Facial cleansing is one of the most important steps in daily skincare, yet one where many people make mistakes. Every day, skin comes into contact with environmental pollutants, dust, sweat, and makeup residue.
If not removed thoroughly, they can lead to imperfections, a loss of radiance, and even accelerated skin aging. Dermatological studies show that as many as 70% of people use incorrect facial cleansing methods , resulting in dryness or worsening acne. In this post, we'll discuss why cleansing is crucial, the most common mistakes, and how to avoid them to enjoy healthy, radiant skin.
Why is facial cleansing crucial?
Daily facial cleansing removes not only visible dirt and makeup but also excess sebum, dead skin cells, and microorganisms that can contribute to inflammation. This is the first step that prepares the skin for subsequent skincare steps – toning, serum, or cream application.
- Properly cleansed skin absorbs active ingredients better.
- Regular removal of impurities prevents the formation of blackheads and enlarged pores.
- Appropriate cleansing cosmetics help maintain the balance of the hydrolipid barrier.
It's worth remembering that facial cleansing is not only a hygiene treatment but also a preventative measure against aging . Inadequate removal of impurities contributes to oxidative stress, which weakens collagen fibers and accelerates wrinkle formation.
The most common mistakes when cleansing your face
While it may seem simple, many people make basic mistakes. These mistakes lead to skin problems that could easily be avoided.
Washing with water only
Some people limit their evening skincare routine to just washing their face with water. This is clearly not enough – water doesn't remove any traces of makeup, oil, or UV filters. It leaves the skin unpolluted, leading to blackheads and blemishes.
Too aggressive cosmetics
Gels with high detergent concentrations (e.g., SLS) can excessively degrease the skin, damaging the hydrolipid barrier. The result? Irritation, redness, and even increased sebum production as a defensive reaction.
Skipping makeup removal
One of the most common skincare sins is sleeping with makeup on or using only makeup removal wipes. Remnants of makeup clog pores and hinder skin regeneration at night.
Cleansing too often or too infrequently
Washing your face more than two or three times a day can lead to dryness and irritation, while cleansing too infrequently can lead to blemishes. Balance is key.
Incorrect water temperature
Hot water disrupts the skin's protective barrier and exacerbates dryness. Very cold water, on the other hand, doesn't effectively remove impurities. Lukewarm water works best.
Not adapted to skin type
Dry skin requires gentle emulsions and lotions, while oily and combination skin responds better to light gels or foams. Using inappropriate products often exacerbates existing problems.
Typical problems that arise after a poorly performed cleaning
Poorly chosen or improperly performed facial cleansing can lead to a range of skin problems. Interestingly, many people mistakenly believe their problems stem from "bad skin," when the root cause lies in basic skincare.
Dry and tight skin
One of the first signs of improper cleansing is a feeling of dryness and tightness in the skin. This is most often caused by strong detergents in cosmetics or excessive washing. Dry skin loses elasticity more quickly and is more susceptible to irritation.
Excessive oiliness and acne
Paradoxically, overly aggressive facial cleansing can lead to overproduction of sebum. The skin defends itself against lipid loss by secreting more oil, which in turn promotes inflammation, blackheads, and acne.
Irritations and redness
Washing your face with hot water, exfoliating daily, or using the wrong cosmetics weakens the hydrolipid barrier, leading to red spots, burning, and even peeling.
Clogged pores and blackheads
Improper makeup removal or skipping the second step of cleansing causes makeup and sebum residue to accumulate in pores, resulting in blackheads and uneven skin texture.
Loss of shine and gray color
Skin that isn't properly cleansed regenerates less efficiently and appears tired. Failure to regularly remove impurities and dead skin cells leads to a dull, gray complexion.
How to properly cleanse your face step by step?
Proper facial cleansing should be a multi-step process. This ensures that the skin is not only thoroughly cleansed but also prepared to absorb the active ingredients of serums or creams. Here's a tried-and-true sequence:
Makeup removal - the first stage of cleansing
Evening cleansing should always begin with removing makeup and UV filters. The OCM (Oil Cleansing Method) works best.
- Orientana Makeup Removal Oil effectively dissolves makeup, even waterproof makeup, while nourishing the skin thanks to natural plant oils.
- Regular use prevents pores from clogging and leaves skin soft without feeling greasy.
Proper cleansing - second stage
After removing makeup, it's essential to cleanse the skin with a gentle, water-based cleanser. Orientan offers two different products that can be tailored to your preferences and skin type:
- Orientana Facial Cleansing Foam – removes residual oil, environmental pollutants, and excess sebum. Its light consistency makes it suitable for dry, combination, and oily skin. Thanks to natural extracts, it cleanses without damaging the hydrolipid barrier.
- Orientana Gentle Face Wash Date + Inulin – ideal for sensitive and dry skin. It combines cleansing with care thanks to the presence of date extract, which intensely moisturizes and improves skin firmness, and prebiotic inulin, which supports the microbiome. The gel doesn't cause a feeling of tightness and leaves the skin smooth and comfortable.
Toning - restoring balance
After cleansing, skin often has a slightly imbalanced pH. At this stage, it's worth using a natural toner to refresh the skin and prepare it for further care.
- Orientana Tonic Japanese Rose and Pandan has a soothing, moisturizing and antioxidant effect.
- Regular use of tonic strengthens blood vessels and reduces redness, which is especially important for sensitive and vascular skin.
Essence-toner – additional support
Toning not only balances the pH, but also provides the skin with valuable active ingredients.
- Orientana Tonic-essence combines the function of a classic tonic with the properties of an essence.
- It contains date extract, gluconolactone, and rice proteins, among others, which deeply moisturize, gently exfoliate, and strengthen the hydrolipid barrier.
- This is a great step for skin that needs renewal and extra hydration.
Regular exfoliation and cleansing masks
While daily cleansing is crucial, it's also a good idea to use an exfoliator or a cleansing mask once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. This will make the rest of your skincare routine even more effective.
Check out: Kali Musli Enzyme Peeling.
This type of facial cleansing leaves your skin clean, refreshed, and more responsive to serums and creams. It's a simple routine that significantly improves the appearance and condition of your skin in just a few weeks.
Facial Cleansing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often should you cleanse your face?
Facial cleansing should be performed twice a day – morning and evening. In the morning, we remove excess sebum and impurities accumulated overnight, and in the evening, we remove makeup, dust, and smog. Regular cleansing keeps the skin fresh, less prone to imperfections, and better absorbs the active ingredients from creams and serums.
Are makeup removal and cleansing the same thing?
No. Makeup removal is the first step, aimed at removing makeup and UV filters (e.g., with Orientana Makeup Removal Oil). Cleansing itself comes in the second step and involves thoroughly cleansing the skin using a gel or foam, such as Orientana Facial Cleansing Foam or Orientana Date + Inulin Gel . Only after these steps is the skin truly clean.
Is toner necessary after cleansing your face?
Yes. Toner restores the skin's proper pH, which can be disturbed during cleansing. Without it, skin is more susceptible to irritation and dryness. Natural toners, such as Orientana Japanese Rose and Pandan Toner , additionally soothe and refresh. It's also worth reaching for a modern 2-in-1 product, such as Orientana Revitalizing Toning Lotion (Toner-Essence) , which, in addition to toning, supports regeneration and hydration.
What ingredients best cleanse acne-prone skin?
For oily and problematic skin, gentle gels and foams with natural plant extracts are best. They cleanse without drying. Ingredients that regulate sebum secretion and support the microbiome, such as inulin in Orientana Date + Inulin Gel , are also important. This prevents the skin from overproducing oil and helps maintain its balance.
Is cleansing your face with oils good for oily skin?
Yes, as long as you choose a lightweight oil-based makeup remover. Orientana Makeup Remover Oil effectively dissolves impurities and makeup without clogging pores. Importantly, oil cleansing won't burden oily skin if you use a foam or gel in the second step, which will remove any remaining oil.
Is it worth having a professional facial cleansed by a beautician?
Manual cleansing treatments or in-office chemical peels are a good addition to daily skincare, especially for problematic skin. However, even the best treatment will be ineffective if daily facial cleansing at home is not performed properly. Therefore, maintaining a regular routine using the right cosmetics is paramount.
Facial cleansing is the absolute foundation of healthy and radiant skin. The effectiveness of subsequent skincare steps depends on this step. Making mistakes—such as washing your face with water only, using overly aggressive cosmetics, or skipping toner—leads to irritation, dryness, and skin problems.
To avoid the most common problems, it is worth following a few simple rules:
Golden rules of facial cleansing
- Cleanse your skin twice a day – morning and evening.
- Use two-step cleansing : first use a makeup removal oil, then a gel or foam.
- Choose cosmetics according to your skin type – Date + Inulin gel for dry and sensitive skin, foam for combination and oily skin.
- Avoid hot water – use lukewarm water to avoid damaging the hydrolipid barrier.
- Don't skip toning – Japanese Rose and Pandan toner or toning lotion will restore pH balance.
- Use a scrub or cleansing mask once or twice a week to support your skin's natural renewal process.
- Be gentle – avoid rubbing your skin vigorously with a towel, just gently pat it dry with a soft cloth.
Regular, conscious cleansing is the best investment in healthy skin. By using Orientana natural cosmetics— makeup removal oil, Date + Inulin gel, facial cleansing foam, Japanese Rose and Pandan toner, and toning lotion —you can create a simple, effective routine that will restore your skin's freshness and natural glow.
