10 commandments of purification

Cleansing is an essential step in every skincare routine to remove pore-clogging dirt, debris and impurities. The good news is that lathering and rinsing your skin up to twice a day is easy enough. The bad news is that many people do not follow all the necessary rules. If you are forming any bad cleansing habits, we are here to tell you no more. Ahead we lay law 10 commandments of cleansing. 

COMMANDMENT #1: DO NOT OVERLOAD

Few would argue with the fact that cleansing is really good. It helps to remove the dirt from our skin before pimples appear, refreshes the skin and - in some cases - gives tired skin a boost of energy. With so many positive qualities, it's hard to resist cleansing more than twice a day (morning and evening). The truth is that there can be too many good things, and cleansing your skin more often than recommended can cause unwanted side effects. “When you over-cleanse your skin, you dry it out,” says dermatologist and Skincare.com consultant Dr. Michael Kaminer. Instead of stripping your skin of its natural oils by overdoing it with facial cleansing, stick to your morning and evening routine with a gentle cleanser that's formulated for your skin type. Which brings us to our next commandment...

COMMANDMENT #2: USE THE RIGHT FORMULA

Yes, there are many face cleansers out there, and yes, it can be hard to find the best one for your skin. Before you start, it's important to know your skin type. (If you're not sure, check out this handy guideor your dermatologist.) The reason? To get the most out of your cleanse, you need to make sure the formula you're using a) doesn't cause irritation or dryness, and b) can actually solve some of your skin problems. In short: don't settle for the first cleanser you see on the drugstore shelf, and don't use the same one your friend uses if her skin type is different from yours.

Need an entry? We share our guide to the best face wash on the market.

COMMANDMENT #3: BE GENTLE 

Once you have your detergent in tow, it's time to focus on technique. When applying the cleanser to the skin, use gentle circular motions. Avoid sudden movements that can irritate the skin. If you notice that your cleanser isn't removing makeup the way you hoped, don't force it. Just rinse and use another cleanser for the task.

COMMANDMENT #4: RIP - DON'T RUBB - DRY FACE

When wiping your face with a towel, be careful not to pull too hard on the skin. Over time, improper use of a towel when drying your skin can lead to wrinkles. Instead, gently pat excess water away and apply moisturizer.

COMMANDMENT #5: APPLY MOISTURIZER

Once your skin is clean, don't dry it out completely. As long as your skin is slightly damp, this is actually one of the best times to apply moisturizer. Because cleansing can sometimes strip the skin of its natural oils, it's important to bring them back to the surface with moisturizers, creams, oils, or lotions to avoid dryness. Like a cleanser, a moisturizer should not only suit your skin type, but also your concerns. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, invest in a moisturizer with a built-in broad-spectrum sunscreen that will protect your skin from harmful UV rays. If you're worried about a dull appearance, use a moisturizer that provides an instant brightening effect. For acne problems, use a non-comedogenic moisturizer that contains acne-fighting ingredients that can help reduce the appearance of blemishes.

To help you choose, we share here our favorite moisturizers to wear under makeup.

COMMANDMENT #6: CONTROL THE WATER TEMPERATURE

The scalding hot water may seem relaxing to some, but it can actually strip the skin of its natural oils and cause it to dry out even more. Thus, do not let the water you rinse with be too hot. For safety reasons, set it to a warm temperature.

COMMANDMENT #7: CLEAN IMMEDIATELY AFTER WORKOUT

We know we've been told to only cleanse twice a day, but there's a slight exception to the above rule, and it happens right after a killer workout. When you're sweating a lot, it's important to cleanse your skin right away to reduce the chance of breakouts. It's best to shower within 10 minutes of finishing your workout, but if you're last resort, wipe your skin with facial cleansing wipes or micellar water to remove impurities until you can thoroughly wash your skin in the shower. We like to stock our sports bags with both options.

COMMANDMENT #8: USE CLEAN HANDS

It seems obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people cleanse their skin without first washing their hands. Your hands are a breeding ground for germs and bacteria that can easily come into contact with your skin while brushing and cause damage. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap first before putting the cleanser in your palms.

COMMANDMENT #9: TAKE DOUBLE CLEANSING

The double cleansing technique is a hit with K-beauty fans, and for good reason. This is an extremely effective way to ensure that all traces of makeup, dirt and grime are removed from your skin. The traditional double cleanse method involves using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser, but there are many ways to mix and match. If you're a fan of micellar water, you can wash your makeup off with a gentle liquid and then follow with a rinse-off foaming cleanser. Whichever combination you choose, we recommend trying this technique.

COMMANDMENT #10: DO NOT FORGET ABOUT THE NECK

When you wash your face, spread love below the jaw line. Your neck is one of the first areas of skin to show signs of aging, so give it as much attention as possible. This includes daily cleansing, moisturizing and applying targeted skin care products.