It's easy to stray from our usual skin care routines when our calendars are packed to the brim with social events and long work hours. Sometimes, it's just way easier (and much more enticing) to slip into bed than to wash the day away and apply your favorite potions. You might be able to get away with it occasionally, but if you make it a habit, your skin will soon be riddled with impurities and unwanted toxins.
To reset skin and ease back into your routine, RealSelf contributor Dr. Sejal Shah said you should start with the regular use of a gentle cleanser. "I often find double cleansing helpful," she added. Her suggestions included an oil-based cleanser to help melt off makeup residue, like Boscia's Makeup Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil ($32) or Tatcha's One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil ($48).
To ensure your face is completely clean, apply your favorite cleanser to dry skin in circular motions and wait for a minute or two before gently washing away with warm water. This downtime allows the cleanser to break down dirt, unwanted oil, and makeup so that it's easier to actually remove instead of just moving it around your face.
