The Art of Cleansing: How to Cleanse Your Face the Right Way

The art of cleansing is so much more than removing makeup or rinsing off the day—it is the very beginning of every meaningful skincare ritual. A quiet, intentional act that invites us to pause, to connect, and to return to ourselves. It is, quite honestly, one of my favourite parts of the day.

The Art of Cleansing: A Ritual Steeped in History

Long before modern cleansers arrived on shelves, ancient traditions honoured the art of purification. Egyptians anointed their skin with oils and clays to draw out impurities. Romans and Greeks massaged olive oil into the skin before removing it with finely woven cloths. Across Asia, botanical waters, ground rice, and fermented grains were used to soften, brighten, and balance the complexion. Cleansing has always been a ritual of renewal.

In today’s world—with its layers of SPF, makeup, pollution, and stress—cleansing is more important than ever. But it’s also often misunderstood. We rush it, skip it, or unknowingly strip the skin with harsh formulas. Even the most beautifully formulated serums and moisturisers cannot do their best work if applied over uncleansed, unbalanced skin.

Let’s return to the roots of cleansing—not as a chore, but as a nourishing, essential part of your skin’s rhythm. One that grounds you in the moment and lays the foundation for true skin health.

Why Cleansing Matters More Than Ever

Your skin is not a blank canvas; it’s a living, breathing organ. It absorbs, protects, responds, and renews. And it needs space to do all of those things well.

Cleansing is the invitation. It clears away what your skin no longer needs and prepares it to receive what it does.

Proper cleansing:

• Supports your skin barrier
• Enhances the absorption of nourishing products
• Prevents congestion, dullness, and inflammation
• Aligns with your skin’s natural repair cycle

When done with intention, cleansing becomes the most transformative part of your skincare practice.

The Art of Cleansing for Your Skin’s Personality

Forget rigid skin types. Think of your skin as having a personality—sometimes bold, sometimes sensitive, often somewhere in between. The right cleanser is one that supports your skin’s current rhythm.

The Art of Cleansing Oily & Acne-Prone Skin:

Your skin thrives with balance—not aggression.

• Oil cleansers:
  • Help dissolve sebum and calm breakouts by balancing oil with oil.
• Gel cleansers:
  • Water-based and lightweight, ideal for a refreshing second cleanse.
• Clay cleansing balms:
  • Gently detoxify while softening and restoring clarity.

The Art of Cleansing Dry & Mature Skin:

Your skin needs nourishment and softness.

• Cream cleansers:
  • Hydrating and non-foaming, they cushion the skin while cleansing.
• Nourishing balms:
  • Melt away impurities while leaving behind a veil of moisture.
• Milk cleansers:
  • Gentle, soothing, and perfect for mornings or sensitive days.

The Art of Cleansing Combination Skin:

A bit of both? Honour that complexity.

• Oil Cleansers
  • Dissolve excess sebum while keeping the skin balanced.
• Micellar Water
  • A gentle option that removes light debris without disrupting hydration levels.
• Balm-to-Milk Cleansers
  • Rich enough for dry areas, light enough for oily zones.

The Art of Cleansing Sensitive & Reactive Skin:

Your skin asks for calm and consistency.

• Aloe-based cleansers:
  • Soothing, anti-inflammatory, and barrier-supportive.
• Milk or oat-infused formulas:
  • Comforting and gentle enough for daily use.

There is no perfect product—only the one that feels right for you, right now.

Common Cleansing Habits That Disrupt the Skin Barrier

Your skin barrier is your first line of defence, keeping moisture in and irritants out. However, poor cleansing habits can weaken this barrier, leading to dryness, redness, and breakouts. The art of cleansing is removing makeup, SPF and daily pollution without stripping your natural barrier.

Even with the best intentions, we can sometimes work against our skin’s natural needs. Here are a few habits to gently let go of:

Over-cleansing

• As someone with combination skin, I have a shameful history of this. Washing too frequently or with stripping products disrupts your natural oils and can lead to breakouts or dryness.
  • Try this instead: Cleanse once in the morning (or just rinse with water if skin feels calm) and double cleanse in the evening if you wear SPF or makeup.

Using Hot Water

• Heat can irritate and dehydrate the skin.
  • Try this instead: Use warm, not hot, water. Finish with a soft cloth and gentle pressure.

Skipping Nightly Cleansing

• Pollution, SPF, and sebum accumulate—even if you don’t wear makeup.
  • Try this instead: Choose a balm-to-milk or oil cleanser that makes you look forward to the ritual.

Relying on Makeup Wipes Alone

• They often leave residue and disrupt your skin’s microbiome.
  • Try this instead: Use reusable bamboo pads and micellar water for a gentle first step, then follow with a nourishing second cleanse.

Morning vs Evening: The Art of Cleansing as a Daily Rhythm

Your skin’s needs change throughout the day. Your cleansing ritual can, too.

Morning Cleansing Routine:

• A gentle cream, milk, or aloe-based cleanser helps refresh the skin.
• Or simply rinse with warm water and a soft cloth to awaken your complexion.

Evening Cleansing Routine

• First cleanse: Start with an oil-based balm or cleanser to dissolve SPF, makeup, and excess sebum.
• Second cleanse: Choose a gentle gel, milk, or cream suited to your skin’s current mood.

Evening cleansing is a beautiful time to slow down. Breathe in the scent of your cleanser, use gentle circular movements, and give your skin—and yourself—a moment of gratitude.

Final Thoughts: The Ritual That Grounds You

Cleansing may seem simple, but it is the most foundational act of skincare. It’s where intention meets action. Where the day falls away. Where ritual begins.

You don’t need a thousand products. You need presence, purpose, and a cleanser that supports your skin’s story.

So the next time you reach for your balm, your cloth, your oil—pause. Breathe. Let it be a return to yourself.

“Let your skincare be a ritual, not a routine.”
— Rebecca Isabel