Cleansing is such an important part of your skincare routine, it helps to make sure that your skin is clean, by removing dirt, sweat and grime that builds up on the skin. It also removes makeup, pollutants and dead skin cells. By cleansing, it allows any other skincare products which follow to be better absorbed and therefore more effective.
However, we’ve got some tips and tricks which will help maximise your cleansing:
Wash your hands
Before you start your cleansing routine, make sure your hands are clean. It’s a good idea to wash your hands before you start touching your face. 
Application
Follow the instructions for your cleanser, you’ll notice that some may need to be applied to damp skin, whilst others dry. Apply your cleanser with your fingers and use a gentle circular motion to massage it into your skin. Scrubbing harshly, or excessively won’t help your skin or make it cleaner, instead it’ll make your skin red and irritated.
Don’t forget your neck and décolletage
Although cleansing your face is a good start, it’s also important to remember to do your neck and hairline, as well as your décolletage
Cleansing duration
You should aim to use your cleanser for 30-60 seconds. Don’t rush as it means your cleanser and the ingredients in it, won’t be able to do their job properly and be as effective. If you don’t cleanse properly it means that any products you use afterwards may not be absorbed as much, as these work best properly on thoroughly cleansed skin.
Double cleansing
With double cleansing the first cleanse is to remove any makeup or other products that you may have put onto your skin. The second cleanse is to ensure the skin is clean. You can use two different cleansers for this, or you can use the same one. In the morning one cleanse is enough, the evening is the best time to double cleanse. For double cleansing you can use our oil-based Reviving Cleansing Cream and Brilliant Balm as a first cleanse (or use them alongside another) and second cleanse use a cleanser like our Hydrating Foam Face Wash.
Use a muslin cloth
If your cleanser recommends the use of a muslin cloth (like our Dual Cloth) it’s worth using one as it will help to remove any grime that the cleanser has picked up, and gently exfoliates your skin, without dragging the skin. When using a muslin cloth, it’s also important to remember to wash it frequently.
Oil and cream based cleansers will usually work better when paired with a muslin cloth, as it helps to remove the cleanser, along with grime, pollutants and dead skin cells, this includes our Reviving Cleansing Cream.
Tip: when using a muslin cloth, avoid over-scrubbing your face as this can irritate your skin, it’s important to be gentle with your skin. 
Water temperature
Using hot water can actually make the delicate skin on your face feel more irritated, and can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving your skin feeling dry. On the other hand, using too cold water stops your cleanser removing as much oil and dirt as it should. You’re best to use lukewarm water when washing your face. Hot water can lead to blood vessels dilating and even breaking, and there is little to no evidence to support the idea that very cold water tightens pores.
Drying your face
When drying your skin after removing the cleanser, pat your skin dry, avoid rubbing or being heavy handed. Be gentle on your skin.
After cleansing
Unless recommended by a product, you shouldn’t wait too long between products, and should start applying them straight after you have cleansed.
Exfoliating
With physical exfoliants it is easy to apply lots of pressure, and over scrub your face, and you should avoid harsh grains as these can cause damage to the skin. You may want to use a physical exfoliant once or twice a week, and one which isn't too harsh like our Vitamin-Rich Sweet Glow Face Scrub.
Work out what is best for your skin type. People with sensitive skin might want to do less, or avoid using physical exfoliants all together.
Using chemical exfoliants like AHAs & PHAs (including our Exfoliating Tonic) helps remove dead skin cells, and grime, introducing new skin cells to the surface, and with this we would recommend always using an SPF every day.
Our Moringa & Pineapple Enzyme Face Mask contains enzymes that help to remove dead skin cells and purify the skin, leaving it clearer, smoother and softer. Enzymes are a great alternative for those with sensitive skin.
About Lucy Bee
Lucy Bee is a lifestyle brand selling food, skincare and soap products all completely free from palm oil and with minimal use of plastic. Lucy Bee is concerned with Fair Trade, organic, ethical and sustainable living, recycling and empowering people to make informed choices and select quality, natural products for their food and their skin.
Any information provided by us is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. We always recommend referring your health queries to a qualified medical practitioner.
