Is Cleansing and Toning Your Face Important?

Removing your makeup in the evenings is an important step when it comes to maintaining a clear skin complexion and avoiding acne and breakouts. But, do you ever find yourself cleansing or washing your face and thinking, is this really important? Am I doing it right?

All skin types are different and when it comes to cleansing and toning your face, you need to find products and a routine which work for you. In the summer, this is especially important, thanks to a build-up of suncare products, festival mud or just daily sweat and grime. So, is cleansing and toning your face really all that important? 

Why Do We Need To Cleanse And Tone Our Skin?

As we go about our day-to-day lives, our faces attract all sorts, such as pollution, sweat and dirt. So, by cleansing once or twice a day, we are helping our skin to remove the build-up of skin cells and dirt which can then lead to spots, red patches and dry skin. Cleansing and toning your face is important for general health and hygiene, plus who doesn’t love clean, glowing skin!

Cleansing

Cleansing is one of the most important skin care steps you can make and, when done right, will ensure that you are left with soft skin that is free from blemishes. When you are cleansing your skin, be sure that you start with clean hands and tie your hair back so that you can get to the edges of your face and hairline. 

Apply a small amount of cleanser into your hands and warm the product up by massaging your hands together. Then, using circular motions, apply the cleanser to dry skin so that it will stick to any dirt and residue. Apply deep pressure using your fingertips and massage the cleanser in to boost circulation and allow the cleanser to work. 

Allow the cleanser to sit on your face for a couple of minutes to get to work and then, using a damp muslin cloth or cotton wool pads, gently wipe away the residue. 

Toning

Once you’ve cleansed, it’s time to move onto toning. This is an important skin care step as it helps to refresh the skin and remove any remaining traces of cleanser or dirt which has been left on the skin. If you have properly cleansed, then your skin should feel clean, but never taught and dry. If your skin does feel this way, then the products you are using for cleansing and toning your face may be too harsh for your skin type. 

When toning your face, simply soak a cotton pad or two with toner and apply to the neck, working upwards towards your temples. Let the toner dry naturally before you apply any serums or moisturiser. 

Sometimes, the above steps just aren’t enough for your skin type. Issues, such as dry skin and rosacea, may need some extra care and attention. Makeup and skin prep and care are very personal, so investing in the products which work for you are vital when it comes to caring for your skin. Cleansing and toning your face are just two steps you can take to ensure that you are doing this, but there are many others, such as serums, primers and moisturisers which can add to your routine as well.