I’ve been using microfiber cloths in my skin care routine for over two years now. They have made oil cleansing with high linoleic oils a wonderful experience. I have tried oil cleansing with regular cotton wash cloth in the past, but it seriously didn’t even compare to using a soft microfiber cloth.
The combination of using high linoleic oils along with a microfiber cloth has literally been magic for my skin!
Most recently I’ve returned to simply washing my face with just water while using a high linoleic oil as a moisturizer. I don’t wear nearly as much makeup (especially foundation) as I used to, so oil cleansing daily to remove heavy makeup isn’t necessary for me at this time. Still, something was missing. I wanted a way to gently exfoliate my skin without the use of extra products or ingredients, and I was missing the smooth “poreless” appearance that microfiber cloths give my skin.
So I ordered new microfiber cloths, and I retired my old cloths for cleaning around the house. I originally thought the cloths that I was using were soft. The new cloths that I purchased went beyond my expectations. These cloths are slightly larger and so much softer than my old cloths that I can’t even believe it.
A major bonus to using soft microfiber cloths for skin care versus others wash cloths is that they can literally remove your makeup with just water!
The reason why microfiber cloths are so popular in regards to cleaning is because the tiny fibers on the cloth literally attract dirt effortlessly. When you cleanse your skin and leave dirt, makeup, and grime behind, your pores wIll naturally increase in size because they become clogged. This alone can create acne and other skin issues.
Since using microfiber cloths in my skin care routine for the past two+ years, I have noticed that my skin has a smoother complexion with much smaller looking pores. With continued use, I no longer saw blackheads on or around my nose. These cloths also help exfoliate my skin while fading dark marks and hyperpigmentation.
One of the biggest lessons that I have learned is that you do not need to use excessive pressure when using these cloths against your skin.
Rubbing your skin harshly automatically creates irritation and redness. Microfiber cloths will cleanse and gently exfoliate your skin with ease because of the material. Being gentle with your skin in general is a wonderful habit to create. Even though I don’t oil cleanse daily anymore, the oil makes using these cloths much gentler on the skin versus just using water.
5 Reasons I LOVE My New Super Soft Microfiber Cloths
- They are so gentle on my sensitive skin.
- They are extremely inexpensive for a pack of 12!
- They remove makeup, cleanse, exfoliate, and create a smoother more even skin tone with just water yet you can still oil cleanse if you like.
- I don’t need extra skin care products.
- My simple skin care regimen takes very little time.
(Note… I use soap and water to wash out my cloths after each use and swap out a new cloth every 1-2 days. At the end of the week I launder all the cloths.)
I have seen so many different brands of exfoliating skin brushes for exorbitant prices on the market. Microfiber cloths are only a tiny fraction of the price of these expensive brushes. Plus they have made my skin care regimen so simple while drastically improving the condition of my skin. What’s not to love!
Have you used soft microfiber cloths with your skin care regimen?
Update… Organic Skin Care by Minimalist Beauty ~ i am AZUHA ~ Created With Oils High in Linoleic Acid
(Image by Dawn Michelle)
mary ann says
Hi Dawn
I love the microfiber clothes .I have very sensitive skin and wash cloths always would irritate my skin . The are very gentle but luxurious at the same time
thanks for all you great information have a great week !!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Mary Ann,
Luxurious is the perfect word to describe these cloths! Thanks for your comment!
Patty says
I’ve been using this method to clean my face since I first read about it on your blog and absolutely love it. I find that after a while my cloths get a tacky filmy feeling to them that doesn’t go away even with washing. Do you have any suggestions on how to prevent this?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Patty,
Do you wash your cloths with soap and water after each use then also launder them later?
Abril says
Hi, can you let me know the brand of the cloths? Thanks 😊
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Abril,
I don’t think that these cloths are a specific brand.
maryann says
HI Dawn Michelle
I wanted to know how you clean these as well. What soap do you use ? thanks so much
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Maryann,
I just use a vegetable based soap bar to hand wash them after every use like Bronner’s bar soap and then launder them with my laundry.
Ashlynn says
Hi Dawn!
I also use Microfiber cloths after finding your blog and absolutely love what they have done for my routine, my skin, and how much time and money they have saved me from other expensive skin care items. I also would like to know what you do to remove the “film” that develops, if you have experienced that. I might think it’s the soap I use or possibly not washing them well enough. I also found that they need to be hang-dried. I put mine in the dryer until they developed static and hair would get intertwined in the tiny fibers! Difficult to remove. I hang dry now and I am actually due for new cloths so I may purchase those you linked. How often do you replace your cloths?
I am taking the plunge to buy some pumpkin seed oil from MRH today. I have been using Grapeseed oil and I am not sure if my skin likes it or if it’s tolerated, or what. I still break out but it doesn’t seem to be from the oil because I only breakout in my “prone” areas rather than everywhere like an oil intolerance would appear. I am still a bit stumped with oil cleansing but I have noticed that since I started using an Apple Cider Vinegar toner (only 10% to aloe juice) that my little milia bumps have reduced a lot. I am hoping that Pumpkin seed oil will do some more good!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Ashlynn,
I wash my cloths after every use with a vegetable based soap like Dr. Bronners bar soap and rinse thoroughly. At the end of the week I toss hem in the laundry. You could put them in a mesh bag and let them air dry after the wash cycle. The film you may be noticing maybe from the soap you use but I’m honestly not sure. BTW… I hope you love pumpkin seed oil as much as I do!
Best wishes!
maryann says
Thanks Dawn Michelle
MY health store by work carries Bronner soaps will definitely pick up and try . Thanks for always quickly responding have a great week
maryann
Dmitrey says
Hi Dawn.
Can you share with us what exactly oil do you use now as moisturiser after cleansing your face.
After cleansing with microfiber I use hemp seed oil for now, but think this is not enough for my skin. Wanna try to use pumpkin seed oil which is have comedogenic rating-2, so i’m a little bit scary. scary.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Dimitrey,
You can see my current skin care details here. I always keep this page updated. Best wishes!
Lena says
Hi Dawn,
What do you use for daytime moisturizing since rosehip oil is not photostable?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Lena,
You can find my current beauty regimen here. I always keep this page updated. I mix my oil moisturizer with carrot seed essential oil which has natural sun protection. Pumpkin seed oil is also an amazing oil for acne prone skin. I hope this helps!
CD says
Hi Dawn,
I’m super excited to try the OCM using your favorite microfiber cloths. The link to Amazon says they’re unavailable, though. Do you have an alternative recommendation that’s just as good?
Thanks!
~CD
Dawn Michelle says
Hi CD,
I don’t buy microfiber cloths often so I don’t have a bunch of alternatives. I used to find them at Marshall’s though. Just make sure that the cloths you use are soft to the touch. I hope this helps.
Gia says
Hi Dawn,
I have been oil cleansing for a while now and I can’t believe I never thought of using a microfibre cloth instead of just a regular cotton cloth! I was wondering what type of microfibre cloth it is that you prefer. There are ones on the market that are 100% polyester and some that contain up to 50% polyamide. Which cloths do you usually go for/ which have you found works the best?
Hoping to hear from you soon, thank you.
Gia.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Gia,
I think that the most important factor for using microfiber cloths is that the cloths are super soft. The ones I like are usually 100% polyester. I wish they came in natural fibers. Have a great weekend!
Lara says
Hi Dawn
You’re website is a true gift and I always look forward to reading it. I have a quick question regarding your beauty regimen. Do you oil cleanse daily (using microfiber cloth every night)or do you do it every few nights? I’m just asking because I’ve read on several occasions that it’s good to only exfoliate 2 to 3 times /wk. I’ve tried washing my face with honey on the nights where I”m not oil cleansing (using evening primrose as moisturizer) but I think it’s making me breakout. I”ve also heard other women breakout using honey. In between the oil cleansing days, could one just rub the oil in on a damp face and then remove it with warm water? Does that actually do any cleaning out of pores? I eat clean, drink water and exercise daily. I do not consume processed sugar.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Lara,
Using a microfiber cloth while oil cleansing is a gentle form of exfoliating versus using a facial scrub or enzyme peel. Prior to the detox that I did a year ago when I had to change my regimen completely, I had gotten to the point where I was oil cleansing only a few times a week and mainly washing my face with just water and moisturizing. I had slowly weaned myself off of an intensive daily regimen at that time, and I was not wearing any makeup to remove. After a few months after last year’s detox, I started oil cleansing every evening again.
If you are not having the success you would like using honey as a face wash continue with only oil cleansing. If you are wearing makeup, you do need an effective way to remove it. I did write this article on acne recently that may be of help to you. Definitely look at the ingredients in all of the facial products and makeup that you are using to ensure they are working in your skin’s favor.
Lastly I have heard of women applying oil to their skin and using water to remove the excess as a cleansing process. If this is working for you, and you aren’t wearing makeup, then it’s all good. I tend to wash my face with water thoroughly first, then use my oil as a moisturizer in the morning while oil cleansing with a microfiber cloth in the evenings now. It takes time to find what’s best for you as your skin heals and as you eat healthier and healthier. Best wishes and thanks for the compliment on the site!
Annie says
The cloths are “currently unavailable”. Do you happen to know if this is permanent or temporary? I was excited to order some! =)
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Annie,
I’m honestly not sure. This is just the company I ordered mine from. It may be worth sending them a message to find out. I wish I had more info for you.
Will says
Hey Dawn! I just got my first order of microfiber cloths today and am kind of confused which side to use. They’re the ones from the rag company that you have a link to. Sorry if this is a dumb question
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Will,
Use the side that feels best for you. You don’t have to scrub when using a microfiber cloth. It is important to be light handed. I hope this helps!
Nav says
It’s a long post – sorry!
Hi Dawn,
I love your blog so much, I have been a reader for a few years. Your skin care regimen and blog posts have helped me so much. My acne used to be bad three years ago and then changes in diet (less soda, fried food etc…) plus a good skincare has made my dull, acne prone skin improve for the better. My past skin care consisted of Raw Honey (as cleanser – morning and night) , ACV toner (diluted, of course), rose water (just to spray, i find it very relaxing and it smells so good), and moisturizer – I have tried Rosehip Oil, Hempseed Oil and Tamanu Oil. Not all together, I started with Rosehip Oil and Tamanu and Hempseed was added earlier this year, I believe. I aways incorporate two of the three and my skin has no complaints.
Since I’m running low on the other two oils (Rosehip and Tamanu), I am thinking of including either Safflower Oil or Pumpkin Seed oil, I am still in the decision making process.
My current regimen has changed a slight bit, instead of using Honey, I now use African Black Soap (Shea Moisture Brand) – picked it up from target because while my skin has improved so much since the last 3 years, I did fall off the bandwagon, not so much with skincare but the diet (bring on the soda, cookies, fried foods) and my skin is paying for it.. It’s been a week and I am back to eating healthier eating because I miss my skin and now that I know what my skin is capable of, I don’t like being the cause of its destruction.
Now that i’m done with the rant, I had a question – I just incorporated these microfiber cloths into my regimen, I use them after I have massaged my cleanser into my skin (the soap) for a minute or less , I have noticed my skin get smoother day by day, I love the cloths – they are very soft, I use them day and night, my question is – I have large pores on my nose and around my nose and when I wake up in the morning, my T-zone is extra shiny (oily) most days, how could i stop that from happening? or decrease it, with time, maybe? Could a change in oil help? I do moisturize with the same oils – Hemp seed and tamanu – currently. So why is my T-zone still very oily when I wake up.
Also would you recommend a gel based sunscreen? I purchased the Balm Baby SUN – while i love it, i feel it makes my face oily – though the weather as of late, with the heat and sweating isn’t helping much either.
Sorry for such a long post but THANK YOU! you have been such a big help.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Nav,
Thank you so much for kind words and I’m thrilled the site has been helpful to you! Ok I will say that using a soap on your face will increase the oil production because it strips the skin of its natural oils like no other. I was surprised that oil cleansing or even using a gentle cleanser such as raw honey would actually reduce excessive sebum production. Also the pH of soap is extremely high and I particularly avoid using soap on my face because of this.
You may want to go back to using a gentler cleansing process such as raw honey or even oil cleansing which should also help reduce the size of pores. Using a microfiber cloth also helps a lot with this. I don’t think the issue is which moisturizing oil as much as what you wash your face with. Also it’s so awesome that you are back to eating healthier again. You get major points for that so be patient with the process while your skin heals. Best wishes!
Nav says
Thanks for responding back Dawn.
I have quit using the soap since I read your response and since i am running low on most of the oils – I have begun oil cleansing with Hemp Seed oil – it’s been day 2 so can’t say much but no cons (so far – touchwood) and I had already been using it as a moisturizer so I know my skin is fine with it and soon (hopefully very soon) I will be purchasing Rosehip Oil from MRH because like I said, I have tried it before and my skin does love it (it was the first one i ever tried) and this time I will test out pumpkin seed oil and hopefully it does me good. I’ll definitely comment back in a few months time to update on my regimen and let you know how the situation is going.
thank you so much for answering all the questions ( as always)! and for being here. love your blog.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Nav,
I wish you the best and please keep us posted on how things turn out for you. I appreciate the kind words too!
Stacy says
Hi, Dawn Michelle:
LOVE your blog site. Lovely, clean “minimalist” layout.
I must concur with your method of facial cleansing options. Microfiber cloths are the best! Since I have been using them, my oily skin and pores have been reduced to a healthy glow.
My new favorite cloth is the Pink Ultra Fluffy 10 x 10 Microfiber Facial Cloth with Satin Border from The Rag Company.
If anyone gets a chance, I would encourage trying these wonderfully soft cloths.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Stacey,
Thank you so much! Microfiber cloths really are pretty amazing. Have a beautiful day!
Aimi Ho says
Hi. You are right about being gentle with skin.
I used safflower oil with drops of thyme e.o for two weeks straight…without the cloth. I wiped my face with tissue paper and acne reduced so much. But problem began when my microfiber cloth arrived and I would rubbed my face in circular motion, making sure the fabric gets into every pores. Yep. I rubbed, with some pressure. And then pimples began to spread. They moved surrounding existence pimples. I stopped doing it once my mum told me that by rubbing my skin, i was actually spreading the germs.
Lesson learned 🙂
Now I blend tea tree oil, thyme, peppermint and lavender e.o with safflower oil. Reason is I might as well make my face inhospitable for demodex mites and other germs.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Aimi,
These cloths really are powerful so gentle really is best. I’m glad you’ve found something that works well for you. Have a beautiful day!
Audrey says
Hi Dawn,
Thanks for this recommendation. I wanted to know if you had any specific soaps that you would recommend I wash the microfiber cloths with, or what detergents you launder with.
Thank you, appreciate the tips as always.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Audrey,
I am currently using a natural liquid detergent from Trader Joe’s but any natural detergent is fine in my opinion. I used to make my own detergent but haven’t in awhile.