A Beginner’s Guide to Skin Care: The Daily Cleansing Routine You Need

As a master esthetician, one of the most common questions I receive is, "What’s the best way to take care of my skin?" Taking care of your skin can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is starting with a simple, consistent routine that prioritizes proper cleansing. Here's a beginner-friendly guide to understanding your skin and creating a daily ritual to keep it fresh, clean, and glowing.

What Is Cleansing, and Why Do We Do It?

Cleansing is the foundation of healthy skin care. It’s not just about removing makeup or sweat—it's about clearing away the grime that accumulates throughout the day and night. Think of your skin like layers of fabric. The top layer catches dirt, pollution, oil, and bacteria, while the deeper layers can get clogged if not cared for properly.

Throughout the day, we unknowingly expose our skin to a world of impurities:

• Touching our face after handling phones, doorknobs, or menus.

• Pollution in the air, which clings to our skin like a magnet.

• Natural oils and sweat that accumulate.

At night, our bodies naturally detoxify, releasing waste through the skin. Add in pillowcases covered with sweat, drool, and oil buildup, and it’s easy to see why our skin needs thorough cleansing morning and night.

The Double Cleanse: A Game Changer

To properly cleanse your skin, you need to go beyond a quick wash. That’s where double cleansing comes in—both morning and night.

Step 1: The Surface Cleanse

The first cleanse removes the top layer of dirt, oil, makeup, and other impurities that collect throughout the day.

Step 2: The Deep Cleanse

The second cleanse targets deeper layers of the skin, clearing out pores and preparing your face for the rest of your skincare products. Without this second cleanse, serums, moisturizers, and treatments can’t penetrate effectively—they’re blocked by leftover grime.

How to Cleanse Your Face: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Start with clean tools and habits:

   • Wash your pillowcase weekly.

   • Sanitize your phone regularly.

   • Brush your teeth before washing your face (to avoid spreading bacteria).

2. Choose the right cleanser for your skin type:

   • Dry Skin: Opt for hydrating, cream-based cleansers to nourish and moisturize.

   • Oily Skin: Go for gel-based cleansers to balance and reduce excess oil.

   • Combination or sensitive skin: Consult with your esthetician to find a formula tailored to your needs.

3. Double cleanse:

   • Use lukewarm water to wet your face. Apply your cleanser in gentle, circular motions for about 30-60 seconds. Rinse and repeat.

4. Pat your skin dry: Avoid harsh rubbing, which can irritate the skin.

5. Follow up with skincare products: Now that your skin is clean, serums, moisturizers, and SPF (in the morning) can work more effectively.

Why Cleansing Matters for Healthy Skin

Skipping proper cleansing can lead to clogged pores, dullness, aging and ineffective skincare products. But with the right cleanser and technique, you’re not just washing away impurities—you’re setting the stage for glowing, healthy skin.

Final Tips for Success

• Pay attention to your skin’s needs. If your skin feels tight or overly oily after cleansing, your product may not be the right match.

• Visit a professional esthetician for a personalized skin analysis and product recommendations.

• Keep your routine consistent—beautiful skin doesn’t happen overnight but with daily dedication.

By committing to a proper cleansing routine, you’ll give your skin the care it deserves—fresh, healthy, and ready to face the day (or night) ahead.

Remember: Your skin is an investment, and it’s never too early or too late to start taking care of it.

The Basic Skincare Routine Everyone Should Follow

When it comes to skincare, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the countless products and steps out there. But here’s the good news: great skin starts with a simple foundation. Before diving into serums, masks, or treatments, every person should master the basic skincare routine. This means focusing on three essentials: cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF. Once you’ve got these down, you can start customizing your routine with products that target your specific skin goals.

Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Cleanser

Cleansing is non-negotiable. It removes dirt, oil, and environmental pollutants that can clog pores and dull your skin. Without proper cleansing, no other skincare products can work effectively.

How to Choose the Right Cleanser:

• Dry Skin: Use a creamy, hydrating cleanser to nourish and retain moisture.

• Oily Skin: Opt for a gel-based cleanser to balance oil production.

• Sensitive Skin: Go for a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser.

*Remember picking a cleanser, this is a general rule of thumb, this really needs to be personalized depending on your skin.

Use your cleanser morning and night, double cleanse to ensure all residue is thoroughly removed.

Step 2: Moisturizer

No matter your skin type, moisturizing is essential to maintain a healthy skin barrier and keep your skin hydrated. Moisturizer doesn’t just make your skin feel good—it helps lock in moisture and keeps environmental aggressors at bay.

How to Choose the Right Moisturizer:

• Dry Skin: Look for richer, cream-based formulas with ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid.

• Oily Skin: A lightweight, gel-based moisturizer works best to prevent clogged pores.

• Combination Skin: Use a balance of hydration and oil control—look for a medium-weight moisturizer.

Apply moisturizer twice a day. Immediately after cleanser if not using any serums yet.

Step 3: SPF (Sunscreen)

Sunscreen is arguably the most important step in any skincare routine. Sun exposure is the number one cause of premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer. Protecting your skin daily—even when it’s cloudy or you’re indoors—is crucial. All skin color. All skin reacts the same way, some just have more melanin. You still need to be protected.

Tips for Choosing and Using SPF:

• Use at least SPF 30.

• Opt for broad-spectrum coverage, which protects against both UVA (aging rays) and UVB (burning rays). Zink and Titanium Oxide.

• Find a texture you like. Whether it’s a lightweight gel, cream, or tinted formula, consistency is key to using SPF daily.

Apply sunscreen every morning as the final step in your routine. If you’re outdoors, reapply every two hours.

When to Add Serums

Once you’ve established this foundational routine, you can begin addressing specific skin goals by introducing serums. These are concentrated formulas designed to target issues like fine lines, acne, or discoloration.

Here’s how to know you’re ready:

1. You’ve consistently used a cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF for several weeks.

2. You know your skin type and how it responds to your current products.

3. You have a clear goal, such as brightening dark spots or reducing wrinkles.

Start with one serum at a time to avoid overwhelming your skin. And remember, serums should be applied after cleansing but before moisturizing.

Why Keep It Simple?

Overcomplicating your skincare routine can lead to irritation and confusion. By focusing on these three steps, you’re building a strong foundation that sets the stage for long-term skin health.

So, whether you’re just starting your skincare journey or looking to simplify, stick to the basics: Cleanse. Moisturize. Protect. From there, the possibilities are endless.

Pro Tip: Need help choosing the right products? Consult an esthetician to ensure your routine is tailored to your skin type and lifestyle. You’ll be amazed at the difference a customized approach can make!