Photo: Bali Photographer – trezy humanoiz / Flickr

Removing your make-up before you go to bed may be a hassle, but if you hit the sheets without cleansing after a long day you’ll ruin both your skin and your pillowcases – especially if you do it often. If you tend to leave your make-up on overnight because you don’t have the time to take it off, try hot cloth cleansing. It’s very quick, very easy, and it exfoliates your skin while removing all traces of make-up.

Taking it all off

For hot cloth cleansing you’ll need two things: a cloth, and some cleanser. Muslin cloths are most often used, but if your skin isn’t too sensitive try using terry cloth, which exfoliates your skin while you cleanse. As for cleansers, many cosmetics houses offer products specifically for the hot cloth method but just about any cleanser will do. As long as your favourite brand is creamy rather than foamy, you won’t need to make a change.

Easy as one, two three

Before you start washing your face, run some hot water into the basin and place your cloth in it. The water should be as hot as the water you run for a bath. Too hot and you could hurt – and dry out – your skin, but too cold and your cleanse won’t be effective. Try testing the water with your elbow before placing the cloth in it. If the water feels warm but you can comfortably keep your elbow in it for a couple of seconds, the temperature is just right.

Next, apply your cream-based cleanser to your face and massage it in, focusing on your eyes (keep them closed).

Finally, rinse out your hot cloth and place it over your face for a few seconds. Then use the cloth to gently wipe off all traces of make-up. Your skin will be perfectly primed for moisturising or treatment with an anti-ageing serum.

We recommend

While any cream-based cleanser will work for hot cloth cleansing, we do have some favourites. Eve Lom’s signature Eve Lom Cleanser & Muslin is long-lasting and has a very clean fragrance. Burt’s Bees Radiance Daily Cleanser is a light milk perfect for young complexions. And for older skin, Oskia Perfect Cleanser removes all traces of make-up without drying.

Tags: anti-ageing treatments, beauty tips, cosmetics, exfoliation, moisturiser