Many people think hydration begins and ends with moisturiser, but real hydration starts with how you cleanse your skin. Using a gentle cleanser that respects your skin’s natural barrier helps prevent dryness and prepares your face to absorb moisture more effectively. Ingredients like mung bean extract, olive oil, and amino acids can cleanse deeply while keeping your skin soft and balanced. Clean skin isn’t just about removing dirt, it’s about creating the right foundation for healthy hydration.

When we think of hydration, most of us go straight to moisturisers and hydrating serums. These are essential parts of a skincare routine, but there is a step that often gets overlooked in the quest for soft, dewy skin. That step is cleansing. The way you cleanse your skin can either help maintain healthy hydration or strip away the natural oils that keep your skin balanced and smooth. The truth is, hydration starts well before you apply your moisturiser. It begins with how you clean your face.

Cleansing is more than just removing makeup or washing off the day’s dirt. It is the foundation of your skincare routine. A good cleanser prepares the skin to receive everything that comes after, from toners and essences to serums and creams. If you are using a harsh or drying cleanser, you may be sabotaging the rest of your routine without even realising it. Cleansing too aggressively or using products that disrupt the skin barrier can lead to dryness, irritation, and even increased oil production as your skin tries to compensate for what has been stripped away.

To keep your skin hydrated and healthy, it is important to choose a cleanser that respects your skin’s natural balance. Look for ingredients that clean effectively without causing tightness or dryness. Mung bean extract, for example, is known for its gentle purifying properties. It helps remove excess oil and impurities while calming the skin at the same time. Olive oil is another excellent ingredient, as it cleanses while also providing lightweight moisture that does not clog pores.

For an even deeper clean that supports hydration, ingredients like marine algae and amino acids can be beneficial. Marine algae help draw out impurities from deeper within the pores, making the skin feel fresh and renewed. At the same time, amino acids support the skin’s natural ability to retain moisture, helping you maintain a supple, comfortable texture throughout the day.

The texture of your cleanser also matters. A creamy foam or gel formula is often ideal for maintaining hydration while cleansing thoroughly. Some innovative products even change consistency during use, transforming from cream to water to help dissolve dirt more effectively while remaining gentle on the skin.

After cleansing, the skin should feel refreshed and clean but not tight. If your face feels dry or uncomfortable after washing, it may be a sign that your cleanser is too harsh. Switching to a more hydrating formula can make a significant difference in how your skin looks and feels.

Proper cleansing not only supports hydration but also improves the performance of every other product in your routine. Clean skin allows toners, essences, and moisturisers to penetrate more deeply and work more effectively. You will often notice that your skin looks brighter, feels softer, and stays hydrated longer when cleansing is done right.

In the end, a hydrated complexion is not just about what you put on your skin, but also how you treat it from the very first step. Start with a gentle, nourishing cleanse and build your routine from there. Your skin will thank you for it, and the glow you see in the mirror will speak for itself.