Morning Cleansing, Double-Cleansing, Second Cleansing & Exfoliating Cleansers?! Here’s AM & PM Cleansing Made Simple
It’s a bit of bad (and good) news.
Cleansing is way more important than you think it is, and there’s a decent chance you’re “dOiNg iT wRoNg” (sorry) or at least, not the absolute best you could be (don’t worry- so was I).
It truly does make or break your routine, which is the bad news.
The good news is some of your skin concerns might be solved from switching up how you use your current cleanser, no new $200 skincare purchased involved!
Actually, it’s so significant, it’s the first thing I ask people who have skin concerns around congestion.
And yes, although choosing the right cleanser is a foundational step in any skincare routine (and some awesome recommendations to come), ultimately…
Like with any skincare routine, how you use your skincare is equally as important as what you’re using.
Here’s a breakdown of a easy to follow how-to that I religiously follow as a spotty prone gal and some of my favourite cleansers that I’ve found make my skin very, very happy.
Morning (AM) Cleansing: Keep it creamy.
Starting your day with a gentle and hydrating cleanser is, in my personal opinion, a wonderful move.
But! Dry skin friends, I hear you. Truly.
I know the waking up with flaky tight skin and the thought of cleansing hurts to think about.
Let me plead my case.
Cleansing gently in the morning can look very different than you might think, and ultimately, even though not essential, I believe strongly contributes to happier and healthier skin in the long run.
Overnight, your skin clings onto the dust (dead skin and dirt) that’s rolling around in our bedroom with us, alongside continuing to be skin- meaning sebum builds up, skin cells naturally turn over, and if you’re anything like me you’ve gotten a bit sweaty so that’s sitting on your face too.
So my honest thoughts and the consensus is getting that off your face contributes to calmer, happier skin.
Steps to ace Your AM Cleanse:
Dampen your skin first
Cleanse with a simple, non stripping and suits your skin (recommendations below) for enough time to give every part of your face some cleansing love (no longer than 20 seconds!)
Pat dry with something soft
Follow up with your skincare asap, while your skin is still water logged to avoid TEWL.
AM Cleansers for Your Skin Type:
Avène Tolerance Extremely Gentle Cleanser
Super gentle, for the fussiest everything stings skin. I used this religiously for many years when my blemishes were very inflamed and angry.
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
Formulated with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to maintain the skin’s barrier and provide long-lasting hydration, making it a strong candidate for a morning cleanser.
Dermal Therapy Very Dry Face Cleanser
For the classic dry skin skincare haver. Also a wonderful PM pick, this cleanser is gentle, slightly foaming and non stripping.
Ego QV Ceramides Cleanser
Perfect for all skin types, a huge generous bottle, I’ve loved this one for a long time. I keep this one in my shower because it’s a wonderful every-step pick, and you can use it on your body too!
Night (PM) Cleansing
First Cleanse: Let it melt away.
After a long day, your skin deserves a little extra TLC, and there’s no better way to start your evening routine than with an oil or balm cleanser.
I get it—if you’ve never tried it before, the idea of slathering oil on your face might seem counterintuitive, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin.
But trust me on this.
Throughout the day, your skin accumulates layers of makeup, sunscreen, pollution, and natural oils.
This grime doesn’t just sit on the surface; it can clog pores and lead to breakouts if not properly removed.
First cleansing works by bonding with the oils on your skin, dissolving everything from stubborn makeup to excess sebum, leaving your skin feeling soft, clean, and nourished.
What sold me on double cleansing? The concept that: The first cleanse is to cleanse off the day, the second cleanse is to cleanse your skin.
Steps to ace Your First PM Cleanse:
Dampen your skin first
Cleanse with a simple, non stripping and suits your skin (recommendations below) for enough time to give every part of your face some cleansing love (no longer than 20 seconds!)
Pat dry with something soft
Follow up with your skincare asap, while your skin is still water logged to avoid TEWL.
PM Cleansers for Your Skin Type:
Alpha-H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm
This balm offers a rich, lush texture with a pleasant fresh orange peel scent. It’s a hard working double cleanse that pushes you into the spa like feeling some skincare picks give. PS: Use MINNIE20 for an extra 20% off the Alpha-H site.
GunkOff Skincare Cleansing Balm
My personal pick and my go-to cleansing balm in the PM. The smooth, silky texture glides effortlessly over the skin, easily melting away makeup, sunscreen, and daily grime.
It rinses off cleanly, with no foggy eye glazing- making it perfect for all skin types, especially those who lean towards sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Bioderma Sensibio Cleansing Oil
If you prefer the lightweight feel of an oil but still want an effective cleanse, this oil has a delicate, fluid consistency that breaks down impurities while maintaining your skin's natural moisture balance.
It’s particularly gentle too and I’ve been through a number of bottles now.
InkeyList Oat Cleansing Balm
For a more budget-friendly yet highly effective option, this balm combines the richness of a balm with the chill-out love of oat, making it an excellent choice for irritated or reactive skin.
Its thiccc, but I personally find it comforting, and does an amazing job dissolving makeup and impurities while reducing redness.
Night (PM) Cleansing
Second Cleanse: Get down to the nitty-gritty.
Once you’ve melted away the day’s grime with your first cleanse, it’s time to dig deeper and cleanse your actual skin.
This is where the second cleanse steps in, ensuring your face is truly clean and prepped for the rest of your evening skincare routine.
The second cleanse is all about removing any remaining residue from the first cleanse and thoroughly cleansing your skin itself.
This step is particularly crucial if you have acne-prone skin or experience regular breakouts, as it helps to keep pores clear and free from congestion.
Choosing the right cleanser for this step is key. You want something that’s effective yet gentle, leaving your skin feeling fresh but not stripped of its natural oils.
The goal is to maintain a balanced, healthy skin barrier while getting that deep clean.
What I love about this step is how it preps your skin to fully absorb the serums and treatments that follow.
Trust me, your skin will drink up every drop of that night-time goodness you apply afterward!
Steps to ace Your Second PM Cleanse:
Apply your second cleanser to damp skin
Massage it gently over your face for about 20-30 seconds, focusing on areas prone to congestion
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water
Pat dry with a soft, clean towel, then continue with your evening skincare routine
PM Second Cleanse Picks for Your Skin Type:
Dermal Therapy Acne Control Wash
Perfect for those with acne-prone skin, this wash targets breakouts with a gentle yet effective formula that reduces oiliness without over-drying.
CeraVe Cream to Foam Cleanser
Ideal for normal to oily skin types, this cleanser starts as a cream and transforms into a foam, removing dirt and oil while hydrating your skin.
GunkOff Skincare Hydrating Gel Cleanser
If you’re after something soothing and hydrating, this gel cleanser is a winner. It leaves your skin feeling fresh and calm, making it a great option for sensitive skin.
Garnier Hydrating Cleanser
A gentle, effective lather that doesn’t leave you stripped or tight. This falls into the “next gen” of cleansers- I think you’ll love it. It has a wonderful texture that gives many high end picks a run for their money.
Almost Done!
Exfoliating Cleansers
It’s the perfect (and popular) step to smooth away dead skin cells, helping to reveal a brighter, fresher complexion underneath.
But! They’re not designed for daily use, and constant use around out delicate eye area.
It’s important to be mindful when using an exfoliating cleanser – overdoing it can lead to irritation. Aim for two to three times a week, depending on your skin type and tolerance.
Exfoliating cleansers combine the benefits of cleansing and exfoliating in one, making them an excellent choice for those days when your skin needs a bit more than just a standard cleanse.
Why I love exfoliating cleansers?
They leave your skin feeling ultra-smooth and refreshed, while also prepping your face to absorb your serums and moisturisers more effectively.
Steps to Nail Your Exfoliating Cleanse:
Apply your exfoliating cleanser to damp skin.
Massage gently in circular motions for 30 seconds, focusing on areas with roughness or congestion.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Pat dry with a clean, soft towel and follow with your serums and moisturiser.
It’s all about striking that balance between effective exfoliation and maintaining a healthy, happy skin barrier.
Exfolating cleansers I love:
Blemish Control Cleanser by CeraVe
A super effective, true foaming cleanser that gives you a deep cleanse. “The CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser has been developed with dermatologists and with oily, blemish-prone skin types in mind. Using a combination of ceramides, niacinamide, salicylic acid and purifying clay - this cleanser gently removes dirt, oil and impurities from the skin while targeting blemishes.” - Adore Beauty
SVR Sebiaclear Gel Cleanser
A rich lather that gently buffs away dead skin cells. “Achieve beautiful skin by prioritising good facial hygiene to eliminate impurities, excess sebum, makeup, and pollution residue. Neglecting this essential step may lead to clogged pores, blackheads, and pimples..” - French Beauty Co
