5 Steps to a Perfect Cleansing Routine: What Cleanser Is Right for Me? How Should I Cleanse?

Cleansing is the foundation of healthy skin. The right cleanser removes makeup, oil, and impurities without stripping your skin’s natural moisture.

However, with so many cleansers available, finding the right one can be overwhelming.

This guide breaks down how to choose the best cleanser for your skin type, featuring top Australian made skincare products like Muse by Gaia, Prōta, Lamav, Oat Body, Gunk Off, and more.

We're currently running a free gift with any cleanser purchase promo, so want to make sure you're getting the perfect fit for your skin!

5 Steps to a Perfect Cleansing Routine

Step 1: Identify Your Skin Type

Understanding your skin type helps you select the most suitable cleanser. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Oily Skin: Prone to excess shine, enlarged pores, and breakouts, especially around the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin).
• Dry Skin: Feels tight, flaky, or rough, especially after washing. Often needs extra hydration.
• Combination Skin: A mix of oily and dry areas, usually with an oily T-zone and drier cheeks.
• Sensitive Skin: Prone to redness, itching, or stinging from harsh products. Needs gentle, non-irritating ingredients.
• Normal Skin: Balanced and neither too oily nor too dry, with occasional breakouts.

Step 2: Choose the Best Cleanser for Your Skin Type

For Dry and Sensitive Skin

• Jelly Cloud Milky Cleanser 100ml
  Brand: Muse by Gaia | Price: $37.00

  • This gentle, creamy cleanser hydrates the skin while removing makeup and impurities. It’s ideal for dry or sensitive skin, thanks to its nourishing formula that maintains the skin’s moisture barrier.

• Squalane Face Cleanser 100ml
  Brand: Prōta | Price: $27.95

  • Squalane, a lightweight hydrating ingredient, ensures this cleanser won’t strip the skin of essential oils. It’s perfect for anyone with dry or irritated skin, leaving the face soft and refreshed.

For Oily and Acne-Prone Skin

• Sweet Orange Balancing Cleanser 100ml
  Brand: Lamav | Price: $35.00

  • This cleanser is formulated with natural orange extract, which helps regulate oil production while keeping acne at bay. It works wonders for oily or combination skin, leaving it balanced and refreshed.

• Facial Oil Cleanser Dewy Drops 150ml
  Brand: Oat Body | Price: $59.00

  • Contrary to popular belief, oil cleansers can be excellent for oily skin. This product dissolves excess sebum and impurities, ensuring your skin feels clean and hydrated without clogging pores.

For Combination or Normal Skin

• Face Cleansing Balm 125g
  Brand: Gunk Off | Price: $55.00
  • This balm cleanser transforms into an oil upon application, effortlessly removing makeup, dirt, and sunscreen. Its multi-purpose formula makes it ideal for normal or combination skin, leaving your face feeling smooth and nourished.

For Tweens and Teens

• Coconut Face Cleansing Cream 195ml
  Brand: Kardia Beauty | Specifically for: Tweens & Teens
  • Young skin needs gentle care. This creamy cleanser, formulated with coconut oil, provides hydration while preventing breakouts. It’s perfect for teenagers just starting their skincare journey.

Step 3: How to Cleanse Properly for Best Results

Using the right cleanser is only part of the equation—how you cleanse matters too. Follow these simple steps for the most effective cleansing routine.

1. Double Cleanse at Night

   • Start with an oil cleanser like Dewy Drops from Oat Body or the Gunk Off cleansing balm to break down makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil.
   • Follow up with a water-based cleanser, such as Muse by Gaia’s Jelly Cloud Milky Cleanser, to remove dirt and impurities.

2. Use the Right Temperature Water

   • Avoid hot water, as it can strip the skin’s natural oils. Lukewarm water is ideal for rinsing without drying out the skin.

3. Massage for at Least 60 Seconds

   • Gently massage the cleanser into your skin in circular motions. This stimulates blood flow and ensures a deeper cleanse.

4. Cleanse Twice a Day

   • In the morning, use a gentle cleanser like Prōta’s Squalane Cleanser to wash away oil build-up from overnight.
   • In the evening, double cleanse to thoroughly remove the day’s impurities.

5. Pat Your Face Dry

   • Avoid rubbing your skin with a towel. Instead, gently pat it dry to prevent irritation and maintain the skin’s natural barrier.

Step 4: Adjust Your Cleanser for Seasonal Changes

Your skin’s needs may vary with the seasons.

• In Winter: Switch to a richer cleanser, like Muse by Gaia’s Jelly Cloud Milky Cleanser, to prevent dryness and maintain hydration.
• In Summer: Use a balancing cleanser such as Lamav’s Sweet Orange Cleanser to manage oiliness and sweat.

If your skin feels dry in air-conditioned environments or humid in warmer weather, adjusting your cleanser will help maintain a healthy glow.

Step 5: Follow with the Right Products

Cleansing is the first step in your skincare routine, but it’s important to follow up with moisturising and protection:

• Apply a Hydrating Toner or Serum: After cleansing, apply a hydrating toner or serum to replenish moisture.
• Moisturise Daily: Use a moisturiser suited to your skin type to lock in hydration.
• Use SPF During the Day: Sunscreen is essential, even on cloudy days, to protect your skin from UV damage.

Your Path to Healthy, Glowing Skin

Choosing the right cleanser is key to maintaining healthy, radiant skin. Whether you need a hydrating cleanser for dry skin, a balancing product for oily skin, or a gentle cream for young skin, there’s a perfect match for everyone.

Remember, consistency is the secret to great skin. Cleanse morning and night, adjust your routine for the seasons, and always follow with moisturiser and SPF for best results. With the right cleanser and routine, you’ll enjoy a fresh, glowing complexion every day.