All you need to know about facial cleansing

• Double cleansing removes makeup, sunscreen, sebum, and impurities in two simple steps for a deeper cleanse.
• Oil cleansers gently dissolve excess oil, makeup, and sunscreen without stripping the skin.
• Daily cleansing helps remove dirt, sweat, and bacteria to keep skin clear and balanced.
• Choose a cleanser based on your skin type: hydrating for dry skin, soothing for sensitive skin, and gel or foam formulas for combination and oily skin.

This beauty trend has its roots in Korean skin care, but is now also well established over here. As the name suggests, double cleansing is a two-step process. The first cleanse removes make-up, sebum and dirt, while the second cleanse penetrates deeper into the skin to rid it of excess oil and dead skin cells. This leaves your skin perfectly primed for the skincare products to follow. Double cleansing is suitable for all skin types as long as the products used are precisely tailored to the skin’s needs.

Using an oil as a cleanser is particularly gentle on the skin. The principle behind oil cleansing is that “like dissolves like”: as the cleansing oil is gently massaged into the skin, it binds with any excess oil the skin has absorbed throughout the day. A cleansing oil can also dissolve waterproof make-up and impurities such as pollutants and dirt. Oil-based cleansers are a particularly good choice for those with dry skin, as they supply the skin with important nutrients.

1.    Apply the cleanser: You want to start by removing make-up and large particles of dirt from the skin. To do this, apply your chosen cleansing product to dry skin on the face and neck.

2.    Massage in: Moisten your fingertips and massage the product into the skin until the texture of the cleanser changes.

3.    Rinse off and dry: Use clear tap water to rinse off the product. Gently pat the skin dry with a soft cloth.

4.    Going deeper: Once the face is free from the majority of impurities, it’s time to remove particularly stubborn dirt and dead skin cells. You can decide whether to use a gel, cleansing milk or facial toner for this step – just make sure it is tailored to your skin’s individual needs. Once or twice a week, an exfoliant can also be used to clarify the skin more intensively.

5.    Apply product: Lotions and gels can be applied directly to the skin, while toners are best applied using a cotton pad. Massage the product into the skin or gently sweep the cotton pad over the face.

6.    Rinse off: Wash off the exfoliant, lotion or gel with water and gently pat the face dry.

The result: Visibly fresh and deeply cleansed skin that is perfectly prepared for the subsequent skincare steps.

Mature skin often has a tendency to become dry. It is therefore crucial to supply the skin with additional moisture. To avoid drying out the skin even more through cleansing, we recommend using cleansing oils and nourishing lotions or a cleansing milk. Make sure the products you use have a moisturising effect and leave the skin feeling soft and supple.

Sensitive skin needs to be treated with extra care – including when cleansing. If your skin is easily irritated and prone to redness, aggressive cleansing products should be avoided. Gentle lotions or a soothing cleansing milk are best for the daily cleansing of sensitive skin. Be particularly gentle when massaging the cleanser into the skin, as rubbing too hard can cause further irritation.

Cleansing gels and foams are particularly good for combination skin, as they remove excess oil. If the skin is also prone to blemishes, it is advisable to use a clarifying toner and to exfoliate once or twice a week for a clearer complexion.

Most skin types benefit from cleansing twice a day—morning and evening. Regular facial cleansing helps remove dirt, excess oil, sweat, and impurities that can contribute to clogged pores and dull-looking skin.

Double cleansing is especially beneficial if you wear makeup, sunscreen, or have oily skin. The first cleanse removes surface impurities, while the second cleanse helps deeply purify the skin for a fresh, clean complexion.

Select a cleanser based on your skin's needs. Hydrating cleansers are ideal for dry skin, soothing formulas work well for sensitive skin, and gel or foam cleansers help balance combination and oily skin.