No other aspect of skin care is quite as basic as this one. Cleaning the face sets the stage for everything else that will take place on the skin. More so than any other part of your skin-care routine, it is essential that the cleansing products you use be gentle. Over-cleaning or using cleansers that are too drying or that strip the skin are major causes of irritation, dry patches, and redness. Not cleaning the skin well enough can clog pores or leave a residue on the face that can prevent skin cells from sloughing off. Using a cleanser that leaves a greasy film on the face can clog pores and prevent moisturizers from being able to be absorbed and do their job. It is essential to get this step right, and that means thoroughly, but gently, cleaning the face.
(Sources: Dermatologic Therapy, September-October 2008, pages 416-421; Cutis, July 2006, pages S34-S40; SKINmed, May-June 2005, pages 183-185; Clinical Dermatology, September-October 2004, pages 360-366; and December 2001, pages 12-19.)
Generally, most skin-care routines start with using a makeup remover. Although that can work effectively, it is an option, not a requirement. My preference is to recommend that all skin types start with using a gentle, water-soluble cleanser. I’ve already explained how important being gentle is, but just to reiterate: Irritating and inflaming the skin triggers a cascading chain reaction that can include increased oil production, flaky dry skin, depletion of collagen, and other factors that “age” skin.
But why start with a cleanser as opposed to an eye-makeup/facial-makeup remover? You can begin with an eye or makeup remover, which is indeed an option. However, wiping at the face is a problem because tugging on the skin damages the elastin fibers in skin, increasing the potential for sagging, especially around the eyes. The less you pull the better your skin will hold up in the long run. Washing your face with a water-soluble cleanser reduces pulling (the water cuts friction), and most if not all of the makeup is rinsed down the drain. Then if you still need a makeup remover it would only be for touch-up, causing minimal pulling. So a gentle, water-soluble cleanser is a great place to start!