When it comes to daily skin care, cleansing is the starting point of everything. No matter how healthy the skin is, a cleansing routine is of great importance as long as it is exposed to external factors. Factors such as makeup, air pollution, sweat, sunscreen residues and excess sebum accumulate on the skin and pave the way for pore blockage, dullness and acne formation. Therefore, a correct and regular cleansing routine allows the skin to breathe, increases the effectiveness of care products and supports skin health in the long term.
So what do dermatologists recommend to pay attention to when it comes to daily skin cleansing? Here are the basic cleansing steps that can be applied morning and evening, suitable for every skin type...
Morning Routine: Start Your Day With Fresh Skin
At night, the skin repairs and renews itself. During this process, sweat, sebum and dead cells may accumulate on the skin. Therefore, a light but effective cleansing in the morning is very important.
1. Start with a Gentle Cleanser
Wash your face with a soap-free cleanser suitable for your skin type.
For dry skin, products with moisturizing content in cream or milk form;
For oily skin, ingredients in gel form that gently cleanse excess oil are suitable.
Combination skin should prefer balancing, gentle formulas.
2. Use Warm Water
Very hot or very cold water can damage the skin's natural barrier. Warm water cleans the skin without damaging it.
3. Moisturize After Cleaning
After cleansing, the skin may lose moisture. Revitalizing your skin with a light moisturizer is a complementary step of morning care.
Evening Routine: Wash the Day’s Burden Off Your Skin
Dirt, makeup and environmental pollution accumulated throughout the day accumulate heavily on the skin surface in the evening. Therefore, evening cleansing should be a little more detailed than in the morning.
1. Double-Stage Cleaning
This method, especially recommended for those who wear make-up or sunscreen, consists of two steps:
First step (oil-based cleanser): Cleanses the skin by dissolving makeup, sunscreen and excess sebum.
Second stage (water-based cleanser): Deeply cleanses dirt and residue remaining in the pores.
2. Choosing the Right Product for Your Skin Type
As always, it’s important to choose products that are appropriate for your skin type. Avoid cleansers that contain alcohol, are excessively drying, or contain irritants.
3. Exfoliation (Peeling) 1-2 Times a Week
In addition to daily cleansing, removing dead skin cells a few times a week can help skin appear brighter and smoother. Chemical peels (such as those containing AHA/BHA) are a gentle and effective option.
Common Mistakes in Cleaning
Dermatologists emphasize that overdoing cleansing can also disrupt skin balance. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Cleansing more than twice a day: This can damage the skin barrier and increase sensitivity.
Wrong product use: Products that are not suitable for your skin type can cause either irritation or pore clogging.
Scrub your face hard: Skin is a delicate tissue. Applying pressure while cleansing can cause redness and sensitivity.
With a Dermatologist's Recommendation...
Skin cleansing is the cornerstone of a simple yet effective routine. Cleansing with the right products for your skin type and needs can prevent many skin problems.
If you have complaints such as constant irritation, acne, dryness or oiliness on your skin, we recommend that you review your skin cleansing routine with a dermatologist. Professional support can make a difference in both your product selection and routine creation.
Prof. Dr. Nazan Yılmaz
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