Could your cleanser be doing more than washing the day away?

We tend to think of washing our face as a time to remove makeup, get rid of dirt and grime, and refresh our skin at the end of the day. Truth is, the way you wash your face and what cleanser you use can set the rest of your skincare up for success.

We tend to think of washing our face as a time to remove makeup, get rid of dirt and grime, and refresh our skin at the end of the day.

Truth is, the way you wash your face and what cleanser you use can set the rest of your skincare up for success.

Making the most of your cleanse starts with technique...

The best way to wash your face

Since when was washing your face complicated? Splash water, rub in some cleanser, rinse, dry, done. Right?

Not quite.

Don’t worry, the best way to wash your face isn’t complicated, but a few tweaks to your technique could make a huge difference in how your skin looks and feels.

Here’s how to start:

1. Wet your face with warm (not scalding) water.
2. Squeeze a dime-sized amount of cleanser into your hands.
3. Use your fingers to gently distribute the cleanser over your face in small circular motions for about 30 seconds. Do not scrub or pull.
4. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
5. Pat dry with a clean towel. (Remember to replace your towels every 2-3 days!)

Keep these tips in mind as you cleanse...

Make sure you’re washing your face every night.

Sleeping in makeup is cardinal skincare sin #1. Letting the buildup of dirt, oil, and grime from the day sit on your skin overnight is a quick way to break out and expedite the visual signs of aging.

Most people find it beneficial to cleanse in the morning as well. People with ultra-dry skin may be able to skip this step, but when in doubt, twice a day is a good routine to follow.

(The eb5 Exfoliating AHA Cleansing Lotion is gentle enough to use twice a day, meaning there’s less fuss about what products to use when.)

And before you even think about using a makeup wipe and calling it a night… don’t. There should be water involved, or you’re not getting your skin clean.

Speaking of water…

Be mindful of your water temperature.

Extremely hot water strips your skin of its natural moisture, leaving it red, tight, and dry. Treat your skin gently and opt for warm or cool water when you wash your face.

Make sure to rinse well. No need for a Neutrogena commercial level splash, but leftover cleanser can build up and clog pores.

Don’t scrub or rub. Please, oh please, be gentle.

The best tools for washing your face are your own two hands. Brush heads can harbor bacteria, and scrubbing with a washcloth can leave skin red and inflamed.

If you must use a cloth, use a microfiber or flannel material that is soft on the skin, and use light, circular motions to distribute the cleanser. Pat dry using a clean towel. Do not rub or pull at the skin.

Apply your other skincare immediately.

Aim to apply your toner, serum, and moisturizer within two minutes of cleansing. The water from your skin will help lock in moisture and keep you hydrated longer.

Products mentioned in this article

Anti Aging Exfoliating AHA Face Cleanser

Rated 4.9 out of 5

116 Reviews Based on 116 reviews

Add to bag $14.99

Use a cleanser that’s right for your skin

What you wash your face with is just as important as how you do it, and not all cleansers are created equal.

How do you know what cleanser is right for you?

The number of options can be overwhelming, but knowing your skin type can help narrow things down.

Dry skin:

You may experience tightness, flakiness, itchiness, and sensitivity. Your skin may also be more prone to fine lines and wrinkles.

Try a creamy cleanser with moisturizing ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and proteins.

Oily skin:

You might be acne-prone and struggle with redness, excess shine, and products that won’t stay put.

Try a foaming or gel-based cleanser to hydrate without weighing skin down with rich oils, which could clog enlarged pores. Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides are ingredients that benefit oily skin.

Sensitive skin

You may have reactions to makeup and skincare products that range from redness and painful dryness to acne, burning, or rashes. Those with mature skin may also experience these reactions.

Try a cleanser with minimal or natural ingredients in a creamy or gel-based formula. Avoid fragrances, synthetics, and strong retinoids.

Consider how your skin feels after you cleanse.

If your skin feels dry and tight after you wash your face, your cleanser is likely too harsh. If your skin feels greasy, bumpy, or clogged, your cleanser may be too rich.

The eb5 Exfoliating AHA Cleansing Lotion was formulated to nourish all skin types. (It’s even fragrance-free for ultra-sensitive skin!)

It removes dirt, makeup, and pollutants without stripping your skin. The creamy texture moisturizes while lactic acid gently exfoliates and softens as you cleanse.

Speaking of… Move aside, dull, dry skin. It’s time for some exfoliation action.

Exfoliate!

Ah, exfoliation. The unsung hero of your cleansing routine.

Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, whether mechanically (with scrubs or brushes) or chemically (with acids that dissolve dead skin without scrubbing).

Without regular (gentle!) exfoliation, dead skin begins to pile up on the surface of the skin, making it look dull and dry. For some, the build-up clogs pores and leads to excess oil production.

AKA, not exfoliating regularly is an all-around bummer.

On the other hand, regular exfoliation removes the dead skin to uncover fresh, new cells below, allowing products to penetrate the skin more deeply and increase their benefits.

A gently exfoliating cleanser keeps your skin looking fresh and healthy by keeping those dead skin cells at bay so your other products can do their job.

Our Exfoliating AHA Cleansing Lotion does just that. It’s a soap-free cleanser that’s gentle and nourishing, formulated with oat proteins, vitamins, and AHA (lactic acid) to give you your glow back. It’s gentle enough for daily use and works on all skin types, even sensitive skin.

See what people have to say about their skin after using the AHA Cleansing Lotion!

Give your skin the TLC it deserves with a cleansing routine that keeps you nourished and glowing!