It is easy to wash your face incorrectly, meaning your face isn’t getting as clean as it should, and this can lead to much more than breakouts. Read this post to learn why washing your face is so important and how to do it properly.
Why Wash Your Face?
It is necessary to wash our faces to keep them healthy. The most well-known reason for regular face washing is to prevent clogged pores and pimples. A clean face can also absorb other skin care products, so if you’re applying moisturizers or anti-aging products, you’ll want to wash your face regularly to get the most from them. Face cleansing also removes free radicals that accelerate the aging process by harming the skin’s store of elastin and collagen.
How Often To Wash Your Face
Wash your face at least once a day. Most people do this before going to bed. Two times, once in the morning and once at night, is best because bacteria lingering on your pillow while you sleep will get on your face.
If you get sweaty during the day, a third gentle cleansing to remove the sweat is a good idea. If you wash your face more often than that, you can disrupt the skin’s natural protective barrier and promote more sebum production, i.e., more oil.
If washing your face two times a day dries your face out, you are using the wrong cleanser. Look for a gentler cleanser or one that is more moisturizing. Remember that cleansers targeted toward acne often contain drying ingredients and must be used with a moisturizer.
How to Wash Your Face
Don’t Wet Your Face
Most facial cleansers are meant to be applied to dry skin. This is because they bind to the molecules you want to remove. If your face is wet, it makes it harder for the cleanser to stick to the molecules.
Massage
Massage the cleanser into your skin for up to a minute. This will help it get everywhere it needs to get, loosen particles and dead skin, and promote both circulation and collagen production.
Rinse
Rinse your face with lukewarm water. Though many people enjoy the feeling of hot water, it will dry out your skin and promote excess sebum production.
Dry
Use a clean, dry, and soft towel to dry your face, and just pat it dry. Tugging or pulling motions can damage the collagen in the skin and cause skin irritation. People with acne-prone or sensitive skin should use a towel that wasn’t washed with fabric softener.
Wash Again
This step isn’t always necessary, but a second cleanse can work wonders if you feel your cleansing isn’t doing the job. It can be particularly important for makeup wearers and those with sensitive skin. Use one cleanser to remove makeup and dirt and then follow up with one that can remove deeper cellular debris that can clog pores.
Apply Active Ingredients
Use any toners, serums, moisturizers, and/or sunscreens while your face is freshly cleaned and a little tight. This is when your skin is most receptive to the benefits of your skincare products.
Call Rejuvenation Laser & Skin Center
Proper cleansing is crucial to maintaining healthy skin, but it can’t fix everything. If you are bothered by acne, sun spots, signs of aging, dark pigmentation, scars, and more, we can help. Give us a call to book an appointment!