The expert-approved guide to deep cleansing your skin

The skincare space is crowded, with everything from serums to essential oils. However, skincare experts stress the importance of not discounting the basics, primarily using a facial cleanser. A cleanser is an underrated skincare superhero.

“Cleansing is one of the most overlooked steps in skincare, but it sets the tone for everything else,” said Sara Bullock, WHNP-BC, a provider development manager and a board-certified nurse practitioner with Skin Clique.

Using a gentle cleanser designed for your skin is a pillar of a morning and evening routine. However, Bullock says some men might wish to go deeper with cleansing. You’ll want to know how to deep cleanse your skin if that’s you.

“A deeper cleanse—especially something like double cleansing—can help remove the layers of sunscreen, oil, and grime that build up throughout the day,” Bullock said.

Consistency and proper deep cleansing are musts if you want to achieve the most pristine results. Skincare experts shared precisely how to deep cleanse the skin (and what not to do).

How to deep cleanse your face and skin

Deep cleansing the skin can help you eliminate grime, buildup, and oils more effectively than a standard wash. Yet, skincare pros stress it’s important to use the right products and avoid deep cleansing too often—the latter can actually harm your skin. Experts spoke about the methods people can use for deep cleansing (spoiler: There’s no a formal definition), a step-by-step guide for the most common method, and what to do when you’re done.

Deep cleansing methods

Before diving into deep cleansing, knowing your options is a good idea. Dr. Corey L. Hartman, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama, said there are a few kinds of deep cleanses. They are:

• Double cleanse. Dr. Hartman said double cleanses involve using an oil-based cleanser to remove sunscreen and any applicable makeup. Then, you’ll follow up with a water-based cleanser to ensure the skin is free of residue. 
• Add exfoliant. This deep clean is exactly like a double cleanse, but Dr. Hartman said guys will tack on exfoliating afterward. Exfoliating can help turn over dead skin cells and give skin a radiant glow, but it should generally be a once-weekly step to avoid irritation and stripping the skin.
• Medical facials. This one involves going to a board-certified dermatologist’s office. “We can use a combination of methods like steams, masks, and other treatments to deep clean the skin,” Dr. Hartman said.

Generally, though, when people talk about deep cleansing, they discuss one of the first two because they can be done at home.

“My go-to method is double cleansing,” Bullock said. “First, I use an oil-based cleanser that helps break down sunscreen and buildup without stripping the skin. Then, I’ll use a water-based gel cleanser that helps draw out impurities and reduce inflammation. The combo is gentle but effective—especially if you’re trying to build a routine that supports your skin barrier.”

Ingredients

As with most skincare products, the ones used for deep cleansing contain various ingredients, all promising to be the “best of the best.” And, as with most skincare best practices, “the best of the best” varies by the person. Skincare experts suggest looking into:

• Oils. It might surprise you to see oils on this list, especially if you are trying to nix sebum. “Oils are great for deep cleansing—they help dissolve sebum and remove buildup better than water-based cleansers alone,” said  Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD, Ph.D., a dermatologist.
• Acids. Dr. Kazlouskaya said acids can also help with skin and oils, and are often found in the exfoliant you might opt to use when deep cleansing. “Salicylic acid can help clear out clogged pores and reduce blackheads — known as comedones or sebaceous filaments,” she said. “AHAs and BHAs are also popular—they help exfoliate and give your skin a glow while leaving it smooth.”
• Nourishing ingredients. Dr. Hartman loves ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin in water-based cleansers.  “These will help add a boost of hydration to the skin while cleansing, without stripping the skin,” Dr. Hartman said.

Before we move on, one word about exfoliating ingredients: “For a physical exfoliant, look for the exfoliants themselves to be around the same size – that typically means a sugar scrub, finely ground oatmeal or rice powder,” Dr. Hartman said. “Stay away from physical exfoliants that use ingredients that can be different sizes, like the shells of seeds and nuts. Those can be too harsh for the face and can cause microtears on the surface of the skin.”

Step-by-step for deep cleansing the face

Once your brain is primed on the 4-1-1 on ingredients to look out for and avoid when deep cleansing the face, you can move into the actual process. Here’s how to deep cleanse your face, according to skincare professionals.

1. Wash your hands. While it’s often overlooked, Dr. Hartman said washing your hands is crucial. “You want to ensure you are washing your face with clean hands,” Dr. Hartman said. “Apply a small amount of an oil-based cleanser to your hands, and splash them with clean water.
2. Emulsify the oil-based cleanser. Dr. Hartman advises guys to rub their hands together. Rubbing your hands together.
3. Apply. “Gently rub the product all over your face in upward motions, avoiding the eyes,” Dr. Hartman said.
4. Rinse the face. Dr. Hartman recommends using warm water alone or rinsing with a clean washcloth.
5. Apply. Dr. Hartman recommends applying a water-based cleanser to the face in upward motions.
6. Wait. “Let it sit on the skin for 30 seconds,” Dr. Hartman said.
7. Rinse the face. Repeat step four.
8. Optional: Exfoliate. If you’re exfoliating, Dr. Hartman says you’ll “put a small amount of exfoliator on your hands and emulsify with water.” Again, gently apply the exfoliator to the skin using upward, circular motions and remove it with a warm, wet wash cloth.

What to do after deep cleansing the face

The post-cleanse is arguably where the “magic” happens.

“This is when your skin is most receptive to the products you apply. I usually recommend a retinol for cell turnover, followed by a lightweight moisturizer,” Bullock said. “If your skin feels stressed, a calming recovery mask can help restore balance.”

Also, make sure to go back to basics.

“Protect the skin from the sun with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen, as newer skin is more susceptible to sun damage,” Dr. Hartman said. “Refrain from using any skincare products that will exfoliate, like chemical exfoliants with ingredients like AHAs and BHAs, the same day you deep clean your skin.”

How often should you deep cleanse your face?

The answer isn’t black and white. “Usually, once or twice per week is sufficient for most people,” Dr. Kazlouskaya said. “If your skin is on the oilier side or you wear heavy makeup often, you might benefit from doing it more regularly. Doing it too often can irritate the skin or strip it of its natural oils.”

Dr. Hartman said it also depends on what deep cleansing method you’re using. His recommendations are:

• Double cleanse without exfoliating: As needed at the end of the day or even daily.
• Double cleanse with exfoliating: Once per week, as needed.
• Professional medical facial: Every 6 to 8 weeks for men with acne-prone, dry, or oily skin. “For normal to combination skin, a medical facial can be done every two months,” Dr. Hartman said.

Why should you deep clean your face?

You don’t have to deep cleanse your face, but experts say it can be helpful. “Deep cleansing can be helpful, especially if you have very oily, acne-prone skin or if you’ve been wearing heavy makeup,” Dr. Kazlouskaya said. It’s not something everyone needs to do regularly, but it can give your skin a fresher, cleaner feel.”

However, other experts share that deep cleansing your face can have broader appeal, regardless of your skin type and the products you use.

“Most of us are exposed to more than we realize during the day—pollution, sweat, even bacteria from things like phones or pillowcases,” Bullock said. “Deep cleansing helps clear all of that away so your skin can function at its best. In fact, for anyone living in a city or a high-traffic area, or who’s active throughout the day, I always recommend this as a foundational step.”

Bottom line on deep cleansing the face

Deep cleansing the face isn’t a must-do, but it can be helpful if you have acne-prone, oily skin or live in an area with high traffic and pollution that can trigger impurities, buildup, and breakouts. Deep cleansing typically involves using oil and water-based cleansers for a double cleanse. Sometimes, men might exfoliate to speed up skin cell turnover and achieve a year-round glow. Medical, in-office procedures also exist. Generally, people can double-cleanse once per day. However, limit exfoliating to around once per week, and in-office procedures to about every other month. A dermatologist can help you determine the best deep-cleansing frequency and products. If you notice redness or irritation, re-evaluate your product list and whether deep cleansing is right for you. Again, a dermatologist can help.