Skincare Basics: Face Cleansing Tips

I’m a sucker for a full face of makeup, but it’s not realistic as a stay-at-home-mom to always have that perfect “beat” face. When it comes to beauty, good skincare techniques are more important than learning to wing your eyeliner. So over the years, I’ve made an extra effort to take care of my skin so that I can confidently rock a bare face.

Over the years, I’ll admit my cleansing routine has gotten a little more complicated than most. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the years is it’s impossible to have clear skin if it’s not clean. 

Especially if you’re like me and wear makeup somewhat regularly.

Here are 5 tips I’ve adopted over the last couple of years when it comes to keeping my skin squeaky clean!

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Wash your face for 60-seconds

I picked up this tip from @TheGoldenRx on Youtube and it’s a game-changer! Every single time I wash my face, I wash it for 60-seconds. This sounds too good to be true, but it’s been working wonders for me! According to her, your cleanser needs a full 60-seconds to effectively work. 

You may want to adjust which cleanser you are using for the full 60-seconds to prevent over-stripping your face. I love using Cereve’s Hydrating Cleanser, it’s gentle and keeps the skin hydrated with hyaluronic acid!

Wash your face twice a day

As a girl that loves makeup, I’ve learned that washing my face twice a day key! Yes, I thoroughly wash my face at night and never sleep with makeup on but it’s important to me to still wash my face in the morning with a gentle cleanser. I only like to apply makeup to a clean slate, and I don’t want to add makeup on top of sweat or oil built up in my pores overnight. 

On days I don’t wear makeup I still try to make a habit out of washing my face just for the sake of starting my day with a clean slate and preventing breakouts.

I want to emphasize, everybody’s skin is different. In my opinion, it’s worth a try if this isn’t the “norm” for you but, ultimately listen to your skin and do what works for YOU. 

Wash your face with clean fingers 

I only wash my face with clean fingers. I’m aware of all the fancy brushes out on the market and even using a good-ole’ washcloth but nothing beats using my clean hands to wash my face.

I’ve found that other tools irritate my skin and can be overly abrasive. 

This is another simple tip that doesn’t cost a cent and has been a game-changer in my routine. 

Double Cleanse

At night time I double cleanse, especially if I still have on a face full of makeup. The purpose of this is to get a deep and effective cleanse. 

I initially go in with an oil-based cleanser or product to remove makeup. My current favorite is the Pond’s Cold Press Cleanser.  The second cleanser I use varies on my cycle, eczema/dry spot flare-ups, or any issues that have popped up at the time. 

Work ahead of pesky breakouts

Hormonal breakouts are inevitable when it’s my time of the month. So on occasion, I use a second cleanser with salicylic acid at night after I use Cerave’s Hydrating Facial Cleanser. I specifically use a cleanser with salicylic acid because it penetrates my pores and gives the skin a deep cleaning. The closer you get to your cycle, the more build-up of oil in your pores from fluctuating hormones. Salicylic acid gives a great opportunity for controlling oil buildup. 

My current favorite cleanser with salicylic acid is LaRoche Posay’s Effaclar Medicated Gel Face Cleanser.

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Lastly, I can’t stress enough the importance of knowing the ingredients in your cosmetic products and intentionally using the right ingredients. I love using the Paula’s Choice dictionary to grasp a better understanding of what I’m using on my skin. 

XO.

Michelle