Cleansing is often treated as the simplest step in a skincare routine, yet it's one of the most important.
Most of us spend far more time researching serums and moisturisers than we do cleansers, but even the most advanced skincare can only perform at its best when applied to properly cleansed skin.
Every day, your skin accumulates sunscreen, makeup, excess oil and environmental pollutants. If they're not thoroughly removed, they can contribute to congestion and create a barrier between your skin and the products designed to treat it.
The purpose of cleansing isn't to strip your skin. It's to remove what doesn't belong there while preserving the skin barrier that keeps your skin healthy.
As dermatologist Dr Katherine Armour explains,
"It's crucial to remove make-up and sunscreen at the end of the day to avoid clogging pores. It's also important to remove pollutants that you may have encountered during the day. Environmental pollutants can contribute to skin ageing through activation of inflammatory pathways and enzymes that degrade our skin-plumping fibres."
Cleansing prepares your skin for everything that follows
Think of cleansing as preparing a canvas before painting.
When makeup, sunscreen and pollutants remain on the skin, your active ingredients first have to work through everything sitting on the surface before they can reach the skin itself.
A gentle cleanse creates the ideal foundation for your evening routine, allowing products like Dream Cream and Luminosity to come into direct contact with the skin.
While cleansing isn't the most exciting part of your routine, it may be one of the most important.
The biggest cleansing myth? Different skin types need completely different cleansers.
For years we've been told that oily skin needs a foaming cleanser, dry skin needs something richer and sensitive skin needs its own specialised formula.
But we see cleansing differently.
Whether your skin is oily, dry, combination or sensitive, the objective remains exactly the same: effectively remove makeup, sunscreen, excess oil and environmental pollutants while protecting the skin barrier.
The cleanser should change based on what you're removing, not what skin type you have.
That's why both Replenish Cleansing Butter and Radiance Reset Cleanser are suitable for every skin type.
Why we don't recommend harsh foaming cleansers
One of the most common comments people make after cleansing is, "My skin feels so clean."
Often what they're really describing is tightness....That tight feeling isn't something we aim for.
Many harsh foaming cleansers remove not only excess oil and impurities, but also the natural lipids that help keep your skin barrier healthy. Over time, this can leave skin feeling dry, irritated and more vulnerable to sensitivity. Ironically, it may even encourage oily skin to produce more oil in response.
Healthy skin should feel clean, comfortable and balanced after cleansing, never stripped.
When does double cleansing make sense?
Not every evening calls for a double cleanse.
If you've only worn your daily skincare and sunscreen, a single cleanse is often perfectly adequate.
However, if you've been wearing makeup, multiple layers of sunscreen, exercising or spending the day outdoors, double cleansing can help thoroughly remove everything sitting on the skin without needing harsh cleansing products.
The first step dissolves makeup, sunscreen and excess oil using an oil-based cleanser like Replenish Cleansing Butter.
The second step removes any remaining impurities with a gentle water-based cleanser like Radiance Reset Cleanser, leaving your skin perfectly prepared for your evening skincare.
Whether your skin is oily, dry, combination, mature or sensitive, healthy skin begins the same way.
At Bespoke Skin Technology, we've never believed you need a different cleanser for every skin type. Instead, we believe every skin type deserves a cleanser that effectively removes the day's build-up while respecting the skin barrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is double cleansing necessary?
Not always. If you've only worn your daily skincare and sunscreen, a single cleanse is often perfectly adequate. However, if you've worn makeup, multiple layers of sunscreen, been exercising or spent the day outdoors, double cleansing can help thoroughly remove makeup, excess oil and environmental pollutants without relying on harsh cleansing products.
What is double cleansing?
Double cleansing is a two-step cleansing method that uses two different types of cleansers.
The first step uses an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup, sunscreen and excess oil. The second step uses a gentle water-based cleanser to remove any remaining impurities and leave the skin clean and ready for your skincare routine.
At Bespoke Skin Technology, we recommend starting with Replenish Cleansing Butter, followed by Radiance Reset Cleanser.
Can I use an oil cleanser if I have oily skin?
Absolutely. This is one of the biggest misconceptions in skincare.
Oil-based cleansers work by dissolving oil, making them incredibly effective at removing excess sebum, sunscreen and makeup. When followed with a gentle water-based cleanser, oily skin is left feeling clean and balanced without the stripped, tight feeling that harsher cleansers can cause.
What is the best cleanser for oily skin?
The best cleanser for oily skin is one that effectively removes excess oil, sunscreen and impurities while protecting the skin barrier.
Contrary to popular belief, oily skin doesn't necessarily benefit from harsh foaming cleansers. In fact, over-cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier and may encourage the skin to produce even more oil.
What is the best cleanser for dry skin?
Dry skin benefits from gentle cleansing that removes daily build-up without disrupting the skin's natural moisture barrier.
Your skin should feel clean, comfortable and hydrated after cleansing, never tight or stripped.
What is the best cleanser for sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin is often best supported by a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser that effectively removes impurities without compromising the skin barrier.
At Bespoke Skin Technology, both Replenish Cleansing Butter and Radiance Reset Cleanser are suitable for sensitive skin and are formulated to cleanse without unnecessary irritation.
Should my cleanser leave my skin feeling tight?
No.
While many people associate tightness with being "really clean", it's often a sign that the skin barrier has been disrupted.
After cleansing, your skin should feel fresh, soft and comfortable, not dry, tight or squeaky clean.
Are foaming cleansers bad for your skin?
Not all foaming cleansers are harsh, but many traditional foaming cleansers can remove more than just makeup and oil. They may also strip away the natural lipids that help maintain a healthy skin barrier.
That's why Dr Katherine Armour recommends choosing cleansers that cleanse effectively while respecting the skin barrier, regardless of your skin type.
Should I cleanse in the morning and at night?
For most people, yes.
A gentle cleanse in the morning helps remove sweat, excess oil and overnight skincare, while cleansing in the evening removes sunscreen, makeup, pollutants and the day's build-up.
Your evening cleanse is particularly important, as leaving sunscreen and makeup on the skin overnight can contribute to congestion.
Is one cleanser enough?
It depends on what you've been wearing that day.
If you've only worn skincare and sunscreen, one gentle cleanse is often enough.
If you've been wearing makeup, multiple layers of sunscreen or have had a particularly active day, double cleansing is often the most effective way to thoroughly cleanse the skin while remaining gentle.
Why is cleansing so important?
Cleansing is the foundation of every skincare routine.
It removes sunscreen, makeup, excess oil and environmental pollutants that accumulate throughout the day, helping to minimise congestion and prepare the skin for the products that follow.
A properly cleansed complexion allows active ingredients to come into direct contact with the skin, helping your skincare routine perform at its best.