Washing the face is the fundamental step in any skincare routine. The way you cleanse your skin can significantly impact its health and appearance.
Yet, it’s astonishing how many people neglect this fundamental step or perform it incorrectly, harming the well-being of their skin.
In this blog post, you will learn everything you need to know about washing the face including a step-by-step guide on how to wash your face properly. Now, let’s get started.
The Importance of Cleansing
Throughout the day, your skin accumulates dirt, oil, pollutants, and bacteria, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts and dullness. Cleansing helps to eliminate these impurities.
Proper cleansing reduces the risk of acne by keeping pores clear and preventing the buildup of excess sebum and bacteria.
It also primes your skin to better absorb the beneficial ingredients in serums, moisturizers, and treatments, maximizing their effectiveness.
By removing dead skin cells through cleansing, you stimulate cell turnover, leading to a brighter, more youthful complexion.
How to Wash Your Face Properly? 5 Steps
Prepare Your Skin
Before you begin cleansing your face, it’s extremely essential to remove makeup and surface impurities. Use a gentle makeup remover or micellar water to dissolve and lift away makeup.
Ensure that your hands are clean to prevent transferring bacteria onto your face. Then, splash your face with lukewarm water to gently remove surface impurities and open up your pores, facilitating a deeper cleanse.
Select The Right Cleanser
Selecting the right cleanser is crucial. You must select one based on your skin type and specific skin concerns. Always use a gentle cleanser because it will not harm your skin back.
When selecting a cleaner, its active component is the most important factor to consider. If you have acne-prone skin, try using a cleanser containing Benzoyl Peroxide, which has been clinically proven to treat acne-causing pathogens.
For someone with oily skin, a cleanser with salicylic acid as an active ingredient is a preferable option. For people with dry skin, I recommend using a gentle foaming cleanser containing ceramides.
For thorough cleansing, especially if you wear heavy makeup or sunscreen, double cleansing is extremely beneficial. Combining an oil-based and foamy cleanser can help remove excess oil and makeup more effectively.
Avoid cleansers that contain parabens, sulfates or phthalates.
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Proper Application and Massage
Dispense a small amount of cleanser onto your fingertips and gently apply it to your damp skin.
Make sure the amount of cleanser you take is adequate and at the same time, not excessive as well. Using too little amount can irritate your skin because of the friction between your hand and face and using too much cleanser can strip skin’s natural oils.
After applying the cleanser, start massaging your face in gentle circular motions for at least 30 seconds but not more than a minute.
Pay close attention to areas prone to congestion, such as the nose and chin, but be mindful to avoid harsh scrubbing, which can cause irritation.
Thorough Rinse
Once you’ve effectively cleansed your skin, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
This is a step that many people do not pay much attention to. You can so easily leave behind the traces of your cleanser on your skin.
Lingering traces of cleanser can lead to irritation or clogged pores, so take some time to rinse it properly and ensure all product is removed.
Post Cleansing Rituals
After rinsing, gently pat your skin dry with a soft, clean towel. Avoid rubbing, as this can cause friction and potentially exacerbate existing skin concerns.
If you have specific skin problems, now is the time to apply the actives on your skin. After that, apply a good quality hydrating moisturizer based on your skin type to lock in the hydration.
It is vital to choose a moisturizer according to your skin type.
For dry skin, you’ll need a little thicker moisturizer, such as creams or ointments that contain Glycerin or Hyaluronic Acid as active components.
Similarly, for oily or combination skin, try a water-based lightweight moisturizer with active ingredients such as ceramides or hyaluronic acid.
For sensitive skin, always use a moisturizer with no artificial fragrances.
One thing that I highly recommend is to exfoliate your skin at least once or twice a week. Exfoliation helps eliminate dead skin cells that can accumulate on the surface of the skin, revealing a fresh layer underneath and can significantly improve how your skin looks.
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Tips for Effective Cleansing
Consistency
Consistency is the key. You are not going to get any benefits from occasional cleansing. So, always stick to the routine and make sure you never miss to cleanse your face.
Avoid Hot Water
Hot water should be absolutely avoided in face cleansing. It can strip the skin of its natural oils and moisture which can lead to dryness, irritation, and even exacerbate skin conditions such as acne. Additionally, hot water can cause dilation of blood vessels, leading to redness and inflammation.
Avoid Over-cleansing/Scrubbing
Over-cleansing or scrubbing is bad for your skin and is even worse for someone with sensitive or irritated skin.
It can damage the natural skin barrier, making it more susceptible to external stresses and infections and can even kill all the friendly bacteria existing on the skin.
Do-not Skip Pre-Cleansing Procedures
Pre-cleansing rituals allow the subsequent cleanser to effectively penetrate and cleanse the skin and make the overall cleansing more effective. So, never skip any of the above-mentioned pre-cleansing procedures.
Use Clean Towels
You definitely do not want to reintroduce dirt to your cleaned face. Using a clean towel ensures that you’re not reintroducing impurities onto your freshly cleansed skin, helping to maintain its overall health and clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use the same cleanser for morning and night?
While you can use the same cleanser, some individuals prefer a gentler option for the morning and a more thorough cleanser in the evening to remove makeup and impurities.
2. Should I use hot or cold water to wash my face?
Lukewarm water is ideal for facial cleansing, as hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils, while cold water may not effectively remove dirt and oil.
3. How often should you wash your face?
You should wash your face twice a day, ideally in the morning and before bedtime, to remove dirt, oil, and impurities accumulated throughout the day and overnight. However, the frequency may vary depending on your skin type and specific skincare needs.
4. Do I need to wash my face in the morning?
Yes, you need to wash your face in the morning to remove the toxins that accumulate as your skin detoxifies during sleep at night.
5. Can you wash your face with just water?
Yes and No! You can wash your face with just water in the morning. However, at night, it’s crucial to thoroughly cleanse your face to remove makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and excess oil accumulated throughout the day.
