How to Properly Cleanse Your Face: Essential Tips for Glowing Skin

Proper Facial Cleansing Tips
Cleanse the Right Way, and Your Skin Will Glow Naturally
Many people think washing their face is just a basic routine simply cleanse and move on. But in reality, facial cleansing is the foundation of healthy, glowing skin. If done incorrectly, it can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, dryness, or irritation, no matter how good or expensive your skincare products are.
Let’s take a look at the correct and easy steps for cleansing your face properly. Anyone dreaming of clear, radiant skin can start right here.
Start with Removing Makeup Thoroughly
Before using a facial cleanser, always remove makeup first. Makeup, sunscreen, and impurities don’t dissolve with water alone, so skipping this step can leave residue behind.
For example:
- If you wear heavy makeup such as foundation or mascara, cleansing oil or cleansing balm works best to dissolve stubborn products.
- If you wear light makeup or only sunscreen, micellar water is usually enough.
Removing makeup properly helps ensure your facial cleanser can truly clean your skin.
Choose the Right Cleanser for Your Skin Type
A good cleanser should clean effectively without stripping moisture.
- Dry or sensitive skin
Choose a creamy or gentle gel cleanser with moisturizing properties and minimal fragrance. - Oily or acne-prone skin
A lightweight gel or mild foaming cleanser can help control excess oil without overdrying.
A simple test: if your skin feels tight, squeaky, or irritated after washing, the cleanser may be too harsh.
Use Lukewarm Water to Help Cleanse Better
Lukewarm water helps open pores slightly, allowing dirt and oil to be removed more easily.
Avoid:
- Hot water, which can dry out and irritate the skin
- Ice-cold water at the start, which may prevent proper cleansing
The best approach is lukewarm water first, followed by cool water at the end.
Gently Massage the Cleanser Don’t Scrub
Facial skin is delicate, so harsh rubbing isn’t necessary.
How to do it properly:
- Lather the cleanser in your hands first
- Gently massage in circular motions for 30 seconds to 1 minute
For example, massage outward from the center of the face forehead toward the temples and cheeks outward from the nose to reduce friction and protect the skin barrier.
Rinse with Lukewarm Water, Then Finish with Cool Water
After cleansing, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, then splash your face with cool water.
Cool water helps:
- Tighten pores
- Reduce redness
- Refresh the skin instantly
Many people notice their skin looks fresher and brighter right after this step.
Pat Dry with a Clean Towel
Avoid rubbing your face with a towel, as this can cause irritation and fine lines.
Instead:
- Use a clean towel dedicated for your face
- Gently pat until the skin is slightly damp
Wash towels frequently to prevent bacteria buildup.
Right after washing, your skin is most receptive to hydration. Leaving it dry for too long can cause moisture loss.
A simple routine:
- Apply toner or essence while the skin is still damp
- Follow with a moisturizer to lock in hydration
This helps keep your skin soft, comfortable, and balanced throughout the day.
Facial cleansing isn’t just about being clean it’s about caring for your skin from the very first step. When cleansing is done right, your skin becomes healthier, clearer, and more radiant, even with minimal skincare products.


