How To Wash Your Face Properly?
Washing your face every day is crucial, no matter your age or skin type. When you wash your face you remove any impurities, makeup residue and oil which if not removed may lead to some serious skin problems – clogged pores (blackheads), whiteheads, pimples, spots etc.
Nowadays there is a wide range of facial cleansers – foams, gels, creams designed for every skin type from oily to hypersensitive. The cleansers gently clean the skin without irritating it, they remove all the impurities – dirt, oil, that have accumulated during the day or during the night, leaving the skin clean, tight and soft.
It’s essential to choose a cleanser that is appropriate for your skin type and for your skin’s needs. Those women with combination or oily skin should look for a stronger cleanser containing oil-absorbing ingredients; those with dry or sensitive skin should look for a milder formula with more nourishing and moisturizing ingredients.
It’s crucial to select skincare products that are oil-free (don’t contain oil), non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), hypoallergenic (won’t irritate the skin) and non-acnegenic (won’t cause acne). Today most of the facial cleansers contain many active ingredients – alpha hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, essential oil, vitamins, minerals, glycerin, collagen, elastin, sodium laureth sulfate.
You should wash your face at least twice a day (in the morning and in the evening) in order to keep your skin clear and flawless.
HOW TO WASH YOUR FACE PROPERLY
Step One. Wash your hands
Wash your hands every time before cleansing your face, applying makeup or touching your face. If your hands are dirty you may rub bacteria or dirt onto your skin. Use an antibacterial soap and gently wash your hands with lukewarm water.
Step Two. Tie your hair
Tie your hair – this way it will be more comfortable for you when you wash your face.
Step Three. Remove your makeup
Remove your makeup with a mild makeup remover. Although facial cleansers remove all kind of makeup effectively you had better remove it prior to washing your face. Choose a mild makeup remover that suits your skin type and first remove the eye makeup.
Step Four. Wet your face
Splash your face with lukewarm water to prepare your skin for the cleanser and to open your pores for a deeper cleansing.
Step Five. Apply the cleanser
Place a small amount (a dime-size) of the cleansing product on your palm or to a washcloth.
Using your fingertips or a brush gently rub the cleanser all over your face. Make sure you cover all areas – chin, forehead, nose, cheeks, neck. Massage your face with gentle circular motions for a minute. Remember: never remove the cleanser immediately after you apply it – let it penetrate your skin for a dew minutes (it usually takes one/ two minutes).
Step Six. Rinse your face
Rinse your face to remove the cleanser. Splash your face with water several times until you feel that the cleanser has rinsed off completely. You can use a face sponge, a muslin cloth or cotton pads to remove the cleansing product.
Step Seven. Splash your face with cold water
Rinse your face with cold water to close the open pores and to improve your blood circulation.
Step Eight. Gently blot your face
Pat your face with a clean towel.
Step Nine. Tone your skin.
If your skin is oily or combination it’s crucial to use a facial toner. The toners remove any traces of makeup, dirt and oil that your cleanser may have missed. They also reduce pores, eliminate oil and refine the skin. What they do in addition to making your skin feel tighter, is prepare the skin for the moisturizer.
Step Ten. Moisturize your skin
Apply a moisturizer or a hydrating face cream every time after washing your face to moisturize your face. Again make sure the moisturizer is appropriate for your skin type.
Useful Beauty Tips for washing your face:
- Washing your face twice a day is a must in order to keep your skin clear.
- Never use bar soaps to wash your face as they tend to dry out the skin.
- Never wash your face with hot or too cold water – you may irritate your skin.
- Never over-cleanse your skin.
- Avoid cleansing products containing alcohol or any harsh chemicals.
- Always remove your makeup before you wash your face.
- Remember: hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated.
- Always apply the cleansing products to a wet face.
- Always make sure you have removed all traces of the cleanser, otherwise it can irritate your skin.
- Never rub your skin.
- Always make sure the cleansing product is appropriate for your skin type.
- Wash your face at least twice a day.
- Always apply moisturizer after washing your face.
- Don’t forget to exfoliate your skin once or twice a week with a mild exfoliator to remove the dead skin cells.
- It’s best to wash your face with lukewarm water rather than with hot or cold water.
- Avoid using strong or harsh cleansers and toners.
- Cream based cleansers are appropriate for the winter months as they moisturize the skin.
- If your skin is sensitive choose a fragrance-free cleanser.
- If your skin is oily look for a water-based cleanser in gel or foam formula.
- If your skin is dry look for a cream cleanser that moisturizes your skin.
To learn more see also the articles:
How To Get Rid Of Blackheads And WhiteheadsВ
Teen Skin Care: Six Common Skin Problems In TeensВ
How To Get Rid Of Pimples And How ToВ Treat Pimples ProperlyВ
How To Remove Your Makeup ProperlyВ
How To Use And Apply Facial TonerВ
Recommended Facial Cleansers:
Clearasil Daily Face Wash ($4.60) – The antibacterial formula foams away dirt and oil better than soap – leaves skin feeling fresh.
Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask ($6.90) – As a Daily Cleanser to kill the bacteria that can cause blackheads and breakouts. As an Intensive Mask for deep cleansing and extra oil control.
Eucerin Redness Relief Soothing Cleanser ($9) – Gentle, soap-free gel removes makeup and impurities without irritation. Redness Relief Soothing Cleanser gently yet effectively cleanses as it soothes visibly red skin.
L’Oreal Dermo-Expertise Ideal Balance Foaming Cream Cleanser ($6.50) – formulated for combination skin to help remove dull skin and unclog pores. Helps reduce the appearance of pores and helps keep skin soft and purified.
Olay Foaming Face Wash ($4.50) – Thoroughly removes dirt, oil and make-up without overdrying. Contains oil free moisturizers and helps your skin retain its own natural moisture.
Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser ($8.10) – Noncomedogenic and oil-free cleanser appropriate for acne prone skin. Helps prevent breakouts and clears the complexion.
Clinique Liquid Facial Soap ($14.50) – Cleanses without stripping protective lipids. Preps skin for the exfoliating action of Clarifying Lotion. Convenient pump dispenses just the right amount.
Philosophy On a Clear Day Super Wash For Oily Skin ($18) – Designed to wipe away the dirt and grime that cloud your complexion.
Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Facial Cleanser ($33) – This gentle two-in-one formula gently purifies and smoothes skin with natural botanicals for a fast, natural clean. Enhances skin softness, suppleness and comfort while protecting its natural balance.
Clinique Wash-Away Gel Cleanser ($17.50) – Soothing, cooling, concentrated gel-foam cleanser for oily skin. Fast, easy take-off for clinging makeups.
AHAVA Purifying Gel Cleanser ($22) – removes dirt, make-up, and other blemish-causing contaminants while treating comedones.
Lancome Pure Focus Deep Purifying Cleansing Gel ($22) – With its micro-granules, this gel eliminates all impurities and removes all make-up. Your skin is left feeling healthy and deeply cleansed. Avoid eye contour area.
Steps to Wash Your Face
There are normal hygiene responsibilities that we perform daily and sometimes we just want to rush and get them done so that we can engage in activities that are more exciting. However, there are actually proper ways to do everything when it comes to hygiene, even washing your face. Some believe a quick swipe with a wet rag will suffice, while others believe in two hour deep scrubs and soakings. If washing your face properly from start to finish, it should only take about 5-10 minutes.
To begin washing your face:
1) Always wash your hands. Having clean hands keeps more dirt from entering your face.
2) Open your pores. Use warm to hot water to open your pores. Open pores allow access to deep dirt beneath the surface.
3) Squeeze a medium coin sized amount of face wash into your hand. This is the optimum size to use to prevent the dry skin effect following your face wash.
4) Apply the face wash to your face. Using circular motions to create lather apply the face wash generously, scrubbing you entire face for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
5) Rinse your face. It is important to rinse thoroughly with hot water to remove all the dirt and oil.
6) Dry your face. Patting instead of swiping your face will keep it damp.
7) Apply astringent. Applying astringent quickly closes your pores and prevents dirt from re-entering.
8 ) Apply moisturizer. Moisturizing your skin keeps it soft and maintains its glow.