How to Use Cleanser for Healthier-Looking Skin

October 28, 2025By Experts at Rael

This goes without saying, but washing your face is important for your skin health. Whether you do it in the shower, before going to bed, or twice a day as part of your morning and evening skincare routines, regular cleansing is essential for a clear, balanced complexion.¹

With so many cleanser types and formulas on the market, it's not always obvious which one to use, let alone how to use it correctly. The confusion is totally understandable, but don't worry, we're here to clear the air. Keep scrolling for simple guidance on how to use cleanser, plus tips for tailoring this step to your skin concerns.

What Does a Facial Cleanser Do for Your Skin?

On a basic level, a facial cleanser is meant to wash your face. Like shampoo, hand soap, or body wash, this skincare product cleans the area, mixing with water to wash away dirt, oil, buildup, impurities, and residues.² Using a facial cleanser is particularly crucial if you wear makeup or apply sunscreen daily.³

For instance, Rael's cleansing balm is clinically proven to remove 97% of waterproof mascara, long-wear foundation, and mineral sunscreen in just one use while boosting hydration and reducing excess oil (based on Rael’s study with 40 participants). These are some of the cleansing balm benefits you can experience in your routine.

How to Use a Facial Cleanser, Step by Step

Washing your face isn't complicated, but as an essential step in every skincare routine, you want to get it right. Here are detailed steps for using a facial cleanser, including tips on how to use cleansing balm and other cleansers.

Step #1: Start With Clean Hands

Always begin with clean hands—wash and dry them if needed.

If you're using an oil-based cleanser, like a cleansing balm, both your hands and your face should be dry. But if you're using a water-based cleanser like a gel or foam, you can start by wetting your face with a quick splash of water.

Step #2: Dispense the Right Amount of Cleanser

Dispense the cleanser into the palm of one hand. The amount varies by formula, but you typically only need about a quarter-sized amount each time you wash your face. You can use slightly more if you're removing heavier makeup or multiple applications of sunscreen.

Step #3: Massage Gently in Circular Motions

Disperse the cleanser between your fingers so there's an even amount in each hand. Then massage it all over your face in gentle circular motions.

With a non-irritating formula, like the face cleansers from Rael, you can massage around your eye area. Bring the lather down around your jaw and neck if you applied makeup and sunscreen there as well.

Step #4: Rinse With Lukewarm Water

After massaging the cleanser for one to two minutes, splash your face a few times with lukewarm water to rinse. Lukewarm water is ideal because it's warm enough to help clean thoroughly, but not hot water because it irritates or dries out your skin.⁴

Step #5: Pat Dry and Follow With Skincare

Pat your face and neck dry with a soft, clean washcloth. If you're doing a double cleanse and start with an oil-based formula, you can wash your face a second time with a water-based cleanser.

Otherwise, proceed with the next steps of your skincare routine, such as toner, essence, serum, and moisturizer.

Should You Wash Your Face Twice a Day?

You can wash your face twice a day, but you don't have to. The best cleansing cadence really depends on your lifestyle, preferences, skin type, and what you're doing on any given day.

For example, some people do a double cleanse in the evening to get rid of all makeup, dirt, pollution, sunscreen, impurities, and other residues, and then only rinse their face with water in the morning. Others use one face wash in the morning and a different one at night to keep skin balanced-looking and reduce the appearance of blemishes.⁵ And many folks shower in the morning and use a cleanser before bed.⁶

If you like washing your face twice a day, and your skin responds well to this frequency, you have our full support. Designed for daily use, morning and night, Rael's dermatologist-tested exfoliating cleanser is gentle and suitable for sensitive, oily skin, or blemish-prone skin types. An oil-based balm can also be good for twice-a-day cleansing because it's less likely to dry out your skin.⁷ It helps refine the look of pores for smoother-looking skin.

How to Use Different Types of Cleansers

Not all cleansers are created equal. There are a few types, and the right way to use each one can vary slightly.

#1 Cleansing Balm

Cleansing balm is an oil-based cleanser that works well for removing makeup, SPF, and oil-soluble substances. It is semi-solid and creamy in consistency.

This type of cleanser should be applied with dry hands and massaged onto a dry, unwashed face. When the balm comes into contact with your skin, the warmth melts it into a liquid. After massaging it in circular motions for a minute or two, add a splash of water to emulsify the oil and turn it into a milky fluid. Massage for another minute, then rinse.

#2 Liquid or Gel Cleanser

Liquid and gel cleansers are water-based. They can be used on their own for daily cleansing or as step two in a double cleanse to remove water-soluble products and residues.⁸

This type of face wash should be applied to damp skin. Start by splashing your face with water, or use it in the shower. Massage a small amount all over your face and neck to create a lather. Then rinse clean.

#3 Foam Cleanser

Foam cleansers either dispense as a lightweight foam directly from a pump bottle or lather into a foam when combined with water and massaged into the skin. In any case, these water-based formulas can be used daily or as part of a double cleanse. After massaging the foam on your face for a minute or two, rinse with water and pat dry.

#4 Cream or Milk Cleanser

Cream and milk cleansers are water-based formulas. But since they tend to be a bit more hydrating than gels and foams, they can be good for dry and sensitive skin types.^9,10

As with the other water-based formulas, wet your face first, dispense a small amount in your hand, massage the cleanser onto your face in circular motions, then rinse.

Can You Use a Cleanser and Face Wash Together?

In the context of skincare, the terms "cleanser" and "face wash" generally refer to the same thing, although there are different types. Having said that, you can use two different cleansers within one routine as part of a double cleanse if you're aiming to remove makeup, sunscreen, dirt, or pollutants. In that case, you'd start with an oil-based cleanser and follow with a water-based cleanser.

How Long Should You Leave Cleanser on Your Face?

You don't need to leave cleanser on your face for any longer than you're massaging it into your skin. It depends on the formula and whether you're wearing makeup, but you can massage face wash onto your skin for anywhere from 30 seconds to two minutes before rinsing. Going longer won't elevate the results and could contribute to dryness.⁴

What to Use After Cleansing for Best Results

A skincare routine doesn't need to be overly complex, but washing your face is definitely not the place to leave off. For best results, here's what to use after cleansing:

To keep skin hydrated: After patting your cleansed skin dry, use a facial mist, toner, serum, or essence with hydrating humectant ingredients, like vitamin E, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea, or aloe.^11,12 Then seal everything in with a gentle moisturizer.
To support clearer skin: To help your skin stay balanced-looking and smooth, try a skin-clarifying serum, exfoliating essence, exfoliating pads, a clay mask, or a spot gel.
To maintain smooth, balanced skin: Always finish with a moisturizer that plays well with your skin type to lock in moisture and nourish the skin barrier.¹³

Make Cleansing the Easiest Part of Your Routine

Washing your face is a necessary yet simple task. It helps keep your complexion clear and maintain your skin’s healthy appearance. As long as you know the basic steps and use a gentle, effective product, you're golden.

Rael has cleansers that can be used daily to balance your skin's fluctuating needs. Check out our full range of clean skincare products that deliver clear results.

Sources:

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