Washing your face is one of those things that you have been doing practically your entire life, but are there things to be improved? As we have grown up we have dealt with hormone changes that often have required various products to remedy the imbalance. Body chemistry, diet, sleep and hygiene are the big factors when it comes to the clarity of our skin. When skin issues arrive, we often jump at products that claim to directly target the problem. Frequently these specific “cure” products can cause further skin irritation. Maintaining a glowing, blemish free complexion is a goal that everyone aspires toward. Healthy, flawless skin is something that allows us to walk around with even more confidence. So let’s go back to basics and learn how to properly wash your face.
3. Why does it matter that you know how to properly wash your face?
4. Extra tips on how to wash your face
If you ever wondered what would happen if you stopped washing your face entirely and didn't like what you imagined, you probably think realistically. If you didn't wash your face at all, your pores would clog, resulting in severe acne. Insufficient hydration would also occur and can cause extreme redness, dryness, and irritation. Most certainly, you'd develop severe itchiness, to the point that you'd have to scratch your face constantly. This may result in skin breaks, which can serve as entry points for infection (1). Finally, your skin would just look filthy, sticky, greasy, and aged. The moral of the tale is to clean your skin properly.
Step 1: Wash. Use lukewarm water and a cream cleanser to wash your face. Don’t use bar soap, it can alter the pH of your skin making it easier for bacteria to live (2). Warm water aids in the removal of dirt from your skin, however hot water may be drying. Cream cleansers are hydrating, but if you wear a lot of makeup, a gel cleanser and/or makeup remover might be preferable. After you've washed your face, dab it with a towel rather than rubbing it, rubbing will cause your skin to stretch and wrinkle.
Step 2: Tone. Dip a cotton ball in toner and use it to swish it around your face, concentrating on trouble areas. Toner, for example, is extremely beneficial if you have an oily t-zone.
Step 3: Moisturise. Serums and creams are similar to green juice for the skin. There are some fantastic high-end options, but you don't have to spend a fortune, there are fantastic options available at your local drugstore and even simple recipes to make one from scratch.
For your whole face, use one or two pumps. Since they make serums for all, including anti-aging, moisturizing, and redness, this is also a perfect way to treat any particular problems you may have with your skin. Also don't forget to double check for any harmful ingredients. Choose a heavier moisturizer at night, but if you're not going to apply sunscreen yourself during the day, make sure it has SPF.
Step 4: Eyes. Last but not least, don't miss your eye cream! Since the skin around your eyes is the thinnest, it is in dire need of moisture. Apply a pea-sized amount of eye cream under your eyes, about half an inch below your brow bone, by massaging or patting it in. If you are washing your face before you plan on putting on your makeup, wait a few minutes before so the cream has time to absorb. There are also some big no-no’s to avoid in the face washing process, check them out here!
1. Hydrates: Regular facial washing (along with the application of a good moisturizer) is also important for maintaining the skin's hydration. Skin that is dehydrated appears rough, wrinkled, and aged. Cleansing aids in the management of the skin's PH levels, allowing for adequate water and product retention.
2. Removes debris: The removal of dirt, oil, and other unnecessary debris is a common advantage of facial cleaning when you know how to properly wash your face.The skin on your face is constantly coated with bacteria, toxins, viruses, dirt, and old (dead) skin cells during the day. These impurities are removed by regular facial washing, giving the skin a fresh appearance. Your skin would be coated in a thick layer of dirt and grime if you didn't wash it.
3. Maintains proper pore size: This goes hand in hand with the removal of debris, when you keep your skin clean and exfoliate, buildup is minimized which leaves your complexion looking smoothers.
4. Prevents the production of excess oils: In the washing process it is important to remove oils while simultaneously not over drying your skin. For the majority a mild cleanser is all you really need when you know how to properly wash your face.
As with anything having to do with skincare, don’t be afraid to switch it up. Experimenting and reading, one way to research is to find people with similar skin types to you and try their rituals and favorite items.
Written by Kiana St Onge
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