Why Cleansing Matters, Morning and Night

Why cleansing is the step that quietly does the heavy lifting

If your skincare feels hit and miss, cleansing is often the missing piece. Not because you need a complicated routine, but because everything that follows relies on clean, comfortable skin.

If your skincare feels hit and miss, start with cleansing.
Make up, SPF and daily grime can stop products sitting properly. This blog breaks down what cleansing really does, and why morning and night makes a difference.

Over the day your skin picks up make up, SPF, pollution, and natural oil. Add in dead skin cells and it can start to feel a bit dull, or products can sit on the surface rather than sinking in. A good cleanse clears away what has built up, so your serum and moisturiser can actually get to work.

What cleansing really does for your skin

A proper cleanse removes the things that cling to the surface, including dirt, make up, excess oils, and dead skin cells. That alone can make skin look fresher, but it also helps with the feel of your skincare. Your moisturiser spreads better, your serum feels more even, and your skin tends to look clearer and calmer over time.

The key is balance. You want a cleanser that cleans thoroughly, but does not leave your skin feeling tight, squeaky, or stripped. The right cleanser supports your skin’s natural oils and keeps the skin feeling comfortable.

Why it is worth doing twice a day

Even if you do not wear make up, cleansing twice daily is still useful, just for different reasons.

In the evening, you are removing the day. That includes SPF, daily grime, and any make up, plus the natural oil your skin has produced.

In the morning, you are not “washing off last night’s skincare” as much as you are refreshing the skin. Overnight we sweat a little, shed dead skin cells, and can collect product residue on the surface.

Morning cleansing is not just a quick rinse.
Overnight sweat and dead skin cells build up more than most people realise. A simple cleanse helps your serum and moisturiser apply better, and gives make up a smoother base.

A gentle cleanse in the morning helps your skin feel clean and ready, and it gives you a better base for serum, moisturiser, and make up.

Choosing the right cleanser, without overthinking it

A simple rule that works for most people is this. Use a lighter wash off cleanser when you want a quick, fresh cleanse, and use a richer cleanser when you need to remove make up, SPF, and build up.

If you like to cleanse in the shower, a wash off gel can be easy and quick. If you wear make up, or you just prefer a more thorough evening cleanse, a balm style cleanser can lift everything away more effectively, especially around the eyes and jawline.

Three ELEMIS cleansers that fit neatly into real life

If you want an easy approach using just one or two products, these are reliable options.

For evening, especially if you wear make up or SPF, ELEMIS Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm is a richer, waxy balm that melts down and helps lift away make up and daily dirt. It is ideal when you want that comfortable, nourished feeling after cleansing.

Evening cleanse, especially if you wear SPF, is non negotiable.
The blog shares an easy PM routine using ELEMIS Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm, plus two morning options that work well in the shower.

For morning, when you want quick and fresh, ELEMIS Superfood Facial Wash is a great shower friendly option. It leaves skin feeling clean and refreshed, without that tight feeling that can come from harsher cleansers.

For morning, when you want a deeper cleanse but still comfortable, ELEMIS Pro Collagen Energising Marine Cleanser is another brilliant choice in the shower. It gives a thorough cleanse and feels like a proper reset, while still keeping skin comfortable.

A simple way to use them

If you want to keep things straightforward, try this.

In the evening, cleanse with Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm, take a little time to massage it in, then rinse well. Follow with your serum and moisturiser.

In the morning, use either Superfood Facial Wash for a quick shower cleanse, or Energising Marine Cleanser if you prefer a deeper lathering cleanse. Then apply your serum, moisturiser, and SPF.

Not sure which cleanser suits your skin best?
We have compared three ELEMIS favourites, Superfood Facial Wash, Energising Marine Cleanser and Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm, so you can choose with confidence.

If your skin feels tight after cleansing

That tight feeling is usually a sign the cleanser is too strong for your skin, or you are cleansing for too long, or using water that is too hot. A cleanser should leave your skin comfortable. Clean, yes, but still soft.

If you are unsure what will suit you, we can talk it through at The Beauty Spot and match your cleanser choice to your skin, your lifestyle, and how you like your routine to feel.