The Best Times to Use a Facial Cleanser
We can probably all agree that using a facial cleanser is one of the most important parts of any skin care routine. In fact, cleansing your skin should be the first step in your beauty regimen. That being said, there can be too much of a good thing. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it’s best to limit washing your face to just twice a day, plus after working up a sweat. But what, exactly, are the best times of day to cleanse your complexion? Here, we break down situations that could call for cleansing, along with our best facial cleansers for various skin care concerns.
USE FACIAL CLEANSER WHEN YOU WAKE UP
Good morning! Waking up signifies a fresh start—so why not give your skin the same? So, before applying your facial serum, eye cream, moisturizer, and all of your makeup, go ahead and wash your face to help remove impurities from the surface of your skin.
USE FACIAL CLEANSER POST-WORKOUT
Whether you were sitting in an indoor cycling class or trekking on the treadmill, it’s a good idea to follow up a workout by using a facial cleanser. Consider packing a no-rinse cleansing option, like micellar water or towelettes, with you in your gym bag so that you can cleanse even if there’s no space at the locker room sink.
USE FACIAL CLEANSER BEFORE BED
Don’t let your head hit the pillow without washing your face! Sleeping in your makeup is a skin care no-no. That’s because when you snooze in your makeup, it can mix with the dirt and oils on your face, which can lead to clogged pores—and clogged pores can lead to breakouts. After you’re done cleansing, apply a moisturizer to damp skin to help lock in hydration.
USE FACIAL CLEANSER IN THE SHOWER
Are you a morning or a nighttime shower kind of person? Well, regardless of when you like to bathe, tackling your skin care routine in the shower can be really practical. Consider keeping a facial cleanser by your tub so that you can save time by washing your face while you shower—whether that’s when you wake up or before you hit the sheets.
USE FACIAL CLEANSER AFTER TAKING A DIP IN THE OCEAN OR POOL
The same way your hair needs to be protected from pool water and ocean water, it’s a good idea to tailor your cleansing routine post-dip. While ocean water is known to be particularly healing, and is even considered to be a toner of sorts for irritated skin, it can also dry your skin significantly. Plus, you never know what’s swimming in the ocean or what may have happened in the pool, so it’s always best to rinse after every dip.
OUR BEST FACIAL CLEANSERS
Now that you’re up-to-date on the best times to wash your face, find your facial cleanser match. Whether you prefer to use a rinse-off facial cleanser, micellar water, or towelettes, we’ve got quite a few options for you.
L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliate & Refine Cleanser, L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Purify & Mattify Cleanser, and L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Cleanser: These three clay-to-mousse facial cleansers are formulated with three different types of clay. The formula helps to remove everyday impurities from the surface without over-drying skin. Once a day, squeeze your facial cleanser of choice into your hands and add water to transform it from clay to mousse. Gently massage the facial cleanser onto your face using circular motions, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Nourishing Cream Cleanser: As skin matures, it can lose moisture, nutrients, and natural oils, which can result in drier-looking skin. This cream facial cleanser with replenishing oils gently yet effectively removes traces of makeup without over-drying skin. Every morning and evening, lather the cleanser into wet hands, gently massaging it onto skin, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
L’Oréal Paris Ideal Clean™ All Skin Types Foaming Gel Cleanser: This foaming gel facial cleanser lifts dirt and impurities without drying out skin. To use, wet face and hands with lukewarm water, then work a small amount of gel into a foamy lather and massage it onto your face with a gentle, circular motion. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel.
L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Bright Reveal Brightening Daily Scrub Cleanser: Beyond wrinkles, dull, uneven tone can make skin look older. This scrub facial cleanser is formulated with gentle micro-pearls and glycolic acid to help exfoliate dullness and impurities. Morning and evening, lather the scrub facial cleanser into wet hands, massaging it onto skin in a circular motion, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Keep in mind that alpha hydroxy acids (such as glycolic acid) can increase your skin’s sun sensitivity, so always take sun protection measures when using this facial cleanser. These include using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher (and reapplying every two hours), wearing protective clothing and accessories, seeking shade, and limiting your sun exposure.
L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin, L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin, and L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types: Micellar water is a no-rinse cleansing option powered by tiny micelles—oil molecules—that act as a magnet to lift dirt, oil, and makeup up and away from the skin. Saturate a cotton pad with your micellar water of choice and wipe the pad across your face.
L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Radiant Smoothing Wet Cleansing Towelettes: Formulated with vitamin C, these wipes gently remove impurities and eye makeup. Just wipe a towelette across your face, follow up with moisturizer, and you’re good to go!
Sure, using a facial cleanser may seem like a no-brainer, but look at everything you just learned! Now, check out our article, 5 Places you Shouldn’t Forget to Apply Sunscreen, to further perfect your skin care routine.