A Cleansing Ritual That Will Transforms Your Skin

Now, don’t get me wrong, I love a good serum. But seriously, what’s the point if your cleansing routine resembles sliding into bed at the end of a long day and waking up with panda eyes?

Of course, I know, you’d never do that. Just sometimes. It’s okay, you’re human, and you were tired last night. I get it.

But hear me out. Cleansing isn’t just about removing the traces of the day — it should be a sacred ritual. Alright, maybe not a spiritual experience that brings you closer to the heavens, but it’s up there with a rock-solid sun protection plan as one of the best things you can do for your skin. Do it properly each night, and you’ll start to see your skin transform. Because cleansing is just as much about what you leave behind as what you seek to wash away.

Proper cleansing is just as much about what you don’t remove as it is about what you do.

Enter the double cleanse.

Ask any beauty therapist, and they’ll tell you: the double cleanse is a skincare technique straight out of beauty school. If you’ve ever had a facial, you’ve experienced it. Your therapist will cleanse your skin at least twice, then gently exfoliate, before proceeding with the rest of the facial.

The first cleanse lifts away the obvious: excess oil, sweat, dirt, pollution, sunscreen, and makeup. The second cleanse restores the delicate balance of the skin’s acid mantle, without stripping it.

A dual cleanse is not just about removal; it’s about restoring balance.

Why does this matter? Because when your skin is balanced, the barrier — made up of lipids, proteins, and water — stays intact. And that barrier is your skin’s front line: locking moisture in and keeping irritants out. When it’s disrupted, everything else is a struggle — hydration, comfort, resilience and the holy grail of skincare, a healthy glow.

Not convinced yet?

Or, you’re convinced but not motivated? Here are four reasons why your cleansing routine should be a ritual worth committing to.

• Proper cleansing means pollutants don’t get left behind. And that’s important, because they contribute to free radical damage — and that’s not a good look.
• It’s not just clean; it’s balanced. And balanced skin equals a stronger barrier. Moisture stays in. Irritants stay out. Your skin feels calm and behaves better.
• Your serums actually work. That little bottle of niacinamide you love? It can do its job properly when your skin is calm, clean, and prepped.
• You stop chasing hydration. If you’re constantly trying to “put moisture back in” with hydrating serums, there’s a good chance your cleansing step is working against you.

Forget the 10-step routine. This is your skincare simplified: just done properly.

So what should you use?

Foaming Cleanser and Lotions

These are typically your go-to for the first step in a double cleanse. If you opt for a foaming cleanser, there are a couple of rules to live by:
a) don’t overdo it, and
b) know your skin type.

Foaming cleansers — especially those that lather heavily — are designed to break down oils. That can be useful, but if your skin isn’t genuinely oily, they might tip the balance too far. In most cases, it’s better to skip them or opt for a very gentle, low-foam option that won’t leave your skin feeling tight.

Cleansing milk lotions, on the other hand, are a safer bet. A well-formulated milk will gently start the cleansing process, lifting away grime and makeup without stripping your skin or disrupting its natural balance.

Once your first cleanse is complete, follow with a cleansing oil or balm — something that nurtures while it cleans.

It’s hard to go past this one for the perfect cleanse:

• Rationale #4 The Cleanser

If you want something with a cult-like following, this is it. It will never disappoint and can be used for both the first and second cleanse.

Cleansing Facial Oils:

I’m a big fan of cleansing facial oils — but I know they can be intimidating, especially if you’ve ever struggled with oily or breakout-prone skin. For many, the idea of putting more oil on an already oily face feels like the fast track to clogged pores and chaos.

But here’s the thing: not all oils are created equal. And cleansing oils aren’t designed to stay on the skin — they’re formulated to bind with surface oils, makeup, and debris so they can be rinsed away cleanly, leaving the skin calm, soft, and balanced.

The trick is choosing a well-formulated oil that emulsifies properly and doesn’t contain pore-clogging ingredients. When you do, facial oils can feel surprisingly light and soothing — not greasy. In fact, they often help to reduce that “over-cleansed” tightness that can trigger rebound oiliness.

Here are three I come back to often, and while we can avoid the cult status here, they are worthy of high praise.

• Environ Dual Action Pre-Cleansing Oil
• Ella Baché Floral Oil Face and Body Cleansing Oil
• Aesthetics Rx® Anti-Pollution Facial Cleansing Oil

All are lightweight, rinse clean, and I find them gentle enough to use around the eyes — no sting, no blurry residue. Just clean, comfortable skin.

Cleansing Balms:

A newer addition to the skincare world — or at least, a recent cult favourite — cleansing balms have gained popularity for good reason. Rich and luxurious in texture, they melt into the skin to gently lift away impurities without disrupting your natural barrier. A good balm will break down makeup, sunscreen, and daily grime with ease, all while cushioning the skin in nourishing emollients.

They’re especially helpful if your skin is feeling dry, tight, or compromised — or if you’re looking for a comforting ritual at the end of the day. And unlike some foaming cleansers, they won’t leave your skin feeling squeaky or tight. Think of them as a gentle reset button for stressed skin.

If you have sensitive skin, a balm might be a perfect fit — just be sure to choose one that rinses clean or emulsifies well so there’s no greasy residue left behind.

It’s a Ritual. So Make It So.

For me, a ritual takes place at the bathroom basin — not in the shower. A quick morning cleanse doesn’t need much, but at night, your skin deserves this moment of care.

Step by step:

1. Apply your first cleanser to damp hands. Emulsify it between your fingers, then massage it into your face in gentle upward circles. If you’re wearing heavy eye makeup, consider using a dedicated eye cleanser.
2. Remove the cleanser with a damp face cloth or facial pads. If any residue remains, your second cleanse will remove it.
3. Next, apply your second cleanser — either a balm or oil. Emulsify it first, then massage it in, remove with a damp cloth, and pat your skin dry. You’re ready for your serums and creams.

Cleansing Tips:

• If you’re opting for a foaming or exfoliating cleanser as your first step, then it’s essential that your second cleanse is a mild lotion, facial oil or cleansing balm.
• Facial cleansing oils or balms can usually double as eye makeup removers.
• Never try to remove cleanser residue by splashing water on your face. This leaves more cleanser behind, which can make your skin feel greasy. Instead, remove everything with a damp cloth or facial sponge.

My Final Thoughts

Cleansing is more than just cleaning your skin. When done properly, it’s an essential step in maintaining your skin’s health and resilience. It will feel better and perform better. Treat it as a ritual, and you’ll be amazed at how your skin responds and transforms.

See you next time,