Are you cleansing long enough? How to wash your face, and why a treatment cleanser matters
The one-minute cleansing rule, how to double cleanse, and how ABK SKIN's treatment cleansers like Hydrinity Prelude differ from an ordinary face wash.
From the ABK SKIN studio
Charlotte, NC
Cleansing is the step everyone does and almost everyone rushes. A ten-second splash in the shower is not the same as cleansing. One of ABK SKIN's Instagram reels asked: "Did you know you should be cleansing for a minimum of one minute?"
This guide covers how to cleanse properly, how to choose a cleanser, and what makes a treatment cleanser different from a basic face wash.
Why one minute?
Cleansers need time to do their job. Makeup, sunscreen, oil and pollution do not lift off in a few seconds, and any active ingredients in your cleanser need contact time with your skin. Massaging for a full minute also helps you reach the sides of the nose, hairline and jaw, where buildup tends to collect.
A full minute can feel long. Try counting slow circles or cleansing while you brush your teeth.
How to cleanse, step by step
- Start with clean hands.
- Use lukewarm water, not hot. Hot water can leave skin tight and dry.
- Apply cleanser and massage for at least sixty seconds, using gentle circular motions. Do not scrub hard.
- Pay attention to the edges: hairline, jawline, around the nose and under the chin.
- Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel.
- Follow with the rest of your routine while skin is still slightly damp.
Morning and night
At night, cleansing removes the day: sunscreen, makeup, oil and pollution. If you wear heavy makeup or water-resistant sunscreen, a double cleanse helps: one round to break down makeup and sunscreen, a second to clean the skin itself.
In the morning, a gentle cleanse is usually enough to remove overnight products and prepare your skin for sunscreen.
What makes a treatment cleanser different
A basic cleanser removes dirt and oil. A treatment cleanser is formulated to do that and also deliver a benefit, such as gentle exfoliation or calming ingredients, during the time it is on your skin. ABK SKIN put it simply: "This is a TREATMENT cleanser. Not your typical cleanser."
Hydrinity Prelude Facial Treatment Cleanser
Prelude is the cleanser in that reel. ABK SKIN describes it as working like a magnet to draw out impurities, and it is often called a HydraFacial in a bottle. According to Hydrinity, the gel cleanser uses its patented MicroFusion Technology to draw out micro-pollutants and pore-clogging debris, and it contains gentle resurfacing AHAs, botanicals, antioxidants and fulvic acid. It is designed for daily use.
The benefits ABK SKIN highlighted on Instagram include helping to reduce redness, balance oil and pH, calm the look of inflammation, gently exfoliate and support acne-prone skin. The ABK SKIN shop lists it at $58.
Choosing the right cleanser for you
The ABK SKIN shop carries several cleansers, each suited to different skin:
| Cleanser | Best for |
|---|---|
| Hydrinity Prelude Facial Treatment Cleanser | Congested, acne-prone or dull skin that wants a deeper daily clean with gentle AHAs |
| Revision Skincare Papaya Enzyme Cleanser | Gentle enzyme polishing, with papain and salicylic acid, for all skin types |
| Revision Skincare Gentle Foaming Cleanser | Sensitive or stressed skin, or a barrier that needs a break |
If you already use exfoliating serums or retinoids, an exfoliating cleanser may be one step too many. Ask your aesthetician to look at your whole routine.
Common cleansing mistakes
- Rushing. Ten seconds is not enough.
- Using water that is too hot.
- Over-cleansing. Two times a day is plenty for most people.
- Using harsh soaps or body wash on your face.
- Scrubbing with a rough washcloth every day.
- Skipping the night cleanse when you are tired. It is the most important one.
When cleansing is not enough
Sometimes congestion lives deeper than a cleanser can reach. Professional treatments can help:
- The Express HydraFacial ($195) gives a deep cleanse, gentle acid exfoliation, painless extractions and hydration in about 45 minutes.
- The Acne Facial ($175) looks closely at what may be contributing to breakouts and leaves you with a home-care plan.
The takeaway
Give your cleanser a full minute. Choose one that suits your skin, and let a treatment cleanser like Prelude do some of the work between facials.
Frequently asked questions
Should I cleanse twice a day?
Most people do well cleansing morning and night. If your skin feels dry, a gentle morning cleanse or a rinse may be enough.
Is a treatment cleanser too strong for daily use?
Prelude is designed for daily use, according to Hydrinity. If you use other exfoliating products, ask your aesthetician whether to adjust.
What is double cleansing?
Cleansing twice in a row at night: once to break down makeup and sunscreen, then again to clean the skin itself.
Can I cleanse in the shower?
Yes, as long as the water is lukewarm rather than hot and you still give your cleanser a full minute.
Which cleanser is best for sensitive skin?
Revision Skincare's Gentle Foaming Cleanser is soap-free and made with calming ingredients like chamomile and aloe.
Questions about your skin?
Email abkskinn@gmail.com or bring them to your next appointment.
