Enhance Your Facial Cleansing Routine

Ask anyone you know what the first step of their skincare routine is, and we can bet their answer would be cleansing. Your mother was right all along about the importance regular cleansing (think about the times you used to get yelled at for going to bed without washing your face), regularly cleansing your face is the key step to achieving healthy looking, smooth and clear skin. Keep reading to find out how we will transform the task of cleansing your face from a dreaded chore to a treat!

First and foremost, cleansing removes dirt, oil, dead skin cells and other impurities. Even if you decide to sit at home with all the windows shut and be a couch potato, your skin inevitably gets exposed to bacteria, dust and other unwanted debris which can clog your pores and lead to other problems later. Daily washing removes these impurities to clarify your skin and allow other skincare products that you apply on your face to penetrate and work more effectively.

Alright, so where do we start? Facial cleansing products fall under two main groups namely face wash - those that you would typically use on a daily basis and makeup remover - which can come in the form of cleansing water, oil/balm or tissue for products that require additional cleansing to remove them completely from your skin's surface. 

 

Makeup Remover

As we have mentioned above, makeup removers come in different forms like cleansing oils or balms, cleansing water which is also known as micellar water, lip and eye remover and those convenient cleansing tissues that you can take with you on the go. These cleansers are essential in your routine especially if you wear makeup on a daily basis and to remove stubborn, point makeup like lipstick or waterproof eye makeup.

As counterintuitive as it sounds, oil based cleansers 'degrease' the skin by breaking down sebum, makeup and other impurities by the 'oil attracting oil' principle. This allows you to wipe or rinse them away without leaving your skin dry, as oil-based cleansers form a layer of moisture on the surface of your skin which you can rinse away when you use your facial cleanser. These type of cleansers work best for makeup wearers especially if you wear foundations, primers or makeup base. They are also an excellent option if your skin tends to be dry.

One of our favourite oil-based cleanser is AROMATICA Orange Cleansing Sherbet, a refreshing, citrus scented cleansing balm that maintains your skin's oil-water balance. It contains canola oil and organic Babassu seed oil to gently lift impurities, point makeup and leaves your skin soft, smooth and clean.

 

On the other hand, water-based makeup removers like Micellar water work by gathering impurities, bacteria and makeup on the skin and gently removing them without making the skin too dry or oily. Micellar water is also suitable for all skin types and there are many variants available to suit your skin's needs. The best part about micellar water is that despite being water-based they act like an oil-based cleanser in thoroughly drawing out impurities from the skin.

SON AND PARK Beauty Water effectively cleanses impurities, dead skin cells and clears the pores for smoother, balanced skin. It is enriched with Willow Bark and Papaya extract to keep the skin hydrated and clean without stripping moisture. The gentle, non-greasy formula is of this cleansing water is suitable for removing lighter makeup or when your skin just needs an extra step of cleansing to really get rid of that buildup on the surface.

 

Lip and eye makeup removers have gentle formulas that can effectively remove stubborn, waterproof point makeup like your lip stick and eyeliners. We know how much you hate having to look like a character from a horror movie when removing your makeup (trust us, we've been there too), that's why we have LANEIGE Lip & Eye Remover Waterproof. This little bottle of cleanser has a gentle formula with a pH that is the same as the tears our eyes produce, which means it won't sting your eyes and lips. Also, it contains aloe and chamomile extract to help protect and keep the skin soothed even after cleansing.

 

And of course, the most convenient of them all - facial cleansing tissues. These conveniently packed tissues are soaked in cleansing water which you can use anywhere, anytime to remove your makeup and they make the perfect travelling companion. PYUNKANG YUL Cleansing Tissue 25pc is made with 3 layers of high quality fabric that is soaked in essence containing centella asiatica, Spanish licorice root and white willow extract to soothe, moisturise and thoroughly cleanse the skin at the same time. Its gentle formula makes it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

 

 

Facial Wash

Hmm, I thought my face is already clean after using a makeup remover. Why do I need to include an additional step of using a facial cleanser?

There is a reason why your facial wash earns its spot as a permanent resident in your bathroom sink area. Your makeup remover is a step in which most impurities and dirt are removed from your skin, but to ensure that you completely get rid of all the remaining bits of impurities out, a second cleansing step is necessary. Facial cleansers work clear your skin which prevents breakouts while leaving the skin clean and refreshed to prepare it for the next steps of your skincare routine. After all, good skin begins with proper cleansing no matter how simple or complete your skincare routine is!

 

Facial wash can come in the form of a bubble cleanser, cream cleanser, gel type or even in powder form! The formulation is a personal preference and will depend on your skin type. Generally speaking, bubble cleansers like KLAIRS Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser are recommended to those with oily, acne-prone or combination skin. This bubble cleanser comes in a mess-free pump and forms a soft, lather that applies on the skin smoothly. It is formulated with aloe vera, hyaluronic acid and tea tree extract to keep the skin's pH balanced, deliver hydration without greasiness while treating troubled skin.

 

Cream cleansers are richer, more moisturizing and less sudsy compared to bubble cleansers which make them a better option for those with dry or mature skin. THE FACE SHOP Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser is one of our bestselling cleansers! This is definitely a must-have if you have dehydrated or dry skin. Made with rice and soapwort extract, this creamy cleanser helps improve complexion and deliver moisture to the skin while effectively removing impurities for luminous, smooth skin. The whipped cream-like formula glides smoothly on the skin to lift residue from your makeup remover along with other impurities to keep your skin fresh, clear and soft.

 

As its name says, gel cleansers have lightweight, gel-like consistency and somewhat slippery texture that is designed for deeper cleansing. Like bubble cleansers, they are generally suitable for those with oily, acne-prone or combination skin. Some gel cleansers even contain antibacterial or exfolaiting properties to prevent dead skin cells and bacteria from clogging your pores or irritating your skin. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is easily a K-beauty favourite and among the most popular gel cleansers out there. With a pH that is similar to our skin and infused with tea tree extract, this gel cleanser helps control excess sebum and clarifies the skin with a refreshing finish without feelings of tightness.

 

Remember how we said we will turn cleansing from a chore you dread to something that feels like a treat? BY WISHTREND Green Tea & Enzyme Powder Wash is a powder cleanser and gentle exfoliator formulated with green tea powder, papain enzyme and baking soda to deeply cleanse and gently exfoliate the skin to unclog pores, remove impurities and reveal smooth, glowing skin. Wait, powder cleanser? Yes! How unique is that? Upon contact with water, the cleanser forma a milky, smooth texture that glides easily on the skin. Rich in skin-benefiting antioxidants,the powder stimulates skin cell regeneration, soothes irritation and reduces inflammation. The cleanser has a mild formula that is suitable for all skin types, and pleasant green tea latte scent that awakens your senses.

 

 

Well, looks like mom's nagging about cleansing your face was worth listening to! Now that you have a better understanding of the importance of cleansing your face before anything else, it's time to enhance your facial cleansing routine with our favourite cleansers to allow your skin to better absorb the nutrients you provide it with.