​Cleansing your skin properly is the foundation to any good skincare routine.  Nothing beats healthy, clean skin. By implementing proper techniques, you can achieve your skin care goals.  

Having imperfections on the skin happens from time to time.  It’s just a part of life. Most people try to cover their imperfections with makeup, instead of examining their skincare routine more closely. Think of your face as a canvas, and makeup as the paint.  If you don’t have a good clean canvas, then you won’t be able to create a  masterpiece.  

Cleansing is the first step in creating that canvas. Surprisingly, many people don’t know how to cleanse their skin correctly.  But, I’ll share some of my secrets on how to cleanse your face.
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​First and foremost, it’s important to choose a cleanser that is pH balanced and non-abrasive to the skin.  Please do not use a bar of soap, because the pH levels are not suited for the face.  Make sure that you choose a cleanser that is well-suited to your skin type.

Types of Cleansers

• Cream: Cream cleansers are excellent for extremely dry skin, sensitive skin, mature skin, and skin conditions such as rosacea. It can be used to remove most types of makeup, except waterproof.
• Oil:  Oil based cleansers can be used on any skin type.  They are great for removing heavy residue left over from long-wear makeup.
• Gel: Gel cleansers are a good choice for anyone with normal to combination skin, oily skin, and acne prone skin.  A good gel cleanser can be used to remove light makeup.
• Foam/Mousse: Foaming cleansers are very gentle.  They can be used on oily, acne prone, or teenage skin. Foaming cleansers work to remove excess oil and dirt embedded on the surface of your skin.   

*Beware of cleansers that contain alcohol, as that can irritate and dry out the skin.*
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​The amount of time you cleanse your face for is equally as important as choosing the right cleanser. You should follow the 60 second skincare rule. When I started following the 60 second rule, I almost immediately noticed a change in my skin.

Basically, the 60 second rule is cleansing your face for no less than 60 seconds.  By cleansing your face for 60 seconds, that gives the ingredients in your cleanser time to actually work.  This assists in breaking down the oil and dirt on your skin, removing dead skin cells, dissolving excess sebum, and softening the skin as well.  This will help to improve  your skin’s texture and even out skin tone.
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​Double cleansing is the art of cleansing your face twice with two different cleansers. It was once primarily a Korean beauty technique, which they adopted from the Japanese. It finally got introduced to the Western World by skincare professionals. Today, the double cleansing method is being by just about everyone who has a serious skincare regime.

The important thing to remember when double cleansing, is to use two cleansers.  If you use the same cleanser twice that won’t do much. Traditionally, it’s advised to use an oil based cleanser (to effectively remove dirt and makeup) followed by a water based one. 

Rules are meant to broken, and you don’t have to use an oiled based cleanser if it’s not suited for your skin type. You can replace the oil based cleanser with a cleansing balm or micellar water instead.

Sensitive and extremely dry skin types can benefit from using micellar water for the first part of their double cleanse routine. Micellar water is very gentle.  It is made from purified water, mild surfactants to cleanse the skin, and moisturizers such as glycerin.

​Apply your oil based cleanser or cleansing balm on the palm  of your hand, and gently massage it into your skin using your finger tips.  Massage your skin using gentle circular motions to break up any makeup, oil or dirt on the surface of your skin. Remember to apply the 60 second rule. 

Massaging is very therapeutic for the skin.  It helps to increase circulation and blood flow to the face.  Lightly massaging the face in circular motions will help to break up oil, dirt, sunscreen, makeup and pollutants accumulated throughout the day.  

Take your time going around the eye area, as the skin is extremely delicate.  Oil based cleansers can be used to remove eye makeup. Make sure that the cleanser is fragrance free to avoid any irritation of the eyes. 

Rinse your face abundantly with lukewarm water to get  rid of any traces of makeup.  Never use hot water on your skin. Hot water can irritate the skin, and accelerate the aging process.  To keep the skin firm and youthful, always  use cold water in the morning and lukewarm water in the evening (to help open the pores for better product absorption). 

While your skin is still damp, apply your second cleanser. Massage your face using light circular movements for another 60 seconds.  Rinse your face with lukewarm water, and gently pat your skin dry with a soft clean towel.
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HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU DOUBLE CLEANSE?

Double cleansing should be done at least once a day, preferably at night.  But you can double cleanse twice daily (though not necessary).  I like to double cleanse both morning and night. I use micellar water in the morning instead of an oil based cleanser to gently remove any excess oil that has accumulated during the night.  

I would suggest testing out the double cleanse method, and seeing whats work best for your skin.  Whatever you decide, you should not go above the recommended amount. Over cleansing your skin can lead to dryness, sensitivity and irritation.
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Toner, the product that everyone seems to wonder about. It's is always missing, but helps to make a good skincare routine. Shrouded in mystery, many deem face toners to be useless. Is it essential? Or is it just another unnecessary item? Will your skin routine suffer from not using a face toner, or will it give your skin a boost? The one question that still remains is, “what does face toner do?”

​Toners are an integral part of any good skincare routine. Traditionally face toners were used to remove excess oil from the skin, and formulated to be very astringent. In the past skin toners worked well on people who had acne prone skin, and contained a high alcohol content.  

Fast forward to today...The world of face toners has evolved. Face toners do much more than remove excess oil and dirt from the skin. They are high functioning products that contain a variety of nourishing, calming, brightening, and anti-aging ingredients for the skin. Face toners  balance your skin’s pH levels, and act as a primer for the rest of your skincare products.
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The modern day face toner provides a myriad of benefits for the skin, depending on what your skin concern is. Skin toners can be hydrating, exfoliating, brightening, soothing or have anti-aging benefits.  


Here are some of the additional benefits of what a face toner does for your skin:  

• Removes traces of oil, dirt, bacteria, sunscreen and makeup. Toners also remove lingering traces of pollution and other impurities left after washing your face.
• Helps to balance the pH level of The skin. Our skin is naturally acidic, ranging from a pH level of 5 to 6. Products can sometimes throw our pH levels off balance especially when using soap, because of its alkaline nature. When this occurs, the skin goes into overdrive to restore normal pH levels which may result in excess sebum production. Using a toner will help to rectify this problem.  
• Reduces pore size by removing excess dirt and oil trapped on the skin’s surface.
• Adds a layer of protection. Toners work to close pores and tighten cell gaps after cleansing, which reduces the penetration of impurities and toxic environmental contaminants into the skin.  
• Helps other skincare products penetrate deeper into the skin, therefore improving their efficacy.   

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Yes.  When choosing a face toner , you want to make sure it  addresses your skin concerns.  Please be careful when adding a toner to your morning and/ or evening routine.  Make sure that the toner does not irritate or dry out the skin, and don’t forget to read the ingredient list.  Alcohol can be incredibly drying, and can do more harm than good.  

Exfoliating toners containing AHAs can irritate the skin and cause PIH (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation). So beware of toners containing a high concentration of AHAs. I would advise using exfoliating toners sparingly (keeping them to night time use only), and remember always to wear sunscreen during the day.

There are many toners that are gentle on the skin, which were specifically formulated to balance the skin’s pH level, provide hydration, soothe the skin, and do not contain alcohol. Gentle toners are more suited to both morning and evening use. You’ll find that today’s toners may contain a cocktail of anti-aging, botanicals and natural ingredients.

In my opinion it’s always best to go with a gentler toner that will harmonize easily with your other skin products.  When choosing a leave-in product (toner, serum, cream, moisturizer), check the ingredient list to make sure that the main actives work well with the ingredients of the other products.  

If you have more than one skin concern, it might work best to choose two different toners (one for the morning and evening) or use them on different days according to your needs.  With Face toners that contain harsh ingredients like AHAs, it’s best to take it slow. Start by using a couple times a week, and progress to once daily (preferably at night).  

For those of you with oily or acne prone skin, choose a face toner that contains salicylic acid. This will help control excess sebum, exfoliate, and prevent future breakouts.   

Face Toner should be applied after your cleansing routine, when your skin is clean and thoroughly dry. Apply by saturating a cotton round with your preferred face toner of choice.  Use gentle sweeping motions across your face avoiding the eye area, making sure not to apply too much pressure. Repeat using a fresh cotton round until all traces of dirt and oil are removed. 

In general, the frequency of how often you use toner depends on your skin type, skin concerns, and the ingredients in the toner. Gentle, soothing and hydrating toners can be used twice daily as they aren’t harsh on the skin. If you are opting to use a harsher toner, I would advice integrating it slowly into your skincare regimen.  Starting with once a day, and building up to twice daily if needed.

Check out the list of the best face toners curated by The Beauty Disruptor.

A face toner suitable for all skin types. It is gentle enough for daily use.  This toner is both soothing and hydrating. It contains rose petals known for its soothing virtues, rose oil, rose petals and hyaluronic acid which adds a deep hydration element.  

Since antiquity rose water has been known for its calming effects on the skin. This alcohol-free mist is very gentle and can be used on all skin types. This moisturising mist can be used to set make up or refresh skin when needed.

A Cult Beauty favourite, this alcohol free toner contains PHA and willow bark ( a natural form of BHA).  This toner helps to decongest and reduce pore size.  Other key ingredients such as watermelon extract help to nourish your skin with vitamins, antioxidants, and amino acids for a more radiant complexion.

French Cult brand Caudalie's toner works well on oily and acne prone skin.  This toner is enriched with natural salicylic acid, niacinamide, and organic essential oils.  Great for removing excess oil and dirt on the skin. With continued use this product helps to control oil production and reduce pore size.  This toner is an excellent choice for oily, combination oily, and acne prone skin types. 

This famous toning mist is used by makeup artists and celebrities as a priming mist, and setting spray. Made of 100% natural ingredients. It works to smooth fine lines, tighten pores, and give the skin that radiant glow. 

This toner was formulated to repair damage, strengthen the skin barrier, and provide relief to sensitive irritated skin. It is suited for all skin types, especially very sensitive skin.  And gentle enough for everyday use.   

An intensely hydrating toner that's packed with antioxidants.  It contains Jeju Green Tea Extract and Green Tea Seed Oil, which both work to soften and protect the skin barrier.

Infused with 77.8% Rice Extract, this rice toner effectively brightens the complexion as well as hydrates. It forms a protective barrier over the skin to prevent water loss, rebalance the skin, and help increase collagen production.    

By far one of the best products in the Fenty Skin range, this toner serum is light enough for any skin type. It contains the power ingredient niacinamide which reduces oil production, tightens pores, improves texture and brightens the skin.  For those with sensitive skin or a sensitivity to fragrances beware as this product is heavily scented.  

A popular face toner amongst celebrities, SK-II works to tighten pores, exfoliate the skin, and remove impurities. It hydrates the skin, improves the skin's appearance, and evens out skin tone.