Most of us don’t think about it, but our skin is exposed to a lot of stressors every day. Pollution, the sun, and even the climate can affect the way your skin behaves. When the skin begins to look dull, break out, or react differently to your normal skincare routine, it’s time for a deep clean.
“Deep cleansing your skin works to clear away the impurities that daily cleansing misses.”
Shani Darden, Esthetician
A professional facial is one of the most effective ways to deep cleanse your skin, stimulate circulation, and restore your skin’s natural rhythm. If you can’t get in to see your esthetician, or if you’re more of a DIY person, I’ve got five tips to help you get a thorough deep clean at home.
Why Should You Deep Cleanse Your Face?
Deep cleansing your skin is necessary because, over time, dirt and impurities can build up and clog or congest your pores. Dead skin cells can linger on the surface of your skin for too long, and external stressors can dehydrate the skin and cause irritation.
Deep cleansing your skin has skin-restorative benefits, too.
Supports Youthful-Looking Skin
Collagen is a protein found abundantly in the skin, and it keeps your skin looking youthful and helps keep it firm and toned. As you age, you naturally lose collagen each year — a deep cleanse just might help you retain a youthful appearance even as collagen declines.
Can Help Calm Breakouts
Breakouts can happen at any age — even into your 40s and 50s. Deep cleansing your skin can help clarify your pores better than daily face washing. Using the right products (which I’ll recommend below) is essential for cleansing without stripping your skin of natural moisture or interfering with the skin barrier, both of which could potentially make a breakout worse.
Supports Normal Skin Cell Turnover
Skin cells are created in the deep layers of your skin and are pushed to the surface during their life cycle, where they eventually die. Dead skin cells should naturally slough off the surface of your skin, but sometimes they need a little help. If they hang out on your skin too long, your skin cell turnover can slow down, leading to issues with texture and fine lines.
New skin is radiant-looking skin, so supporting normal skin cell turnover can help your skin stay healthy. Deep cleansing can help remove dead skin cells, which can also help minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
Helps Restore Natural Glow
I hear complaints about dull skin from my clients a lot. They’re craving restoration of the natural glow their skin once had. Free radicals (from sources like pollution, the sun, and cigarette smoke) can harm the skin’s barrier and leave it looking dull and unhealthy. A deep cleanse can help ease the damage, restore the glow, and bring balance to the skin barrier.
What Are Some Ways To Deep Cleanse Your Skin?
The way you deep clean will depend on your skin type. There are four basic skin types: dry, oily, normal, and combination. The most common skin type is combination, but for the purposes of this tutorial, I’ll cover the basic ways to deeply cleanse any skin type.
1. Cleansers
Any deep clean is going to start with a high-grade cleanser that is designed for your specific skin type. For oily skin, you’ll want a cleanser that absorbs excess oil without leaving your skin parched. Normal, dry, and sensitive skin types should use a cleanser that is clarifying but gentle enough to not become irritating. My Cleansing Serum is a gentle yet effective gel cleanser that deeply cleanses without stripping the skin.
It’s important that your cleanser works synergistically with your skin. Many cleansers can interfere with your skin’s pH balance, wreaking havoc on your skin’s microbiome and weakening the skin barrier. A good rule of thumb is to look for certain ingredients while avoiding others:
- Look for: Hyaluronic acid, a natural acid that helps restore skin’s natural moisture levels. Opt for plant-based ingredients that gently loosen dirt and oil.
- Avoid: Parabens and sulfates. These can interfere with your skin’s microbiome, which can result in everything from skin sensitivity and acne to skin infections.
Cleanse your skin with lukewarm (never hot) water. Using cold water can have a tightening effect on your pores, and the goal is to open the pores so we can clean them. On the other hand, water that is too hot can dry out your skin and cause irritation — lukewarm water is the perfect middle ground.
2. Exfoliating Products
Exfoliating gets a little tricky. Most people associate exfoliating with a product that includes grit or granules that scrub away dead skin.
While exfoliatingis intended to remove dead skin and dirt from the surface of your skin, some exfoliating products are too harsh and may leave your skin irritated. Some may even lead to oil overproduction if they result in skin that is too dry and parched.
A better solution is using natural acids to gently lift and exfoliate the skin. I love retinol and lactic acid because they produce real results and are naturally derived. If you’ve ever tried a retinol product and experienced redness and irritation, I have your solution.
My Retinol Reform serum contains slow-release retinol that works while you sleep, so you wake up to more clarified skin without irritation. The concentration is clinically proven to provide results, but because it’s delivered slowly, it even works for sensitive skin types.
Lactic acid also works to exfoliate and helps skin remember its natural glow, so it’s another product I’d include in any basic skincare routine. My Lactic Acid Serum is perfect for use on nights you aren’t using Retinol Reform.
For treatment products, I recommend starting with once-weekly usage and adding one night each week. For exfoliating products, start off with one to two nights a week — just make sure not to use your exfoliating product on the same night as retinol or other potent actives.
3. Use Steam
If you have a facial, your esthetician will probably use steam to help relax and open your pores so they can effectively cleanse your skin, get products to penetrate deeply, and eliminate oil and dirt.
You can replicate the steam treatment at home with a steaming device. If you choose to steam, make sure you remember to moisturize when you are done deep cleansing. Steam can leave your face feeling dry and tight.
4. Use a Mask
Masks work to draw out impurities that live deep inside your pores. Once you’ve cleansed and opened your pores, applying a mask that contains kaolin clay, like the Cosmedix Clear Deep Cleansing Mask, is the perfect way to pull out everything else that could be lurking just below the surface of your skin.
Kaolin clay is the best choice (better than charcoal) for removing impurities because it has a neutral pH that won’t interfere with your skin barrier.
Another good option is bentonite clay, which not only absorbs excess oil and helps rebalance skin’s natural moisture levels, but also acts as a soothing agent, helping calm down areas that are irritated or red.
After using a mask, you don’t need to cleanse again with a cleansing agent. Simply remove the mask (along with all the excess oil and dirt) with warm water and pat dry.
5. LED Light Therapy
One of the best ways I can help restore my clients’ skin and reach the deepest layers is by using light therapy. My Déesse PRO LED Light Mask lets you get similar results at home and helps target three of my clients’ biggest skin concerns:
- Acne
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Pigmentation concerns
By using a combination of three different types of light (red, blue, and near-infrared LED) delivered at strengths clinically proven to be effective, you can reach layers of your skin to help promote collagen production, stimulate cell turnover, and increase the health and clarity of your skin.
What Are Some Post-Deep-Cleansing Musts?
Once you’ve deep-cleaned, moisturizing is essential. All skin needs moisture, even if you have an oily skin type. My Weightless Oil-Free Moisturizer is the perfect choice for normal to oily skin, and it works to deliver daily hydration without causing congested pores.
After a deep cleanse or facial, your skin needs extra hydration to reestablish moisture and protect the skin barrier — so choosing the right moisturizer, and using it consistently, is crucial.
Wearing SPF is also essential in the morning after a deep cleanse, and the Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion with SPF 50 doubles as both your morning moisturizer and sun protection step.
Deep Dive Into Clean Skin
Deep cleansing your skin can help awaken your skin, clear away impurities, and bring your complexion back into balance. You generally don’t need to deep clean your skin more than once a month for effective results — over-cleansing can strip too much oil and lead to dryness or even irritation.
As always, you can book a virtual consultation for even more skin tips and professional guidance.
Sources:
The human skin microbiome | Nature Reviews Microbiology
What Are Parabens, and Why Don’t They Belong in Cosmetics? | Environmental Working Group
FAQs
What is the 4 2 4 face cleansing method? ›
"The 4-2-4 method basically entails four minutes of massaging your face with a cleansing oil, two minutes of massaging with a water-based cleanser (preferably creamy), then two minutes of rinsing with warm water and two minutes with cold water." The 4-2-4 method should ideally be done before bedtime.
What is the best method of cleansing? ›- Properly remove all your makeup first. ...
- Don't use harsh bar soap to clean your face. ...
- Use lukewarm water. ...
- Give micellar water a shot. ...
- Skip unnecessary tools. ...
- Remember your neck and jaw. ...
- Pat dry with a soft towel. ...
- Don't wash your face too often.
There's no need to wash the face more than twice a day. In fact, doing so may dry out your skin. When this happens, Ivonne says skin “does whatever it needs to do to regain moisture.” This includes “making its sebum production work in overdrive, causing more oil and more acne than there was originally.”
How long does it take to detox face? ›The esthetician you are seeing is right, there is a period of time where your skin should purge and detox. Unfortunately there is no given time that this takes, it can range from 2-6 weeks, everyone is different.
How do Japanese wash their face? ›Instead of gel and foam-based cleansers, Japanese women use cleansing oils to wash their faces. The Japanese skin care routine includes cleansing only once a day to prevent the skin from drying out.
How do you triple cleanse your face? ›One triple-cleanse route is to start with an oil-based cleanser, followed by a cream cleanser, and then finish with a gel or foaming cleanser. Another way to triple cleanse is to first use a makeup remover or cleansing wipe, followed by a cleansing oil, and finally a foaming cleanser.
What is the Korean double cleansing method? ›The Korean Double Cleansing Method is a two-step cleansing process. It involves washing your face with an oil-based cleanser first, followed by a water-based cleanser second. Using two different cleansers at night is perfect to remove makeup, dirt and build-up for cleaner, softer, and smoother skin.
What are the six cleansing techniques? ›- Neti – Nasal Cleansing.
- Kapalbathi – Sinus Cleansing.
- Nauli – Abdominal Massaging.
- Dhauti – Internal Cleansing.
- Basti – Yogic enema.
- Trataka – Concentrated Gazing.
Clay cleansers
As a skincare ingredient, clay is best known for its purifying properties. Clay-based cleansers purify the skin by drawing out excess oil and toxins from the pores. And because of this, they are a great option for combination or oily skin — just be sure to use an oil-free moisturiser afterwards.
- Milk. Milk is a great ingredient for your skin. ...
- Coconut oil. Most people use coconut oil for hair but you can also apply coconut oil on your face to get glowing skin! ...
- Almond oil. Almond oil is great for your skin. ...
- Rose Water. Rosewater is undoubtedly a magic potion for beauty. ...
- Honey. advertisement. ...
- Aloe vera gel. ...
- Scrub.
Should you wash your face with your hands or washcloth? ›
Contrary to popular myths, the safest way to wash your face is with your hands; washcloths and scrubs can be too abrasive on the skin, and might potentially harm healthy cells, resulting in irritation. It's therefore essential to wash your hands before washing your face.
Should you use a washcloth to wash your face? ›After you rinse your cleanser (but before your dry), it's important to use either a washcloth or facial sponge to thoroughly wipe your skin, says Rouleau. "Makeup doesn't just dissolve when you wash your face, it has to be physically wiped away," she adds.
What foods flush your face? ›...
Dealing with acne?
- White bread.
- Processed breakfast cereals.
- White rice and pretzels.
- Potato chips.
- Cookies, cakes and sweets.
- yellow and orange fruits and vegetables such as carrots, apricots, and sweet potatoes.
- spinach and other dark green and leafy vegetables.
- tomatoes.
- blueberries.
- whole-wheat bread.
- brown rice.
- quinoa.
- turkey.
- Wash your face twice a day (and any time after you sweat). ...
- Wear sunscreen every day. ...
- Apply a moisturizer. ...
- Don't smoke. ...
- Eat antioxidant rich foods, as part of a balanced diet. ...
- Drink more water and less alcohol. ...
- Use a retinoid.
You could experience dryness, breakouts, or dermatitis.
"Cleansing our face daily prevents the buildup of dirt, which can cause bacteria overgrowth—leading to inflammation and subsequent breakouts, dryness, eczema, and premature aging," she says. Dr.
Your skin also shows signs of detoxing. You could break out in a rash, itch, or sweat more than usual. Emotionally, your moods can change from anger to sadness to anxiousness or depression. Cognitively, your motor reflexes could be slower.
How do you clean the inside of your skin? ›Drink plenty of water, eat well, and exercise regularly so you can detox for skin problems, promote healthy circulation, and keep those dead skin cells moving to make space for vibrant, new cells.
How do Koreans keep their face so clean? ›The leaders of the skincare world are thorough: “Korean skincare rituals begin with double cleansing: use an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen and other oil-based impurities, then follow up with a cleansing foam or soap to clean out the pores,” says Elchami.
Why do Japanese have flawless skin? ›Jan says that in Japan, it is believed that the first step to beautiful skin is what you put inside your body. "The Japanese diet is full of vegetables and fish, and extremely low in meat and sugary foods," he says. "Japanese women also believe green tea is a source of clear, beautiful skin." Dr.
How often should you deep cleanse your face? ›
In general, you should be cleansing your face at least twice a day. “You should wash your face both morning and night because the skin creates sebum and oil throughout the day,” says Saya Obayah, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist located in Austin, Texas.
What is a detox cleanser for face? ›Removes pollutants and impurities. Removes makeup, including silicone based and water resistant formulas. Uses active ingredients to protect skin from aging, chemical and environmental damages. Achieve silky smooth, soft, supple and hydrated skin without stripping skin dry.
What is the Korean 10 step cleansing process? ›It goes a bit like this: a balm or oil cleanser (1), a foaming cleanser (2), an exfoliant (3), a toner (4), an essence (5), an ampoule or serum (6), a sheet mask (7), an eye cream (8), a moisturizer (9), and then either a thicker night cream or sleeping mask or an SPF (10).
How many times do Korean wash their face? ›Double cleansing is important. For Koreans, it's considered so necessary that no one ever washes their face just once. You must remove your make-up first and then wash your face again with a second product to get your skin deeply cleansed.
Do Koreans wash face twice a day? ›Double cleansing is a two-step cleansing method that is popular in Korea. It involves using an oil cleanser to remove any oil-based impurities such as makeup, SPF, sebum and any other impurities your skin has collected throughout the day.
What is a full cleanse? ›A full body detox, or cleanse, is a plan that people follow in an effort to eliminate toxins from the body. Toxins, such as poisons or pollutants, are substances that negatively affect health. The body can already eliminate these substances on its own through the liver, kidneys, digestive system, and skin.
What are the rules of a cleanse? ›- Eat consistently throughout the day, approximately every 3 to 4 hours.
- Eat as much fresh food as possible. ...
- Use vinegar , herbs, and spices to flavor food. ...
- Eat more vegetables if you're still feeling hungry at a meal. ...
- Drink at least eight cups of water a day.
"Follow the 'five cleans' which must be followed to prevent infection in the newborn - Clean hands, clean cord tie, clean cord, clean surface and clean blade. "
What body parts are cleansing? ›Your main detoxification organs are the liver and kidneys. Additionally, your lymphatic system, digestive tract, skin, and lungs also play a part in how your body detoxes. Altogether, these organs create detoxification pathways in the body.
What is the number 1 best facial cleanser? ›- Best Overall: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser at Amazon. ...
- Best Budget: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser at Target. ...
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser at Amazon. ...
- Best for Severe Dryness: First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser at Amazon. ...
- Best Refillable: ...
- Best for Acne: ...
- Best Soothing: ...
- Best Foam:
How can I detox to clear my skin? ›
- Vitamin C detox drink. Vitamin C is one of the best vitamins for skin health. ...
- Turmeric detox. Turmeric is loaded with properties that can work well for your skin. ...
- Apple cider vinegar detox drink. Apple cider vinegar is commonly used for weight loss.
- Superbloom Spotless Cleansing Gel - For Oily & Combination Skin.
- Tree To Tub Balancing Face Wash for Oily, Acne Prone Skin.
- Alaffia Everyday Coconut Face Cleanser - Purely Coconut.
- OSEA Ocean Cleansing Milk.
- Indie Lee Purifying Face Wash.
Charcoal is your go-to ingredient if you want to get rid of pesky impurities! With both purifying and detoxifying properties, it helps to eliminate impurities and control excess sebum. Our recommendation: If you have combination or oily skin, apply a charcoal mask and/or nose strip once or twice a week.
How remove hardened dirt from skin? ›Brush dead skin cells off
Dry brushing is another effective way to remove dead skin cells and dirt from the surface of your skin, while also promoting the production of healthy oils. Dry brushing is exactly what it sounds like: you brush your skin, while dry, with a natural fiber brush.
Popular skin care ingredients like bentonite clay, charcoal and vitamin C are all considered detoxifying agents that can draw out pore-clogging impurities, protect from free radical damage, and promote an overall healthy-looking complexion.
What causes dirt build up on skin? ›Most people just wipe it off with their towel. This is usually a sign that you're not washing off all the shampoo or body wash off your skin. This left over residue that cause irritation and also also appear as dirt on skin.
What should I put on my face before bed? ›...
Washing your face helps to:
- Clear pores. ...
- Remove oil from skin. ...
- Prevent wrinkles. ...
- Freshen your skin -- and your perspective.