Clean Up vs Facial: Which Deserves the Skincare Spotlight?

Cleanup for face is a rather basic yet extremely important skincare treatment that involves deep cleansing. The idea is to focus on thoroughly removing impurities, excess oil, and any buildup from the skin's surface. It usually goes like this:

1. Cleansing: First comes deep cleansing with a face wash to remove dirt and oil. For instance, if you have acne-prone skin then a regular cleanup is a must. Murad's award-winning Acne Control Clarifying Cleanser is ideal for dissolving excess oil, purifying pores, and preventing future breakouts. It has two types of salicylic acid that treat acne immediately and over time.
2. Exfoliation: You can use a face scrub to slough off any impurities and dead skin too. For a clarifying experience, we recommend Simple Vitamin C Clay Scrub designed to deeply cleanse and rejuvenate.
3. Extraction: After you've scrubbed your face, you can work towards extracting any blackheads, or whiteheads and clearing clogged pores to reveal clean and clear skin.
4. Toning: You should now pat lightly some drops of toner on the face to bring the skin back to its pH value. The scrubbing and extraction may make the skin dry. Paula's Choice Advanced Replenishing Toner is a unique anti-ageing toner that is rich in skin-replenishing ingredients. It aims to restore essential nutrients while defending against environmental damage.
5. Moisturizing: Hydrate the skin well by drenching it in a moisturizing cream. For intense hydration, use Novology's Moisture Barrier Booster Cream. It's a non-sticky and quick-absorbing formula that locks in moisture for 100 hours.

Unlike a facial, a cleanup doesn't typically involve as many steps or specialised treatments. When going for a facial, you add extra steps after extraction like masking, massaging and then going for a moisturiser in the end. Some facials include two to three masks like a clay mask first to dry up oily skin and deep cleanse, followed by a hydrating mask to restore the lost moisture. As a maintenance routine that aims at keeping the skin healthy and radiant, face cleanups usually last for about 30 minutes and must be performed once a month or more frequently, depending on your skin and lifestyle. In the busy lifestyle that we all live in today, I believe it's much more economical and time-saving to carry out cleanup for face routines over facials. Skin and haircare influencer Niyanta Mulchandani Chugh of BeautyPostIn on Instagram shares, "I do not get facials as I already take good care of my skin with a consistent & customised routine. But I do feel the need to get cleanups once in a few months because my skin is prone to blackheads & congestion." Apoorva Bomb who has amassed over 200K followers on Instagram adds, "Facials are a little more targeted and cater to specific concerns. They can be a great supplement to cleanups and the choice can depend on whether it's a pre-party glow-up you're after, a post-festive skin reset you want or what to address a skin concern, say ageing. I'd get a clean-up once a month and a facial in about three months." Further, cleanups are just as effective and sometimes even better for certain skin types or budgets. We break down why skin cleanups may be the underdog of skincare.

"⁠Skincare and makeup work better and more efficiently when your skin is clean. If your pores are congested, no amount of skincare will work on your skin since it will not get absorbed", noted Niyanta. Cleanups also help exfoliate dead skin which can be a hindrance in absorption of skincare products. Needless to say, cleanups mean deep cleansing, improved texture, prevention of breakouts and any other emerging skin concern that may arise due to clogged pores and blackheads. Apoorva adds, "I feel regular cleanups are a great way to maintain skin, remove deep-seated impurities and keep skin toxin-free. It's especially beneficial for city dwellers who have a lot of outdoor exposure on a daily basis or someone who regularly applies heavy makeup." If both cleanups and facials do the job, then when should you choose one over the other?

You can make your decision broadly based on these three factors.

1. You're Treating a Specific Concern: Facials are ideal if you're targeting concerns like pigmentation, anti-ageing, or deep hydration. Cleanups are usually for maintenance. For instance, if you're looking to address dull skin then Dermalogica's Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque is ideal for glowing skin. It's the ultimate remedy for dulling, dehydrated and lacklustre skin. It's infused with powerful concentrations of vitamins A, C, E, and Linoleic acid that help restore skin showing signs of damage and ageing.
2. You Want a Pampering Experience: When you're looking at rest and rejuvenation to unwind completely, that's where facials come in. They often include massages and luxurious add-ons, making them perfect for relaxation.
3. You Need Advanced Solutions: Facials with chemical peels, serums, or light therapy can address deeper skin issues. Depending on your skin concern, you can consult your dermatologist and pick a facial. For instance, laser facials are excellent for when you're looking at hair reduction for a clearer face while also enhancing glow with light therapy.

I'd say a balanced approach is the way to go. For regular maintenance, cleanups are your best bet. Especially if you're under the age of 25, a cleanup will suffice for your skin. While in the case of someone in their 30s or even late 20s, it's best to take the balanced approach. You must rely on a frequent face cleanup routine and get a facial appointment every three to four months. The best way is to use DIY masks as part of your weekly routine. Perhaps a milk and honey mask for dry skin or a turmeric yoghurt mask for an instant glow. You can then top it off with a facial before any major events. I like to do a face cleanup every ten days since I have combination skin and it tends to get dry, and at the same time show signs of black and white heads quickly. I also like to go for laser facials every 3 months to keep my skin in good health. If you're unsure about which facial to opt for, consult your dermatologist to zero down on what would work best for your skin. So, what are you waiting for?