Cleansing is the most overlooked step in skincare — yet it’s the one that determines how well everything else works.
If you’ve ever wondered how to cleanse your face properly, the answer goes far beyond simply washing with soap and water. The cleanser you choose and the way you use it directly affect your skin barrier, breakouts, sensitivity, and how well your serums and treatments perform.
At Art of Skin Care, we teach that cleansing is the foundation of every successful skincare routine. When skin is cleansed correctly, it becomes more balanced, more resilient, and better able to absorb the ingredients designed to improve it.
This guide will walk you through:
Why proper face cleansing matters
How to match the right cleansing method to your cleanser
The best way to cleanse your face based on skin type
Expert tips from licensed estheticians
Why Proper Face Cleansing Matters More Than You Think
Learning how to wash your face correctly isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing it right.
Proper face cleansing helps:
Remove oil, dirt, sunscreen, makeup, and environmental pollutants
Prevent clogged pores and breakouts
Protect and support the skin barrier
Reduce irritation and sensitivity
Improve the effectiveness of your entire skincare routine
Increase healthy circulation
Rehydrate the skin
When cleansing is rushed, too aggressive, or mismatched to the cleanser type, the skin barrier can become compromised — leading to dryness, redness, breakouts, and products that don’t seem to “work.”
Why Cleansing Is Essential for Hydrating the Skin
One of the biggest skincare myths we see is that people with dry skin should cleanse less — or skip cleansing altogether. In reality, cleansing is one of the most important steps for rehydrating the skin.
Proper cleansing removes the buildup that blocks water-binding ingredients from penetrating effectively. When skin isn’t thoroughly cleansed, hydrating serums and moisturizers sit on the surface instead of being absorbed where they’re needed most.
Gentle cleansing prepares the skin to receive hydration — it doesn’t take it away when done correctly.
The Hidden Benefit of Cleansing: Circulation & Lymphatic Support
Cleansing isn’t just about removing impurities — it’s also a moment of intentional skin stimulation.
A gentle cleansing massage helps:
Encourage healthy circulation
Support lymphatic movement
Reduce stagnation and dullness
Improve overall skin vitality
The lymphatic system plays a vital role in skin health by helping move waste and excess fluid out of the tissues. When lymph flow is sluggish, skin can appear dull, puffy, or dehydrated.
How Lymph Movement Supports Hydration, Collagen & Skin Energy
Within the skin lies the interstitial fluid — the space where essential skin processes take place. This is where:
Hyaluronic acid attracts and holds water
New collagen is formed
Nutrients are delivered to skin cells
Mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell) support cellular energy and repair
Gentle cleansing massage helps keep this environment healthy by encouraging fluid movement and circulation, supporting the skin’s natural renewal processes.
When this system is functioning well, skin is:
More hydrated
More resilient
Brighter and more energized
Better able to repair and renew
The Science Behind Why Cleansing Supports Hydration & Skin Health
Healthy skin relies on constant movement — of fluids, nutrients, and cellular energy.
Beneath the surface of the skin is a network of interstitial fluid, which acts as the delivery system between blood vessels and skin cells. This fluid is where essential processes take place, including hydration, collagen production, and cellular repair.
Hyaluronic acid, one of the skin’s primary water-binding molecules, functions within this fluid environment. When interstitial flow is healthy, hyaluronic acid can more effectively attract and hold water, helping the skin appear plump, supple, and hydrated.
Gentle cleansing massage supports this system by encouraging:
Microcirculation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients
Lymphatic movement, which helps clear metabolic waste
A healthier environment for collagen formation
Improved cellular energy through optimal mitochondrial function
Mitochondria — often referred to as the “powerhouses” of our cells — rely on proper oxygen and nutrient exchange to produce energy. This energy fuels skin repair, renewal, and resilience over time.
When cleansing is rushed, skipped, or overly aggressive, these processes can become less efficient. When cleansing is done gently and consistently, it helps maintain the conditions skin needs to function at its best.
This is why cleansing should never feel harsh or stripping. The goal is to support the skin’s natural physiology, not fight against it. Light pressure, appropriate massage time, and the right cleansing method allow your skin to stay hydrated, energized, and healthy.
The Key to Cleansing Your Face Properly: Match the Method to the Cleanser
More pressure is not better. The goal is consistent, gentle movement, not aggressive friction. This is why we emphasize light pressure, proper cleansing methods, and adequate massage time — especially for dry, aging, or compromised skin.
When cleansing is done with intention, it becomes one of the most powerful steps in your skincare routine — supporting hydration, barrier health, and long-term skin vitality.
Proper cleansing supports hydration, circulation, lymphatic flow, and the cellular processes that keep skin healthy and resilient.
The Key to Cleansing Your Face Properly: Match the Method to the Cleanser
Different cleanser textures are formulated to work in different ways. One of the most common mistakes we see is using the same cleansing technique for every cleanser.
At AOS, we teach three primary cleansing methods:
The Dry Cleanse Method
The Oil Cleanse Method
The Traditional Cleanse Method
Choosing the correct method makes all the difference.
The Dry Cleanse Method
Best for Creamy, Milky, Balm & Lipid-Rich Cleansers
Creamy, milky, and balm-style cleansers are designed to interact with the skin’s natural oils. Applying these cleansers to dry skin allows them to gently dissolve excess oil, sunscreen, and buildup without stripping the skin barrier.
We especially love this method for:
Oily and blemish-prone skin
Clients who wear daily SPF or makeup
Anyone focused on barrier health
How to cleanse your face properly using the Dry Cleanse Method:
Apply the cleanser to dry skin using light pressure. Wet your hands and massage the skin to emulsify the cleanser, continuing gentle circular motions for about 60 seconds. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water or remove with a clean, damp cloth. Follow with toner, serum, and moisturizer. Apply SPF during the day.
For dry or sensitive skin, this method can be modified by starting on slightly damp skin and reducing massage time.
The Oil Cleanse Method
Best for Pure Oil Cleansers
Oil cleansing is one of the most effective ways to break down heavy sunscreen, makeup, and surface debris while maintaining hydration and barrier balance.
How to cleanse your face properly with an oil cleanser:
Apply cleansing oil to dry skin and gently massage using light pressure. Wet your hands and massage again to emulsify the oil, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water or remove with a clean, damp cloth.
If you have oily or blemish-prone skin, follow with a gel or foaming cleanser to ensure the skin is fully cleansed. Finish with toner, serum, and moisturizer.
Why the Type of Cleansing Oil Matters
Not all oils are created equal — and when it comes to oil cleansing, the type of oil you use is vital.
Professional cleansing oils are lipophilic, meaning they are naturally attracted to other oils. This matters because the oil inside your pores — including sebum, oxidized oil, sunscreen, and makeup — is also lipophilic.
When a properly formulated cleansing oil is applied to dry skin, it binds to the oil and debris inside the pores, helping to loosen buildup without stripping the skin barrier.
What Happens When You Add Water
The real magic of oil cleansing happens when water is introduced.
When you wet your hands and massage the oil, the cleanser begins to emulsify. At this point, water acts like a magnet — pulling the bound oil, oxidized sebum, and cellular debris out of the pores so it can be rinsed away.
This emulsification step is essential. Without it, oil can remain on the skin’s surface. With it, the skin is left clean, balanced, and comfortable — not greasy.
Why This Matters for Acne & Congested Skin
Oxidized oil trapped in the pores is one of the key contributors to congestion and breakouts. Because oil attracts oil, using a properly formulated cleansing oil can actually be one of the most effective ways to cleanse oily or blemish-prone skin.
This is why oil cleansing:
Helps dissolve hardened, oxidized sebum
Clears buildup without harsh surfactants
Supports the skin barrier rather than disrupting it
For oily or blemish-prone skin, following with a gel or foaming cleanser ensures the skin is thoroughly cleansed while maintaining balance.
Expert Tip
Oil cleansing should never feel heavy or greasy. When the correct oil cleanser is used and properly emulsified, skin should feel clean, soft, and refreshed — not coated.
The Traditional Cleanse Method
Best for Gel & Foaming Cleansers
Gel and foaming cleansers are water-activated formulas that work best on damp skin. This is the most common method for daily cleansing and is especially effective for acne-prone and combination skin types.
How to cleanse your face properly with a gel or foaming cleanser:
Apply the cleanser to damp skin. Using gentle circular motions, massage for about 60 seconds to lift impurities and allow the cleanser to emulsify. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water or remove with a clean, damp cloth. Follow with toner, serum, and moisturizer. Apply SPF during the day.
An Important Exception: Rhonda Allison Gel Cleansers
Not all gel cleansers are created the same.
Rhonda Allison gel cleansers are uniquely formulated to be used with the dry skin cleansing method. She intentionally packs her cleansers with high-performing active ingredients designed to have direct contact with the skin before water is introduced. Applying these cleansers to dry skin allows the actives to work more effectively while still supporting barrier health.
For clients with sensitive or reactive skin, we recommend mixing Rhonda Allison gel cleansers with Gentle Peptide Cleanse to soften the experience while still benefiting from her active-rich formulations.
Expert Tips for Proper Face Cleansing
Our licensed estheticians recommend keeping these best practices in mind when learning how to cleanse your face properly:
Always use light pressure — cleansing is not exfoliation
Avoid hot water, which can disrupt the skin barrier
Adjust massage time based on sensitivity or post-treatment skin
Skin should feel clean and comfortable, never tight or dry
More pressure or longer cleansing time does not equal better results.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Cleanse Your Face Properly
How do I cleanse my face properly?
To cleanse your face properly, choose a cleanser suited to your skin type and use the correct cleansing method for that formula. Proper cleansing involves gentle massage, appropriate water temperature, and enough time for the cleanser to work — usually about 60 seconds. Skin should feel clean, comfortable, and balanced afterward, never tight or stripped.
What is the best way to cleanse your face?
The best way to cleanse your face is by matching the cleansing method to the type of cleanser you’re using. Creamy, milky, balm, and oil cleansers work best when applied to dry skin and emulsified with water. Gel and foaming cleansers are typically water-activated and work best on damp skin. Using the correct method helps protect the skin barrier and improves results.
Is cleansing really important for hydrating the skin?
Yes. Cleansing is one of the most important steps for rehydrating the skin. Proper cleansing removes buildup that can block hydrating ingredients from penetrating effectively. When skin is cleansed gently and correctly, it is better able to absorb water-binding ingredients like hyaluronic acid, leading to improved hydration and skin comfort.
Why shouldn’t people with dry skin skip cleansing?
People with dry skin often skip cleansing out of fear of dryness, but this can actually make dehydration worse. Skipping cleansing allows residue, oil, and dead skin cells to build up, preventing moisturizers and serums from absorbing properly. Gentle cleansing supports hydration by preparing the skin to receive moisture.
How long should you cleanse your face?
Most people should cleanse their face for about 60 seconds. This allows enough time to lift impurities, support circulation, and properly emulsify the cleanser without irritating the skin. Massage time can be shortened for sensitive, rosacea-prone, or post-treatment skin.
Does massaging your face while cleansing really help?
Yes. Gentle cleansing massage supports circulation and lymphatic movement, which helps improve skin vitality. Healthy lymph flow supports the movement of interstitial fluid — the space where hydration, collagen formation, and cellular energy processes take place. This contributes to healthier, more resilient-looking skin over time.
Why oil cleansing won’t clog pores
Oil cleansing won’t clog pores when a properly formulated, emulsifying cleansing oil is used. Cleansing oils are lipophilic, meaning oil attracts oil. When water is added, the cleanser emulsifies and allows oil, oxidized sebum, sunscreen, and debris to be rinsed away cleanly. Clogged pores occur only when non-emulsifying oils are used or when oil is not removed properly.
Is oil cleansing good for acne-prone or oily skin?
Yes, when done correctly. Oil cleansing helps dissolve hardened, oxidized oil inside the pores, which is a key contributor to congestion. For oily or blemish-prone skin, following oil cleansing with a gel or foaming cleanser helps ensure the skin is thoroughly cleansed while remaining balanced.
However, oil cleansing is not recommended when active, inflamed pustules are present. In these cases, it’s best to wait until active acne lesions have calmed and begun to clear before incorporating an oil cleanser into your routine.
Should gel cleansers always be used on damp skin?
Most gel and foaming cleansers are water-activated and work best on damp skin. However, some gel cleansers — such as Rhonda Allison gel cleansers and the Hydrinity Prelude Facial Treatment Cleanser — are intentionally designed to be applied to dry skin first. This allows their active ingredients to have direct contact with the skin before water is introduced, enhancing their overall effectiveness.
What is the dry cleanse method?
The dry cleanse method involves applying a cleanser to dry skin, then adding water to emulsify it before rinsing. This method works best for creamy, milky, balm, and lipid-rich cleansers, as well as certain active gel cleansers. It helps break down oil-based debris while supporting the skin barrier.
What is the traditional cleanse method?
The traditional cleanse method involves applying cleanser to damp skin and massaging gently for about 60 seconds before rinsing. This method is best for gel and foaming cleansers that are designed to activate with water.
Can cleansing damage the skin barrier?
Cleansing can damage the skin barrier if harsh products, hot water, aggressive scrubbing, or incorrect techniques are used. When done gently with the correct cleanser and method, cleansing actually supports barrier health and improves skin function.
How should skin feel after cleansing?
After cleansing, skin should feel clean, calm, comfortable, and balanced. Tightness, stinging, or dryness are signs that the cleanser or method may need adjustment.
How do I know which cleanser and method are right for me?
Choosing the right cleanser and cleansing method depends on your skin type, concerns, and sensitivity level. If you’re unsure how to cleanse your face properly, working with a licensed esthetician can help ensure your routine supports your skin’s long-term health.
The Best Way to Cleanse Your Face: The Takeaway
The best way to cleanse your face is by matching your cleansing method to your cleanser type while respecting your skin barrier. When cleansing is done correctly, skin stays healthier, clearer, and more receptive to the rest of your skincare routine.
If you’re unsure how to cleanse your face properly or which cleanser and method are right for your skin type, our licensed estheticians are here to help.
Looking for expert skincare guidance? Our team of licensed estheticians will help you create or refine a routine that fits your skin’s unique needs — starting with a free skincare checkup.
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Author
Jeana LeClerc
Jeana LeClerc is a licensed esthetician, Certified Acne Specialist, and the founder and CEO of Art of Skin Care . With over 20 years of hands-on experience in the skincare industry, Jeana specializes in regenerative skincare —a powerful, holistic alternative to conventional anti-aging treatments.
Rejecting the pressure of injectables and invasive procedures, Jeana champions science-backed, skin-nourishing solutions that support healthy, youthful skin from the inside out. Her mission is to help clients achieve lasting skin transformation through personalized routines, professional-grade products, and a deep understanding of how the skin functions and regenerates.
At Art of Skin Care, Jeana leads a team of expert estheticians dedicated to delivering results-driven skincare, from clearing acne to supporting healthy aging . Her blog and online consultations are trusted resources for those seeking radiant, resilient skin without compromise.
