The Basics of Cleansing

Written by: Swati on:

Continuing our "Basics of Skincare" series, today we are discussing a bit about cleansing. 
I hope you have read all about Exfoliation in our previous posts - Physical exfoliation HERE & Chemical exfoliation HERE

So let's get into some detail. 

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Why cleanse?

You do not want to be walking around with a grimy face do you? Sweat, pollutants, bacteria, skincare products, makeup and everything else...clean it please. 

Why is using a cleanser important? 

Don't you clean your clothes, your vessels and everything else around you? You use detergent or something to keep them clean, yes? You use soap/bodywash to clean your body. So how is the face any different?

A splash of water on your face at the end of the day is not going to do the job. It just won't. You need to use a cleanser! Which ever kind suits you, as long as it is gentle and preferably not super foaming. 


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How often should I cleanse?

Most experts recommend cleansing twice a day. Morning & Night
Many people also advise that if your skin is very dry and dehydrated, you can skip using a cleanser in the morning and just clean your face with water. 

However, this is controversial. So at the end of the day, listen to your skin and do whatever works for you. 

Evening/Night cleansing is non-negotiable for me. It just has to be done, no matter what. 


Is Double Cleansing Necessary?

Most professionals/experts recommend a double  cleanse in the evening, to remove makeup and sunscreen. However, there are 2 schools of thought, and there are experts who also say that double cleansing is not a necessity if you are makeup free. 
I personally like to double cleanse whenever I am wearing makeup just to be sure that I have absolutely no traces of makeup remaining. 


Broadly I'd divide cleansers into:
  1. Foaming 
  2. Non foaming cleansers 
And cleansers can come in a variety of formulations
  1. Gel based
  2. Cream based
  3. Cleansing Oils & Balms
  4. Natural/Homemade
  5. Cleansing devices (Act as aids) 

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1. Foaming Cleansers 

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I am personally not a fan of them. A lot of the foaming cleansers contain surfactants (SLS)  which make them foam. This not only strips your skin but can also make your skin alkaline and ultimately bacteria likes alkaline. You do the math. 

Some foaming cleansers can also be harsh on the skin - stripping it of all moisture (thus giving you that super duper squeaky feeling). Your skin in turn produces more sebum to try to compensate = you get more oily. It's a vicious cycle.

However, there are a few exceptions.  
The teenage me with super oily skin & acne liked this one called Saslic (reviewed HERE) for instance, which did help me control acne to an extent at that time & age. Sebamed Cleansing Foam is also a good one. 

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2. Gel Based Cleansers

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My personal favourite category for a few years now. 
I love a good gel-based non/low foaming cleanser. I find them perfect for my combination skin. Neither too stripping nor super moisturising
I like to go for the gentle gel cleansers - they clean effectively but don't leave your skin feeling dry & stretchy afterwards. 

Few that I have liked and used are the Kama Ayurveda Rose Jasmine Cleanser (all-time favourite! been using it since 2016!! read HERE). The Avene Cleanance gel is also a good one especially for skin prone to breakouts. (full review HERE)

I have also tried & liked the Kaya Purifying Gel Cleanser (read more HERE). 

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3. Cream Based Cleansers

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As you get from the name, these are cream based cleansers, perfect for dry skins, slightly mature skin, or even a combination skin like me espeically during winter. Cleansing milks and lotion-y or moisturising cream based formulas all come in this category. 

These days you even have cream based cleansers but with added benefits - Charcoal, Glycolic Acid and more

I haven't tried many cream cleansers but I am currently using and liking the Pixi Glow Mud Cleanser (smooth creamy non foaming formula - Reviewed HERE).
Smriti is currently liking the Enn Closet Wipe Out Chlorophyll Cleanser too. 

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4. Cleansing Oil and Balms

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Oil cleansers usually form the first step in a double cleanse routine (more about that later someday) but if you have quite dry skin then you might like a oil based cleanser on a regular day too.

Oil based cleansers can be either in a cleansing oil or a cleansing balm format. 

Cleansing balms are pretty much the same as a cleansing oil, just in a solid balm formula. You scoop out a little bit, rub it between your palms to soften the product and cleanse your skin. 

I prefer oil based cleansers that emulsify with water and rinse off clean without leaving a residue/layer behind. 
One of my favourites is the Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleanser, but there are many brands that make similar products. I have also used the Emma Hardy Moringa Cleansing Balm which was nice. 

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5. Natural Cleansers

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This too is one of my all time favourite category! Usually in the form of a fine powder which needs to be mixed in with water to form a paste. It gets a bit cumbersome to use, yes. But these are gentle, mildly exfoliating and they work well if used properly and religiously. 

Store made ubtans, natural ayurvedic cleansers, homemade DIY cleansers all come in this category.
A few that I like are - Kama Ayurveda Mridul Cleanser reviewed HERE, Forest Essentials Naragi & Nagkesar Ubtan reviewed HERE, Forest Essentials Soundarya Ubtan reviewed HERE, Mitti Se Wild Essence Face Wash reviewed HERE
Or make yourself a homemade one with gram flour (besan) or orange peel powder... whatever suits your skin. 


6. Devices 

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These are not necessary but are trending nevertheless. 
There are a number of mechanical aids available in the market today - like the Foreo Luna tool, PMD & some almost similar devices. These devices are gentle on your skin and claim to give you a deeper cleanse. But, not necessary. 

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Some pointers to remember:

  • Try using tepid/lukewarm water to wash off whenever you can.
  • Finish it off with a few splashes of cold water.
  • Use a soft face cloth/flannel to gently dab your skin afterwards. 
  • You can also use the wet flannel to remove the oil/balm cleansers off your face.
  • Choose a cleanser based on your skin type & needs
  • Use a proper face cleanser/face wash after using Micellar water. I know the bottle says that it can be used alone, but please try not to.
  • SAY NO TO WIPES! Wipes are not cleansers. Wipes are not even proper makeup removers. BIG NO TO WIPES!


There you have it. I hope this post helps you out a bit. If you have any questions or any other points to share, please let us know below or join us on Instagram.

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