Cleansing Basics ①: The Right Way to Remove Makeup

The Science of Perfect Cleansing

Introduction: Are You Truly "Cleansing" Your Skin?

Proper cleansing is the first step to beautiful skin

Removing makeup at the end of the day. Do you see it as just a chore to wipe or wash everything off? If so, that very habit could be the root cause of breakouts, blackheads, and dryness.

Base makeup, like foundation and sunscreen, is formulated with "oil-based" ingredients to resist sweat and sebum. Trying to remove it with only a water-based face wash is like trying to erase permanent marker with water. The surface might look clean, but microscopic residues remain trapped in your pores, oxidizing and causing long-term skin damage.

Proper cleansing isn't about scrubbing. It's a technique based on a scientific principle to "lift" and perfectly "separate" makeup from the skin without causing stress.

In this new series, we'll break down the fundamentals of "cleansing"—the most critical step for building a foundation for beautiful skin. In this first part, let's learn why cleansing is so necessary and the golden rules for removing makeup correctly.

The Cardinal Rule of Cleansing: "Like Dissolves Like"

Oil-based impurities can only be effectively dissolved by other oils

💡 Why Do You Need an Oil or a Balm?

The absolute principle to understand is this: oil-based impurities can only be effectively dissolved by other oils.
Just as oil and water don't mix, a water-based cleanser can't properly penetrate and break down oil-based makeup; it just glides over the surface.

This is where oil-based cleansers—like oils, balms, and creams—come in. Their oil content binds with the oils in your makeup, effectively "melting" the impurities off your skin. This is the core reason why a double cleanse is so often necessary for a truly clean face.

The 5 Steps to a Perfect Cleanse

Follow these steps for perfect cleansing

Step 1: Start with Dry Hands and a Dry Face

Before you even touch your cleanser, make sure your hands and face are completely dry. Water will prevent the oil cleanser from binding with the makeup, reducing its effectiveness.

Step 2: Gently Massage for ~1 Minute

Use a generous amount of product (3-4 pumps of oil, a cherry-sized amount of balm) and spread it gently over your face. Use your fingertips to massage in circular motions, never rubbing or pulling the skin, until the makeup is visibly dissolved.

【Crucial Step】Step 3: Emulsify

Add a few drops of lukewarm water to your hands and continue to massage your face. The oil will turn milky and thin. This is "emulsification," and it's the magical step that allows the oil-based impurities to be rinsed away with water. Skipping this step will leave a greasy film on your skin, leading to clogged pores.

Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse your face with lukewarm water (around 32°C/90°F), splashing 20-30 times to ensure everything is removed. Pay attention to your hairline and jawline.

Step 5: Follow with a Water-Based Cleanser

To remove any remaining oily residue and water-based impurities, finish with a gentle, foaming cleanser. Your double cleanse is now complete.

Conclusion: Cleansing is Both a Science and an Art

Master your cleansing routine for beautiful skin

Proper cleansing is more than just makeup removal; it is the most important foundational work in your entire skincare routine.

1. 1 Understand the Principle: Use oil to dissolve oil-based makeup.
2. 2 Master the Process: Never, ever skip the "emulsification" step.
3. 3 Remember to be Gentle: Avoid friction and never scrub your skin.

Starting tonight, try transforming your cleansing from a "chore" into a "ritual." By respecting your skin and scientifically removing impurities, you will empower your skin to reveal a clarity you may have never seen before.