Gone in 60 Seconds: How To Cleanse
in a Crunch

While cleansing may not be the most exciting skincare step, we would argue it is up there as one of the most important. A proper cleanse in the AM and PM builds a strong foundation to any routine and it preps your face for what comes next (i.e. serum, moisturizer, SPF, etc). But while cleansing is essential, who has the time to have a long, drawn out face wash sesh twice a day? (ahem, not us.) No matter if you’re removing long-wear makeup or are just looking for a quick swipe to refresh your skin midday, we’re highlighting three categories of cleansers that will deliver fresh, glowing skin in 10, 30 or 60 seconds flat.

The 10 Second Refresh
For when you need a quick wash and you’re on the clock, having a quick and dirty speedy cleanser on hand is a must. Whether you’re looking to refresh your makeup midday, have limited water access (à la at the cottage or camping) or looking to have a super short wash after an especially long day, sometimes you need to cleanse your skin but don’t have the time for a multi-step regimen. This is where micellar cleansers come in. Micelles are tiny clusters of molecules that attract dirt and oil and gently whisk it away. They can even dissolve long-wear makeup, but don’t leave skin feeling tight or stripped. Micellar waters have been on the market for years and became an instant cult classic, and now there are multiple different types of formulas that include the little cleansing super heroes. Choose from jellies, oils, milks, waters and more to get that ultra-gentle refresh with next-to-no scrubbing—no rinsing needed.

The 30 Second Cleanse
Got a few extra seconds to really get clean? This is where the world of cleansers gets blown wide open as there are tons of options to choose from including creams, gels and foams. On days when you’re wearing sunscreen (which should be everyday!), even if you’re not wearing much makeup, properly cleansing your skin and prepping that canvas is important. In order to ensure your other skincare steps are able to get absorbed into the skin, you first have to clear away any debris, makeup, oil, etc that’s sitting on the surface. And no matter what your skin type is there’s a cleanser for you. Different textures are targeted to suit specific skin types, and face wash formulas these days are packed with active, skin-loving ingredients to maximize your sink sesh.

• Dry and/or sensitive skin: opt for gentle milk and cream cleansers.

• Oily and/or acne-prone skin: reach for jelly or foaming cleansers.

Oils, balms and micellar waters can be used by all skin types, just look for a formula that targets your specific skin type and needs.

The key to the right cleansing sesh? Your skin afterwards should feel clean, plump and hydrated. If you’re experiencing tightness, dryness or stinging, you may want to switch up your cleanser for something less abrasive. Remember, the goal is not to have squeaky clean skin! You want soft, supple, plump skin post-cleanse.

The 60 Second Deep Clean
For those days where you need a full makeup removing session and cleanse, you need to bring in the big guns. An oil or balm cleanser is the secret weapon to breakdown long-wearing makeup (think: waterproof mascara and smudge-proof liquid lipsticks). A relaxing massage with a melting oil will make quick work of any makeup, dirt, oil and sunscreen that’s clinging to the surface of your skin. And like magic, once you splash with water or add in a cleansing cloth, these oils will turn into a lightweight milk that leaves skin clean and feeling soft and plump. While this one step can sometimes be efficient at gently removing everything from your skin, adding a second wash in the mix is sometimes needed. Double cleansing started in Japan, and is based around the idea that an oil-based cleanser removes dirt, oil and makeup from the skin while the second cleanser (whether it’s a foam, cream or gel), then treats and thoroughly cleanses the skin. We’re big fans of the double cleanse at The T-Zone, and these three would be great starters to try for any cleansing duo.