Clean skin is the foundation everything else in your routine builds on. Cleansing removes the layer of dirt, oil, and residue that collects on the skin throughout the day, so the ingredients that follow – from moisturizer to serum – can actually reach the skin and do their job.
At woods_ copenhagen, our cleansers are formulated with natural, purifying ingredients that clean the skin without disrupting its balance.
Step 1: Keep it clear — Cleanse your skin
Cleansing is worth keeping in your routine, especially in the evening. It removes dirt, makeup, and the pollutants and impurities that accumulate on the skin throughout the day – and it gives the skin better conditions to absorb, regenerate, and repair itself overnight.
Sebaceous glands produce sebum, an oily substance that protects and nourishes the skin. These glands are connected to the hair follicles, which act as a pathway for the oil to reach the skin's surface and form a protective barrier. Without regular cleansing, dirt and residue build up and block the follicles, making it harder for sebum to reach the surface – which leaves the skin more exposed to bacteria and inflammation.
Make it a habit to cleanse before bed.
For everyday cleansing, our Daily Foaming Cleanser is a gentle place to start, suited for both morning and evening use.
For a deeper cleanse once or twice a week, our Deep Cleansing Scrub combines volcanic rhyolite with glycolic acid to lift away dead skin cells and unclog pores, leaving skin smooth and refreshed without stripping its natural oils.
Step 2: Build a strong barrier
The skin has three layers: the stratum corneum, the epidermis, and the dermis. The skin barrier sits in the outermost layer of the epidermis – this is the part you support each time you cleanse. It's also known as the moisture barrier, since it helps the skin hold on to hydration. A healthy barrier keeps dirt, excess oil, and bacteria out, and plays a role in conditions like dryness, breakouts, and rosacea.
Signs of a damaged barrier include dryness, redness, inflammation, dehydration, itchiness, or frequent breakouts. A consistent daily routine is one of the most effective ways to strengthen and protect it.
For an extra layer of support, follow cleansing with a serum before your moisturizer. Our Intense Hydra Serum combines red algae extract with sodium PCA to deliver a concentrated dose of hydration and reinforce the barrier from within.
Then lock it in with a moisturizer built to support the barrier. Our Daily Hydra Cream combines barrier-supporting antioxidants with sea buckthorn oil and Actibiome to help balance the skin's microbiome and pH, for a stronger, healthier complexion. For dry or compromised skin, our Ultra-Rich Cream offers a richer formula with niacinamide to restore and strengthen the barrier.
For extra barrier support, our Niacinamide Lifting Mist delivers a 5% niacinamide boost you can mist on throughout the day, while a weekly treatment with our Intense Hyaluronic Mask locks in intense hydration with hyaluronic acid and urea. At night, our Vitamin Face Oil adds omega fatty acids and antioxidants to support elasticity and the barrier further.
Step 3: Get foaming — Know what to look for
A good cleanser is the starting point for healthy, hydrated skin. With so many options available, here's what to look for.
Clean skin — the natural way
If you have sensitive or dry skin that gets irritated easily, look for a cleanser with natural, gentle ingredients that won't disrupt your skin's balance. Avoid anything that strips the skin or leaves it feeling tight after rinsing – a good cleanser should leave your skin feeling clean, not stripped.
Being gentle is key
Know your skin type and how it reacts, and choose a cleanser to match. Our Daily Foaming Cleanser is developed with a focus on natural ingredients and actives that support a healthy, strong barrier – gentle enough for daily use, morning and evening. Wet your skin, work the foam in with circular motions, then rinse with lukewarm water.
Getting the pH level right
pH measures whether a substance is acidic (below 7) or basic (above 7). A cleanser with a balanced pH helps maintain your skin's natural balance. Our Daily Foaming Cleanser is pH-balanced and non-irritating, cleansing without drying out the skin or stripping its natural oils.
Back to basics
Good skincare doesn't have to be complicated. A cleanser's role is to loosen and lift dirt and oil from the skin. What you apply afterward matters just as much – a serum is a good way to target specific concerns like fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, or sun damage, since its smaller molecules can penetrate the skin more easily after cleansing.