How to Build a Skincare Routine That Actually Works — Starting With a Cleanse

Let’s Be Real: Your Glow Starts With the Cleanse

That dreamy glass skin look? It doesn’t begin with a serum or a $90 cream. It starts with what you rinse off. And trust — cleansing is not just a basic step. It’s the foundation of everything that follows.

So if your routine isn’t giving, it’s time to rework the ritual — beginning at the sink.

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Step 1: Choose a Cleanser That Respects Your Skin

The wrong cleanser can strip, irritate, or clog — ruining your entire ritual before it begins. The right one? It leaves your skin balanced, soft, and prepped to actually absorb your next steps.

🔍 Here’s what to look for:

 
• Gel Cleanser → Best for oily, combo, or breakout-prone skin (think: Niacinamide or Tea Tree)
 
• Cream Cleanser → Perfect for dry, sensitive skin (look for Oat or Squalane)
 
• Micellar Water → Great as a gentle morning cleanse or makeup pre-cleanse

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Step 2: Cleanse Like a Pro (The Glow-Up Method)

✨ Yes, how you cleanse matters. Let’s do it fabulously — and correctly:

 
1. Use lukewarm water (not hot — that’s for tea, not your skin)
 
2. Massage gently for 60 seconds — think of it as your glow ritual, not a chore
 
3. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel — always soft, never aggressive

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Step 3: Now That You’re Clean — Layer With Intention

Once your skin is freshly cleansed and not stripped, it’s ready to drink in the rest of your routine:

 
• Tone (optional, but ideal for balance)
 
• Treat — apply your serum or active (like Niacinamide or Vitamin C)
 
• Moisturize — lock in that hydration like your glow depends on it (because it does)
 
• Protect — SPF by day, nourishing cream by night

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🖤 Bottom Line:

If your cleanse is off, everything else is too. So let’s make it right. Choose formulas that work with your skin, not against it — and make cleansing your favorite part of the ritual.