent cleanse with water is often advisable.

My skin feels tight after cleansing – what should I do? A feeling of tightness usually indicates a product that is too aggressive or water that is too hot. Switch to a milder formulation and use lukewarm water.

Should I apply care immediately after cleansing? Yes, ideally promptly, while the skin is still slightly damp. This way moisture can be locked in well.

With regular, mild cleansing tailored to your skin type, you lay the foundation for a well-groomed, balanced complexion – entirely without a complicated routine.

↗ Share article