Quick, gentle, and thorough—the best cleansing routine for me.
Find a place (or create one if you have to) to engage in stimulating conversations with yourself. Here, self-reflection can bring optimal results when you feel safe and secure in your personal space. The idea of not allowing anyone physically to enter your holy space fortifies and consolidates the belief that no one can trouble your mental peace. Your space should be organized, not messy. Make your bed clutter-free, fold the bed sheets properly, etc.
I explored some of the best cleansing routines online and agree with them that cleansing your face meticulously is the primary step to getting acne-free skin. With many skin care products making headlines and boasting quick results (as if they have a magic ingredient), we unintentionally refuse to acknowledge the importance of proper face cleansing. We cling to skincare products, hoping they solve our acne problems. But are they the sole restorers of clean and clear skin? Many skincare products might prove ineffective unless you follow the right regime. Crafting a perfect cleansing regime is achieved using the right facial cleansers (whether chemical-based or natural-based), along with the adoption of healthy habits.
Acne invites itself ungraciously (especially on special days), which spoils our mood. I swear we all experience this infuriating experience. But the primary cause of its reappearance lies in one’s unhealthy habit of not cleansing the face as needed. Don’t get me started with the biggest acne-contributing habit, which is picking at it. Since surrendering to this villainous acne is not an option, I give you the best cleansing routine to achieve perfect acne-free skin.
Navigating a busy schedule to find time for a daily cleansing ritual seems challenging, but incorporating this essential step will refresh your skin. Investing in a daily cleaning ritual will pay its dividend in the form of radiant and clear skin as time progresses. Crafting and sticking to a daily cleansing routine, morning and night requires patience. But take it from me, who once struggled with acne-prone skin: persistence pays off. My acne-filled face underwent a riveting transformation when I followed my 9-part rules cleansing routine.
Follow my best cleansing routine to get acne-free skin
1. The first step is for the makeup lovers. I occasionally put on makeup but my cleansing routine always begins with removing it before a thorough cleansing. I use a makeup remover to wipe off these extra layers from my face. Some people use facial cleansers to remove makeup, but I don’t find this choice effective. The main objective of cleansing is to protect the skin by removing grime, but using it on makeup does not guarantee the best result. A makeup remover first helps remove excess dirt and prepares the skin for the actual cleansing process.
2. I wet my face thoroughly (I do this once I remove my makeup) to prepare it for the cleanse. I always use lukewarm water to maintain the correct temperature of my skin. I do not advise applying hot water to your face as it can dilate blood vessels and cause breakage of your delicate skin tissues.
3. I use the right face cleanser that suits my skin needs. My skin had acne and slight whiteheads. So, I started using a gel-based facial cleanser containing a combination of salicylic acid and neem. Salicylic acid acts as an exfoliant and removes dead skin. It also reduces sebum production that causes acne, and neem terminates acne-causing bacteria and soothes the skin. Other powerful combinations that treat acne include benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, etc.
4. I take a small amount of my cleanser and gently massage it all over my face. This is my favorite step in my routine. Self-massage is a therapeutic way to boost blood circulation in your face. I avoid scrubbing my skin unless I am exfoliating it. (I exfoliate twice a week with my homemade cleanser.)
5. I use a clean face towel to remove water.
6. I do not cleanse my face for a long time. I wash my face for 15–20 seconds. I added “quick” to my routine tagline for a reason. You may think that cleansing your face for a longer time will make it clean and grime-free but do not believe this purported truth. The dermis of facial skin is evidently sensitive and prone to lots of irritation (no wonder acnes are frequent visitors). Washing your face with the ingredients in the cleanser comprises this natural skin barrier, making it susceptible to other skin issues.
7. I apply moisturizer after a thorough face cleanse. A moisturizer is a must for acne-prone skin, as it contains both humectants (to retain water in the skin) and occlusive ingredients (to lock in hydration in the skin).
8. I repeat my cleansing routine in the morning, evening (if I am at home), and night to clean my face. It is a good idea to wash your face twice or three times daily to prevent accumulated dirt and sweat from causing acne.
Why do I call this routine the best cleansing routine for acne-free skin? This routine carefully refines the process to maximize its effectiveness. The included steps holistically and sincerely improve your skin without aggravating any skin conditions. This is a slow process, and it requires a consistent habit system for productive results.
Choose cleansers over soap
I do not use soap to wash my face. That’s it! I invest in curated facial cleansers, which are milder in formulation than soaps. The strong chemical composition in soaps penetrates sensitive facial skin and can cause inflammation. I am guilty of giving in to the temptation of buying all the facial cleansers my eyes had laid upon. My teenage days focused on reading about all kinds of cleansers and trying them out of fascination. Their so-called “guarantees” disappointed me as my skin health deteriorated to dryness and irritation. Upon reflection, I realized that switching facial cleansers frequently (which exposed my skin to different ingredients) hindered the achievement of healthy skin.
I settled with at most two cleansers at once. I alternate between two facial cleansers that perfectly suit my combination skin. My T-zone (forehead and nose) becomes oily, and my cheeks are slightly dry. I use an anti-acne cleanser during my menstrual period (to treat new acne breakouts) and a hydrating facial cleanser on other days.
Choosing facial cleansers for acne-free skin
I invested numerous hours searching for the ideal cleanser to treat my acne. In no time, my mind was populated with the considerations of various brands. Follow this guide to spare you the trouble of spending long hours on the screen. Here’s a guide to choosing facial cleansers for your skin.
Advice 1: Choose the right cleanser for your skin type
Facial cleansers are beneficial for washing your face, but brands formulate them according to different skin types. Plus, washing your face too frequently can be another reason for skin irritation. The first step before buying any cleanser is to check your skin type. The cleanser should kill bacteria on your skin that may cause acne. Ask these questions: What is your skin type?; Is it oily or dry?; Is it prone to acne? Knowing your skin type tells you which cleanser is beneficial for your skin. Here’s a way to figure out your type:
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and dry it with a clean face towel. Wait for approximately 20–30 minutes, and check your skin.
If it becomes shiny, you have oily skin.
If it becomes flaky, you have dry skin.
If your skin shows irritation, burning sensations, or redness, then you have sensitive skin.
If only your T-zone is shiny, you have combination skin.
If your skin doesn’t show the above results, you have normal skin.
The following is the categorization for skin types:
Normal skin: water-based, creamy, or foaming gel-based facial cleansers
Combination and sensitive skin: hypoallergenic, gentle, or mild cleansers
Dry skin: gentle, creamy, or hydrating facial cleansers
Oily skin: gel-based or foamy facial cleansers
Acne skin: anti-acne facial cleanser
Advice 2: Study the brands before buying
Each skincare brand has a unique narrative. Look for brands that commit to their narratives. Opt for narrators who follow eco-friendly packaging and responsible practices. Choose those that are transparent about their formulations and ingredients. Research the brand’s reputation. Are they engaging in cruelty-free, vegan practices? Do they offer allergen-free formulations? Have dermatologists endorsed their products? Read the customers’ testimonials to figure out if the brands deliver on their promises.
Advice 3: Review the formulations
Each skin type has unique requirements, prompting skincare brands to tailor their formulations accordingly. When selecting products, check the listed chemical and natural ingredients mentioned in the product description. Check the concentrations of the ingredients. For example, the concentration of salicylic acid for normal to oily skin can be 2%, whereas dry or sensitive skin requires 1%. The concentration percentage also directs your routine application: 2% salicylic acid for dry skin will require using it 2-3 times a week. Steer clear of harmful chemicals like sulfates. Go for non-comedogenic products that control oil production and prevent clogging the pores on the skin.
Review the ingredient lists for specific skin types. Skincare brands often blend ingredients to provide effective results for various conditions.
For dry skin: hyaluronic acid, ceramides, jojoba oil, glycerin, squalane oil, and lanolin
For oily skin: salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinol, tea tree oil, aloe vera
For normal skin: vitamin C, salicylic acid, and retinol
For sensitive skin: hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide
For combination skin: AHAs, BHAs, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid
Advice 4: Go for a gentle, fragrance-free formulation
Companies add fragrances to their products to elevate the sensory experience. But they can pose a risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions. Therefore, opting for a fragrance-free formulation benefits your facial skin, reduces the likelihood of any adverse conditions, and provides a gentler experience.
Conclusion
Acne-free skin is the dream of every person. With a tailored cleansing routine and lifestyle adjustments, radiant and acne-free skin is within reach. Say goodbye to acne breakouts and hello to glowing skin with the help of this best cleansing routine.