How to Wash Your Face in the Right Way?

Photo: Simple UK

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, how you wash your face makes a difference. Even if you’re diligently washing your face twice a day, doing so in the wrong way might contribute to issues you're trying to fix. Improper facial washing can result in dryness, oiliness, irritation, and even breakouts. Here we break down the steps for how to wash your face the right way as well as some face washing tips based on each skin type.

For the best skincare routine, follow these steps to wash your face:

Step 1: Wash Your Hands

Contrary to popular myths, the safest way to wash your face is with your hands; washcloths and scrubs can be too abrasive on the skin, and might potentially harm healthy cells, resulting in irritation. It’s therefore essential to wash your hands before washing your face. If you wash your face with unclean hands, you can end up just pushing that dirt onto your face.

Step 2: Remove All Makeup

Photo: Redbook.

Even if your cleaner claims to also serve as a makeup remover, it’s a good idea to put an effort into taking off your makeup before washing your face. Doing so will be gentler on your delicate lashes, and by removing the extra layer of makeup, your cleanser will be much more effective at targeting the oil, dirt, and bacteria lingering on your skin. If you don’t remove your makeup first, your face wash might just be cleaning the superficial layer of your skin instead of diving deeply into the pores.

Step 3: Wet Your Skin Using Lukewarm Water

Hot water might feel nice, but it’s not doing your skin any favours. Hot water is dehydrating, as it will pull the moisture out of your skin and strip it of its natural oils. Keep the temperature a little lower – it’s enough to loosen up the dirt within your pores without outwardly stripping them. When learning how to wash your face, using lukewarm water is a big takeaway.

Step 4: Massage Cleanser into Skin

Photo: Foreo.

When washing your face, don’t just scrub vigorously for 20 seconds. It’s not only harmful to the skin’s surface, but it also doesn’t give your cleanser enough time to work its magic. Instead, massage your cleanser into your skin using gentle, circular motions for a minimum of 60 seconds. Doing so will stimulate the lymphatic system, which encourages oxygen and blood circulation. Be sure to move in upward motions – pulling down on your skin can lead to sagging.

Our vegan face wash, Cleanse is designed for all skin types and is formulated with detoxifying green tea, calming chamomile, and cooling cucumber. Gentle, yet effective, it removes any impurities without drying out the skin.

Step 5. Pat Dry

The skin on your face is delicate so exercise caution whenever anything comes into contact with it. Once you're done cleansing, gently pat your face dry with a soft towel after rinsing off your cleanser with lukewarm water. Make sure you’re using a fresh, clean towel each time you wash your face. The towels you use to dry off your hair and body could have pore-clogging residue on them leftover from the shower, which could then spread germs and bacteria onto your freshly-washed face.

Face Washing Mistakes to Avoid

In addition to the five steps to wash your face, follow these face washing tips to ensure you’re following the best skincare practices:

Not Cleansing Twice a Day

Some people believe that washing your face in the morning is unnecessary, as it should still be clean from its wash the night prior. However, your skin attempts to regenerate itself overnight, meaning it's shedding dead skin cells, producing sebum, and secreting toxins as you sleep. Your pillowcase may also be riddled with built-up oil and bacteria from previous nights. Be sure to wash your face in the morning to get the most out of your day-time products if you have acne-prone skin.

Keep in mind that not every skin type benefits from being cleansed twice a day. If you have dry or sensitive skin, washing more than once daily may actually dry out your skin and cause irritation.

Using Harsh Chemicals

Dry skin. Photo: Mid West Laser Centre

Regardless of what skin type you have, it’s always best to avoid harsh chemicals. Ingredients such as sulfates and alcohol might end up dehydrating your skin. This can result is roughness or flaking, or alternatively, excessive oil and breakouts by kicking the skin’s sebaceous glands into overdrive.

Neglecting Your Neck and Hands

The hands and neck are the first places to age on women, mostly because they are neglected when washing your face. This skin is sensitive and needs some love, too. Include these locations in every part of your skincare routine, beginning with cleansing.

Forgetting to Moisturize Afterwards

Hot water and strong chemicals will dehydrate your face, so it’s critical to moisturize after cleanses. Keeping your skin cells moist is an essential part of maintaining its suppleness and plasticity throughout the day, in addition to maintaining its youthful glow and preventing premature ageing. Apply a moisturizer directly after your face wash to seal in the face’s moisture to ensure your skin cells are strong enough to brave the day.

How often should you wash your face?

Photo: The Hesitan Housewife.

According to Simple, a famous English cosmetic brand, twice a day is a good rule of thumb. No make-up day? No matter, a quick refresh is still needed. All that pollution, daily sweat, and impurities still need to be wiped away. Mornings? The skin may not be covered in daily dirt, but you’ve been up close and personal with your pillowcase, meaning dead skin cells, oil, and sweat are best washed away. A micellar water-soaked cotton pad helps refresh in one, easy go.

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