How Should Proper Skin Cleansing Be Done?

Skin cleansing is the foundation of every skincare routine. No matter how good a serum or cream you use, skin that hasn’t been cleansed—or whose barrier has been stressed—cannot benefit optimally from active ingredients. In this article, we will walk through a scientifically balanced, daily-life-friendly cleansing approach step by step—one that can be adapted to different skin types.

1) The Purpose of Cleansing: Not “resetting to zero,” but “restoring balance”

The skin’s natural barrier is made up of lipids, free fatty acids, and components of the NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor). The goal is not to strip this barrier, but to remove the sebum, sweat, dirt, air-pollution particles, sunscreen, and makeup that accumulate throughout the day. Proper cleansing:

Wrong cleansing, on the other hand, can lead to a feeling of tightness, excessive dryness, redness, increased sebum production (rebound), and barrier disruption.

2) Morning vs. Night: Different needs

Morning: Gently removing the sebum and sweat that build up overnight is usually enough. In the morning, a single-step, low-foaming gel/foam or a cream cleanser is generally preferred.

Night: Because of sunscreen, makeup, and urban pollution, the skin needs a more effective cleanse in the evening. Double cleansing (an oil-based cleanser + a gentle water-based gel) is an effective yet barrier-friendly solution for most people.

3) Steps of the Correct Technique

4) Cleansing Strategy by Skin Type

Oily / Acne-Prone

Combination

Dry / Barrier-Compromised

Sensitive / Rosacea-Prone

Mature Skin

5) Product Ingredient Guide (Short)

6) Common Mistakes

7) Double Cleansing: For whom, and when?

8) Compatibility with Active Ingredients

9) Special Situations

After Workouts

Beard / Men’s Skin

Teen Skin

Pregnancy / Breastfeeding

Post-Procedure (Microneedling, etc.)

10) Hygiene and Tools

11) Weekly Care: What, and how often?

12) Sample Routines

Minimalist Routine (Normal/Combination)

Morning: Gentle gel cleanser → Moisturizer → SPF.

Night: (If no makeup) Gentle gel cleanser → Moisturizer.

(1–2 times per week: mild AHA/BHA/PHA, depending on skin tolerance.)

Acne-Prone Routine (Oily/Combination)

Morning: Gentle gel cleanser → Niacinamide/Zinc-support serum → Lightweight moisturizer → SPF.

Night: Double cleanse → BHA product (every other day) → Moisturizer.

(For persistent acne, consult a dermatologist.)

Dry/Sensitive Routine

Morning: (If needed) Very gentle cream/gel cleanser → Barrier-support moisturizer → SPF.

Night: Gentle gel/cream cleanser (brief contact time) → Serum with Panthenol/HA → Rich moisturizer.

(If irritation occurs, reduce frequency.)