From makeup to air pollution, our skin bravely faces many encounters throughout the day. That's why washing your face is a crucial component of your skin care routine, ridding your pores and complexion of the contaminants before they do serious damage.

Not sure if you're cleansing properly? Here's what you need to know:

What's your skin type?

Your skin type dictates your cleansing routine, so it's always a good idea to start with the basics. Remember that your skin type can change over the years, so it's worth visiting your dermatologist or doing a do-it-yourself test to determine your skin type. One dermatologist shared an easy tactic with Harper's Bazaar: Wash your face in the morning and don't apply any products. Head to the mirror in the afternoon to see what your skin looks like. Slick complexion and enlarged pores indicates oily skin, light oil in the t-zone means combination, while dry patches, tightness or redness are signs of dry or sensitive skin.

Gel, oil, cream or foam?

Once you're confident which skin type you're working with, you can determine which facial cleanser is right for you. Typically, gel or foaming cleansers work well for oily or combination skin. Cream-based face washes are luxuriously thick, making them ideal for those with dry skin. Cleansers with soothing ingredients, such as aloe or chamomile, are calling your name if you have sensitive skin. Oily or combination skin types can often handle more intense, exfoliating elements.

What about double cleansing?

Along with updating your cleansers, you may want to consider washing your face twice in one session. Start by removing makeup and dirt with an oil-based cleanser or micellar water, then lather up with a gentle face wash for a final cleanse. This double cleansing adds an additional cleansing layer to ensure all makeup and daily dirt buildup leaves the skin.

Stock up on the right ELEMIS Cleansers for your skin type and get ready to add the double cleanse to your skin care routine!

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Categories: How-Tos, Face