🧼 CLEANSE: What It Means
Cleansing removes:
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Dirt, oil, sweat
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Pollution, makeup, sunscreen
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Dead skin cells and bacteria
✨ Why It Matters
If you skip cleansing or do it poorly, it can lead to:
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Clogged pores → acne / blackheads
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Dull complexion
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Reduced absorption of skincare products
🔹 Types of Cleansers
| Cleanser Type | Texture | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Gel Cleanser | Lightweight, foamy | Oily / acne-prone skin |
| Cream / Milky Cleanser | Thick, creamy | Dry / sensitive skin |
| Oil / Balm Cleanser | Oily / waxy | Makeup removal / double cleansing |
| Exfoliating Cleanser | Contains AHA/BHA beads or enzymes | Dull skin, acne-prone, textured skin (use 2–3x a week) |
🔍 Cleanser Picks
For Oily / Acne-Prone Skin:
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ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Cleanser – with salicylic acid, removes oil and debris
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CeraVe Foaming Cleanser – budget-friendly, great for combo to oily skin
For Dry / Sensitive Skin:
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SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser – soothing and non-stripping
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La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser – very mild, ceramide-rich
For Double Cleansing:
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Start with cleansing balm/oil → follow with your regular cleanser
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Example: Clinique Take The Day Off Balm + gentle gel cleanser
🧴 TONE: What It Means
Toning helps:
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Rebalance skin pH after cleansing
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Remove leftover residue
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Prep the skin to better absorb serums and treatments
Modern toners do more than just refresh — many are now hydrating, exfoliating, or calming depending on the ingredients.
🔹 Types of Toners
| Toner Type | Key Purpose | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrating Toner | Adds moisture, preps skin | Dry, dehydrated, sensitive skin |
| Exfoliating Toner | Contains acids like AHA/BHA | Dull, acne-prone, textured skin |
| Calming Toner | Soothes redness, reduces irritation | Sensitive, reactive skin |
| Balancing Toner | Controls oil, tightens pores | Oily or combo skin |
🔍 Toner Picks
From ZO Skin Health:
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Calming Toner pH Balancer – alcohol-free, soothes and restores pH balance
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Complexion Renewal Pads – a toner in pad form with salicylic acid, good for oily/acne-prone skin
From SkinCeuticals:
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Equalizing Toner – alcohol-free, soothing botanicals + mild acids to remove excess residue and prep skin
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Blemish + Age Toner – salicylic + glycolic acid for aging + breakout-prone skin
Budget Options:
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Simple Soothing Facial Toner – no alcohol, fragrance-free
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The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% – affordable exfoliating toner (use with caution)
🕒 How to Use
Morning & Night:
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Cleanser – Apply to damp skin, massage 30–60 sec, rinse with lukewarm water.
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Toner – Apply with a cotton pad or your hands, pat gently onto skin.
Double cleanse at night if:
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You wear sunscreen, makeup, or live in a polluted city.
💡 Cleanse & Tone Tips
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Don’t over-cleanse. 2x/day is enough unless advised otherwise.
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Avoid toners with high alcohol content (they strip the skin).
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Toners with AHAs or BHAs should not be mixed with strong actives unless your skin is used to it.
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If your skin feels tight after cleansing — your cleanser might be too harsh.
