Facial Cleansing: A 7-Step Routine for Clean and Radiant Skin

April 8, 2026 · 10 min. read

Proper facial cleansing is not just washing your face in the morning and evening. It is a seven-step system that transforms the condition of your skin within a few weeks. Here is how to do it professionally at home.

Why Is Facial Cleansing So Important?

Facial cleansing is an essential step in any skincare routine. This procedure removes impurities, helps prevent rashes, reduces inflammation, and promotes healthy skin cell turnover. There are so many different products on the market that choosing the right ones can be difficult. In this article, we present the best facial cleansing routines step by step - with specific product recommendations for each stage.

Step 1: Remove Makeup

The first step is to remove makeup. Makeup clogs pores and prevents the skin from absorbing cleansing ingredients. It must be removed before cleansing.

Makeup remover wipes are convenient, but they can be harsh and leave residue. Micellar water is a gentle solution that removes makeup without drying out the skin. Oil-based cleansers effectively dissolve even waterproof makeup—mascara, long-wear foundation.

Start with a cotton pad and your chosen product. Gently press it against closed eyes for a few seconds, then wipe. Repeat until all makeup is removed.

What we recommend: Try SESDERMA SENSYSES LIGHTENING liposomal cleanser—it dissolves even waterproof makeup without damaging the skin barrier. You can find more makeup removers in our catalog.

Step 2: Initial Cleansing

Once makeup has been removed, it is time for the initial cleansing. This step dissolves any remaining impurities - dirt, oil, dead skin cells - and prepares the skin for deeper cleansing.

Cleansing milk absorbs into the skin and dissolves impurities, leaving the skin soft and nourished. Cleansing oils work in a similar way - breaking down impurities and leaving the skin hydrated. Micellar water can also be used for this step.

Apply a small amount of your chosen product to dry skin and gently massage in circular motions. Cover the entire face - forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Then wipe everything off with a warm, damp cloth.

What we recommend: Our cosmetologists most often suggest Dr. Spiller Cleansing Milk with Aloe Vera - it gently cleanses and soothes at the same time. Suitable for sensitive and dry skin. For oilier skin, a better choice is Trawenmoor Cleansing Foam with Humic Acid.

Step 3: Deep Cleansing

The third step is deep cleansing. It removes the last traces of impurities and cleanses the pores. This helps prevent breakouts and promotes skin renewal.

Foaming cleansers are popular for oily and acne-prone skin—they remove excess oil and unclog pores. Gel cleansers are suitable for combination skin, as they balance sebum production while also hydrating. Cream cleansers are ideal for dry or sensitive skin. Oil-based cleansers remove makeup and impurities, leaving the skin soft.

Apply a small amount of cleanser to damp skin and massage gently in circular motions. Rinse with warm water and make sure you have removed all traces of the product.

Step 4: Exfoliation

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and promotes healthy renewal. There are two main types.

Physical exfoliants - with granules or brushes - use friction. Chemical exfoliants - with alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) or beta hydroxy acids (BHA) - dissolve dead cells without friction.

Apply a small amount of exfoliant to damp skin and gently massage in circular motions. Cover the entire face, but avoid the sensitive area around the eyes. Rinse with warm water.

It is important not to overdo it. Most skin types should exfoliate 2-3 times per week. We have written separately in more detail about the benefits and techniques of exfoliation.

What we recommend: If you are looking for a gentle yet effective option - Dr. Spiller Jojoba Peeling Cream with natural jojoba granules does not irritate even sensitive skin. Want chemical exfoliation? Dermaceutic peels with glycolic acid work deeper and more evenly. You can find more about AHA acids and BHA acids in our ingredient guides.

Step 5: Toning

After cleansing and exfoliating, it is important to balance the skin’s pH level with a toner. Toner removes the last traces of impurities and prepares the skin for serum and cream.

Hydrating toners soothe and moisturize. Exfoliating toners help remove dead cells and clear pores. pH-balancing toners restore the skin’s natural pH, protecting against dryness and irritation.

Apply a small amount of toner to a cotton pad and sweep it over the entire face, avoiding the sensitive area around the eyes. Allow the toner to absorb naturally.

What we recommend: Trawenmoor Organic Toner for Combination and Oily Skin - toning products with soothing humic acid.

Step 6: Special Care

After cleansing, exfoliating, and toning, it’s time to target specific concerns. This is where serums, spot treatments, and masks come in.

Serums are concentrated formulas for specific concerns: fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Spot treatments are designed for specific blemishes or breakouts. Face masks hydrate, brighten, or deeply cleanse.

Apply a small amount of your chosen product to the targeted area or to the entire face. Follow the instructions provided on the product label.

What we recommend: For hydration – Dr. Spiller Collagen Aqua Plus Serum with Hyaluron and Collagen. To even out skin tone, try Sesderma C-Vit Serum with Vitamin C. Read more about how to use a facial serum and achieve maximum results in a separate article.

Step 7: Moisturizing

The final step is moisturizing. It hydrates and nourishes the skin, protects against dryness, and promotes a healthy glow.

Creams are thicker and more moisturizing — a good choice for dry or mature skin. Lotions are lighter and less greasy — suitable for oily or acne-prone skin. Oils nourish and can be used on their own or after a cream.

Apply a small amount of moisturizer to the entire face using gentle upward motions. Don’t forget the neck and décolleté — signs of aging appear just as strongly in these areas.

It’s important to choose a cream according to your skin type. Oily skin? Lightweight, oil-free. Dry or mature? Rich and hydrating.

What we recommend: Our bestsellers: for dry skin — Dr. Spiller Alpine-Aloe Cream with alpine aloe. Looking for a gel format? Cell Fusion C Aquaporin provides intensive hydration without a greasy layer.

Additional Step: Sun Protection

Technically, this is not part of the cleansing routine, but it is the most important step in daily care. Sun damage causes premature aging, wrinkles, and even skin cancer.

Choose broad-spectrum protection with an SPF of at least 30. Apply daily to the face, neck, and other exposed areas. Reapply every two hours if you are outdoors. Learn more about what SPF is and why it is needed even in winter.

What we recommend: Dr. Spiller Summer Glow SPF50 – its lightweight texture is suitable under makeup. Heliocare 360° creams offer broad-spectrum protection and are suitable for sensitive skin.

Beautician's advice

The most common mistake we see among our clients? Over-cleansing. Paradoxically, some women, in an effort to combat oily shine, wash their face three to four times a day with strong foaming cleansers. The result—the skin produces even more sebum because the barrier is damaged. Our cosmetologists advise: twice a day is more than enough. In the morning—a gentle cleanse or just micellar water. In the evening—a full double-cleansing routine.

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How many times a day should you cleanse your face?

Twice a day – morning and evening. Morning cleansing removes oils that have accumulated overnight. Evening cleansing removes makeup, dust, and environmental impurities. If the skin is very dry, micellar water or warm water without a cleanser is sufficient in the morning. Three or more times a day is too much, as it damages the barrier.

What is the double cleansing method?

Double cleansing consists of two sequential steps: first with an oil-based cleanser (dissolves makeup and SPF), then with a water-based cleanser (deeply cleanses pores). The method originates from the Korean K-beauty routine. Suitable for all skin types, especially in the evening. Double cleansing is not needed in the morning.

Is water alone enough for facial cleansing?

Water alone will not remove makeup, SPF, or excess oil. Water is only suitable as an additional step between cleansing products. Even without wearing makeup, the skin is affected by environmental pollutants, sweat, and sebum. To remove them, a cleanser is needed — but a gentle one, not an aggressive one.