Beautiful skin starts with clean skin. Cleansing is the first and most important step in your morning skincare routine, and it sets the foundation for everything that follows. It’s important to choose a facial wash that suits your skin type – whether that’s normal, oily, sensitive, dry or combination skin. But even with the right product, it’s not always obvious how to get the most out of this essential step. Here are my tips.
Step 1: Cleanse Your Skin
Use a facial wash with a neutral pH to support your skin’s natural balance. You should wash your face twice a day – once in the morning when you wake up, to remove any dirt and bacteria that have built up overnight, and again in the evening to take off makeup and the impurities your skin collects during the day. In the morning, place a small amount of facial wash into your palm. Using your fingers, a brush or a konjac sponge, gently apply the cleanser to your face. Be sure to cover all areas – chin, forehead, nose, cheeks and neck. Massage your face using soft, circular movements for about a minute.
Let the cleanser sit for a short while so it can properly penetrate your skin. Don’t rinse it off straight away. It usually takes a minute or two to do its job. Once ready, rinse thoroughly with water until all traces of the product are gone, as any residue can dry your skin or clog your pores. Gently pat your face dry with a clean towel rather than rubbing.
Step 2: Tone Your Skin
Toners are often overlooked, but they play a valuable role in skincare. A good toner removes leftover dirt, oil and makeup that your cleanser may have missed. It also helps to tighten pores, refresh your skin, and balance its pH levels. This step prepares your skin for moisturising and improves the absorption of any products you apply afterwards.
Step 3: Apply Your Moisturising Face Cream
Hydration is vital if you want healthy, glowing skin. A moisturiser supports the top layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum, by forming a protective barrier that locks in moisture and shields against environmental stress. Moisturising also helps repair the skin and restore balance. For darker skin tones, this step is especially important, as the skin can appear dry or ashy when it’s not properly hydrated. Using a good moisturiser daily helps to maintain softness, even tone and a healthy appearance.
