Woman cleansing her face with the Silk'n Bright Lux

Why Facial Cleansing is Important: Benefits and Tips for Healthy Skin

Discover why facial cleansing matters, how it supports your skincare routine and why clean, dry skin is important before using an LED face mask.

Why is facial cleansing important?

Cleansing might not be the most exciting step in your skincare routine, but it is one of the most important. Throughout the day, make-up, SPF, excess oil and everyday impurities can build up on your skin. A good cleanse helps remove this build-up and gives you a fresh base for the rest of your routine.

And cleansing becomes even more important if beauty devices are part of your routine. Using an LED face mask, for example? Starting with clean skin helps you prepare for your LED session and the skincare products you use alongside it.

So, what exactly does cleansing do for your skin, how often should you cleanse and why is it important before reaching for your LED mask? Let's take a closer look.

What is facial cleansing?

Facial cleansing is the process of removing make-up, SPF, excess sebum, sweat and other impurities from the surface of your skin.

Unlike regular soap, facial cleansers are specifically formulated for the delicate skin on your face. Depending on your skin type, you can choose from gel cleansers, cleansing balms, oils, creams or foaming formulas.

The goal is simple: leave your skin feeling clean and comfortable, ready for whatever comes next in your routine.

What are the benefits of cleansing your face?

Cleansing does more than simply wash away visible make-up. Making it a regular part of your routine can help keep your skin feeling fresh and prepare it for the skincare products and beauty devices you use afterwards.

1. Removes make-up, SPF and everyday impurities

Even when your skin looks clean, it can still have traces of sebum, SPF, make-up and environmental impurities on its surface. Cleansing helps remove this daily build-up, giving you a clean starting point for the rest of your skincare routine.

2. Removes excess oil

Sebum is naturally produced by your skin and plays an important role in supporting your skin barrier. But excess oil can mix with make-up, dead skin cells and other impurities. Regular cleansing helps remove excess sebum without needing to strip the skin completely of its natural oils.

3. Prepares your skin for your skincare routine

Think of cleansing as step zero. Starting with clean skin gives you a fresh base before applying your serum, moisturiser or other skincare products. It also means you are not layering your favourite products over make-up, SPF or impurities left on the skin from earlier in the day.

4. Makes your evening routine feel like a reset

There is something satisfying about washing the day off your face. A simple cleansing routine can mark the transition from a busy day to a few minutes of self-care, especially when you combine it with the rest of your evening skincare or an at-home beauty session.

Why is cleansing so important before using an LED mask?

If an LED face mask is part of your skincare routine, cleansing should always come first.

LED masks use specific wavelengths of light that are directed towards your skin. Before starting your session, it's important to remove make-up, SPF, excess oil and other impurities that have built up throughout the day.

But that doesn't mean you always have to skip skincare before using your LED mask.

In fact, when using a compatible Silk'n serum, you can apply it before your LED session. The key is to start with clean skin, apply your serum and allow it to absorb before putting on your mask.

A simple routine is all you need:

Remove your make-up and SPF.
Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type, with or without a cleansing tool.
Gently pat your skin dry.
Apply your Silk'n serum evenly to your skin.
Allow approximately 2 minutes for the serum to absorb.
Use your Silk'n LED face mask according to its instructions.
Finish with your moisturiser.

Good to know: always follow the instructions for your specific device and serum. Not every skincare product is suitable for use before an LED session, and some beauty technologies have different application requirements.

Cleanse first, serum second, LED next. An easy order to remember.

Should you use skincare before or after an LED face mask?

The answer depends on the skincare product you're using.

For your Silk'n LED routine, start by cleansing your face and gently patting your skin dry. You can then apply a compatible Silk'n serum before using your LED mask.

According to Silk'n DermXpert Selma van Asselt, you should allow approximately 2 minutes for the serum to absorb before starting your LED session.

Once your session is complete, finish with your usual moisturiser.

A simple evening routine could look like this:

Cleanse → Silk'n Bright → Silk'n serum → Wait 2 minutes → LED mask → Moisturiser

Using your mask in the morning? Continue with your usual skincare after your LED session and finish with SPF before heading outside.

Good to know: this routine applies when using a compatible Silk'n serum with your LED mask. Always check the instructions for your specific device and skincare products, as not all formulas are suitable for use before LED.

Which Silk'n serum should you use before your LED mask?

Want to make your LED session part of a complete skincare ritual? A compatible Silk'n serum can be a great addition to your routine.

The best choice depends on your skin's needs and what you'd like to focus on.

Silk'n Builder Serum

Noticing the first visible signs of skin ageing, such as fine lines or skin that feels less firm?

Silk'n Builder Serum is a lovely addition to a skincare routine focused on hydration and the appearance of ageing skin.

Apply your serum after cleansing, allow approximately 2 minutes for it to absorb and continue with your LED mask according to the device instructions.

Silk'n Balancer Serum

Looking to give your skin some extra attention when it comes to an even-looking complexion?

Silk'n Balancer Serum can complement a skincare routine focused on balanced, cared-for-looking skin.

Apply it to cleansed skin, allow approximately 2 minutes for absorption and continue with your LED session.

You don't need to layer several products before using your LED mask. Choose a compatible serum that suits your skin and keep your routine simple and consistent.

Cleanse. Serum. LED. Moisturise.

A few easy steps to turn your LED session into a complete skincare ritual.

How often should you cleanse your face?

For many people, cleansing in the morning and evening works well. Your evening cleanse is particularly useful for removing the make-up, SPF, excess oil and impurities that have accumulated throughout the day.

If your skin is dry or sensitive, you may prefer a gentler approach or cleanse less frequently in the morning. The most important thing is to choose a cleanser that suits your skin and leaves it feeling comfortable rather than tight or dry.

Which cleanser should you use?

There is no single cleanser that works best for everyone. Your skin type and personal preference both play a role.

If your skin tends to feel dry, look for a gentle, hydrating formula. For oily or combination skin, you may prefer a lightweight gel or foaming cleanser. Sensitive skin? A mild, fragrance-free formula can be a good place to start.

Wear long-lasting make-up or SPF? You can also consider double cleansing in the evening: first remove make-up and SPF, then follow with your regular facial cleanser.

Want to take your cleansing routine one step further? You can also use a facial cleansing device such as Silk'n Bright to complement your daily cleanse.

Once you've finished cleansing, pat your skin dry before moving on to your serum or beauty device.

The goal is not to make your skin feel squeaky clean. Your skin should simply feel fresh, clean and comfortable.

Make cleansing part of your skincare ritual

A good skincare routine does not have to involve ten different steps. Sometimes getting the basics right makes the biggest difference to how consistent your routine feels.

Cleansing gives you a fresh starting point for your skincare and beauty devices. Whether your next step is a serum, moisturiser or your Silk'n LED Face Mask, those few minutes at the sink help prepare your skin for what comes next.

And if LED is part of your routine, remember that the order matters. Start with cleansing, apply your compatible Silk'n serum, let it absorb for approximately 2 minutes and continue with your LED session.

Cleanse, care, glow and repeat.

FAQ

Should I wash my face before using an LED face mask?

Yes. Always cleanse your face before using your LED mask to remove make-up, SPF, excess oil and impurities.

If you're using a compatible Silk'n serum, apply it after cleansing and allow approximately 2 minutes for it to absorb before starting your LED session.

Should I use an LED face mask before or after skincare?

It depends on the products you're using. When using a compatible Silk'n serum, apply it to cleansed skin before your LED session and allow approximately 2 minutes for absorption.

Follow with your moisturiser after your LED session.

Can I apply serum before using an LED face mask?

Yes, when using a serum that is compatible with your LED device. For compatible Silk'n serums, apply the serum after cleansing and allow approximately 2 minutes for it to absorb before putting on your mask.

Always check the instructions for your specific device and serum.

Can I wear make-up under an LED mask?

It is best to remove your make-up before using an LED face mask. Start with freshly cleansed skin and follow the recommended skincare steps for your device.

Do I need to double cleanse before using an LED mask?

Not necessarily. A single cleanse can be enough, but if you're wearing long-lasting make-up or SPF, double cleansing can help remove any remaining product before your LED session.

How often should I cleanse my face?

Many people cleanse twice a day: once in the morning and once in the evening. However, how often you cleanse can depend on your skin type, the products you use and how your skin feels.