Despite the amount of energy and money we put into skincare treatments and products, when it comes to the very first step, we often don’t give it the same amount of love. It is easy to slack a little bit after an hour of Netflix and the last thing you feel like doing is peeling yourself of the couch to wash your face. Consider this your public service announcement that a proper cleansing is anything but basic and is really important for healthy, clear skin. Here are a few tips to get you freshly clean and into a proper cleansing routine.

First, why is cleansing so important you ask? Cleansing preps your skin for product penetration and removes makeup build up and toxic chemicals that prevent skin from regenerating. We know you need to cleanse your face at night, but you should also cleanse in the morning to remove any sweat and to prep your skin for your daytime serums and moisturizers. Remember as you sleep, your skin goes into repair mode and pushes out excess oil and toxins.

There are many types of cleansers to choose from, including wipes, gels, oils, creams and balms. Each type having it’s own unique benefits, purpose and method. Do you deal with dry, oily, combination or more acne prone skin? Yes, there’s a cleanser for that. To reap the maximum benefits, try to stick with a cleanser for your skin type. For example, acne patients might not be able to cream cleanse and sensitive skin patients might not be able to handle an acid based cleanser. If don’t know your skin type, our doctors or our skin specialist Erin would be more than happy to help you figure that out.

To start your cleansing routine, make sure to turn that tap to lukewarm water. Lukewarm water is warm enough to loosen dirt and sebum without stripping your skin. Although hot water feels nice, it is really dehydrating and strips healthy, natural oils from your skin quickly.

Investing in a luxurious cleanser and slapping it on your face for 20 seconds, is not going to get you the benefits from all the wonderful ingredients. Take at least 1 minute and literally massage the cleanser in circular motions on your face. Think of it like a mini pamper session and massage your neck, cheeks, chin, nose, forehead and eyes. Massage gets that cleanser really working and all your blood and oxygen flowing too. Don’t forget to cleanse all the way up to your hairline and all the way down your neck. Then with a clean towel, pat the face gently to dry or even leave it with a little bit of moisture before you put your products on.

Our skincare specialist, Erin says to always tone after cleansing. “Toning will ensure that your skin is at the proper PH level. This level will ensure your products are able to work properly and that your skin will not overcompensate by producing oil.” Apply skincare products within one minute of toning because every second your skin is left bare, dry air is pulling moisture right out of it. Don’t wait until your skin feels tight, as that is exactly too long of a wait.

For that extra deep cleanse, Papillon Medical offers a HydraFacial. This unique treatment cleanses and gently exfoliates the skin with a technique similar to microdermabrasion and resurfaces with a mild chemical peel solution. We then proceed to extract impurities from the pores with gentle suction whilst hydrating the freshly exposed skin with intense moisturizers that quench the skin. We then proceed to saturate the skin with peptides and antioxidants to maximize your glow and exceptional softer, smoother skin.The treatment is soothing, refreshing and immediately effective.

Our recommended Cleansers (All available at Papillon Medical Downtown)

1) ZO Medical Foamacleanse $58

Foamacleanse is a gentle foaming cleanser designed to remove impurities, deep clean pores and leave the skin feeling refreshed, clean and hydrated. Formulated for all skin types, it contains a potent blend of antioxidants to help protect skin from the harmful effects of daily exposure to the elements.

2) Alyria Clarifying Cleanser $24

The Gentle Cleanser is formulated with ingredients that have been carefully chosen to avoid chemicals commonly found in many skin care products. It is formulated without any chemical irritants. Its formulation is mild enough for all skin types and can be used before and after cosmetic procedures. Regular use will leave skin clean and soft.

3) La Roche-Posay Effaclar $26

Gently cleanses dirt and oil while respecting the skin’s pH balance at 5.5