Cleanser Done Right
Owen Murphy
| 13-01-2026
· Fashion team
Do we really know how to use cleanser the right way? Washing our face looks simple, but many details are often skipped or misunderstood. Cleanser is a daily skin care product that helps remove makeup, dirt, and daily buildup from our skin.
It is important to understand that cleanser is only for cleaning. It does not prevent or treat breakouts. When we use it correctly, our skin feels clean, comfortable, and ready for the next steps. Let’s walk through the process together in a clear and practical way.
What Cleanser Actually Does
We often expect one product to solve many problems, but cleanser has a clear role. It removes surface dirt, light makeup, and impurities that collect on our skin throughout the day. It does not control oil deeply or open pores. Knowing this helps us set the right expectations and avoid overusing it. With the right method, cleanser becomes a helpful daily habit instead of a source of irritation.
Step 1: Keep Hair Away From the Face
Before we start, we need to keep hair away from our skin. When leaning forward to apply cleanser, loose hair can fall onto the face and make the process messy. We can clip the bangs back and tie the rest into a ponytail. If our hair is short, a soft hair band works just fine. This small step makes the entire routine smoother.
Step 2: Wash Our Hands First
Clean hands matter more than we think. Before touching our skin, we should wash our hands with soap and warm water. Our hands can carry bacteria from daily activities. Skipping this step may lead to clogged pores or irritation. Clean hands help keep the cleansing process safe and gentle.
Step 3: Warm the Cleanser in Our Hands
We squeeze a suitable amount of cleanser into our palms and rub our hands together for a few seconds. This warms the product slightly and helps it spread more evenly. Once it feels close to skin temperature, it is ready to use. This step helps the cleanser feel more comfortable on the skin.
Step 4: Apply Gently to the Skin
We gently place our hands over the cheeks and spread the cleanser across the face and neck. There is no need to rush. After about ten seconds, we lift our hands and prepare for the next step. Gentle contact is key here.
Step 5: Light Tapping to Loosen Dirt
After applying the cleanser, we lightly tap the skin five or six times with both hands. This motion helps loosen dirt sitting on the surface. It is a simple action, but it supports more effective rinsing later.
Step 6: Massage With Care
Now we massage the cleanser evenly over the face and neck. Movements should be soft and controlled. We pay extra attention to areas like the sides of the nose and under the brows, where dirt tends to collect. The goal is to clean, not to scrub.
Step 7: Rinse With Warm Water
After massaging, we rinse with warm water. Warm water helps remove leftover cleanser without shocking the skin. We can also use a soft towel or cotton pad to gently remove remaining product.
Step 8: Remove Any Remaining Cleanser
Sometimes cleanser may still stay on the skin. If that happens, we dampen a towel with warm water, press it lightly onto the face for about five seconds, and then wipe gently. This step may need to be repeated to fully clear residue.
Step 9: Follow With Moisture Care
After cleansing, we apply our usual toner to refresh the skin. This helps maintain balance and supports clarity. Then we apply cream or lotion to lock in moisture. At this point, the skin is ready for makeup or sunscreen if needed.
When Should We Use Cleanser?
Cleanser is gentle enough to use both morning and evening. In the morning, it removes overnight buildup. In the evening, it helps clear light makeup and daily dirt. For heavier makeup, we first use a makeup remover, then follow with cleanser to finish cleaning.
Using Cleanser Around the Eyes
Cleanser can also help remove eye makeup when used carefully. We dampen a cotton pad with warm water, add a small amount of cleanser, and gently wipe from the inner corner outward. Afterward, we rinse with warm water to remove any residue.
A Gentle Ending for Better Habits
Lykkers, using cleanser correctly is not about doing more, but about doing it right. When we slow down and follow each step with care, daily cleansing becomes easier and more effective. Which step do we often skip? Let’s pay attention tonight and build better habits together.
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Video by Melissa Van Dijk