To Cleanse or Not to Cleanse?

How to Start Your Skincare Routine Right!

Cleansing: it sounds simple, but it’s one of the most misunderstood (and underrated) steps in skincare. Should you wash in the morning? Is a splash of water enough? What about a double cleanse? The answer isn’t always black and white—it depends on your skin and your environment.

Let's start with the morning routine. I have mature, slightly dry skin. In the winter (read: freezing cold and dry climate), sometimes just a splash of water is enough to start me on my routine. I’ve cleansed the night before, and all I did was sleep. Sometimes in the winter, I’ll use a cleansing balm in the morning. There are many kinds and brands—cleansing balms are truly luxurious. They start out as a solid/semi-solid, and turn into an oil as you massage it over your face. Add a little water, and they emulsify into a milky cleanser. Rinse with water, and you’re left with skin that is hydrated, supple, and not stripped. Cleansing balms can be found for all types of skin, from dry to acne-prone skin.

There are some people with oilier skin or those struggling with acne who do need to wash their face in the morning. Their sebaceous glands have been active, and they need that cleanse in the morning to start their routine. These are also the people who may benefit from changing their pillowcases a few times a week.

Now, back to my routine. As the days get warmer, I switch up my routine and make morning cleansing a must. Sometimes it’s a cleansing milk; other times, when my skin needs gentle exfoliation, I reach for one of my favorite products—an enzyme powder. Enzyme powders often contain fruit enzymes like papaya and pineapple, which gently dissolve dead skin cells—no harsh scrubbing required. Just add a teaspoon to your palm, mix with a little water, and the fine granules transform into a soft foam. They’re ideal for all skin types and offer flexibility to your cleansing routine when your skin needs a little something extra. My favorite enzyme powder is Corthe Enzyme Powder. (Shameless plug—I know!)

Learning to listen to your skin takes time, but every step brings you closer to healthy, radiant skin. Start small, stay curious—and don’t be afraid to experiment. Your skin is always speaking—you just have to learn to listen.