Are You Washing Your Face Properly?

Are You Washing Your Face Properly?

Clearer, healthier skin depends on washing your face the right way
Have you ever wondered how to wash your face properly? You’re not alone. In theory, it appears straightforward—just splash some water on your face, use a gentle face cleanser, and rinse—but there is a right way, and a wrong way to do it. In fact, a lot of people don’t do it correctly. Certain skin types benefit from a dedicated cleansing technique.

What is the right way to clean your face?

Quickly, gently, and thoroughly is what needs to be done. Even though it may seem like using a facial cleanser for a longer period of time or with more intensity would cleanse your face more effectively, the amount of time you spend lathering does not equate to how well you cleanse your face. Keep it straightforward: It is best to wash your face for 20 to 30 seconds, or until the lotion produces lather, since doing more than that could be harmful to your skin. Washing too aggressively or for too long can result in red, irritated, skin. This is especially true if your cleanser contains any exfoliating components.

Does water temperature really matter?

According to Jerome Garden, M.D., director of the Physicians Laser and Dermatology Institute in Chicago, wet your face with lukewarm—not hot—water and use your fingers to apply cleanser in a circular motion. “Wash the T-zone and U-zone (around the jawline), which people often neglect,” he says. Once you’ve built up a nice lather, rinse and pat dry with a soft, clean towel.

A hot water temperature in the shower can be pleasant, but it can also be damaging to people with sensitive and dry skin. Extreme temperatures can cause blood vessels to dilate and delicate tissue to break, resulting in extreme dryness. Furthermore, hot water naturally removes skin oil barriers that help maintain skin integrity. Because of this, your skin can dry out faster and become itchy and flaky over time. It’s especially important for those with dry or sensitive skin to be aware of this, because their skin is already more vulnerable to drying out or reacting badly to extremes. In addition, heat can trigger rosacea, a skin condition that causes redness and acne-like bumps. Therefore, it is critical to wash your face with lukewarm water.

Are there certain times when you should wash your face?

It’s true that most of us should wash our face twice a day, morning and night. However, at a minimum, you should wash your face every night.
Even if you don’t wear makeup, the nighttime wash is a good starting point for skincare. During the day, the skin accumulates natural oils and sweat, which can lead to skin irritation, inflammation, and acne if they are not removed at the end of the day. You should also cleanse your face in the morning before applying any daytime products. One more thing- whatever you do, don’t ever sleep in makeup. It settles in your pores and creates all sorts of issues you don’t want such as breakouts, fine lines, and wrinkles.

What about the cleanser type?

When purchasing a cleanser, you should consider your skin type. Are you oily? Are you dry? Maybe you have normal, combination, or sensitive skin. Or perhaps you suffer from acne, rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis. All these things should be considered. A gentle or creamy cleanser is the best option for people with dry or sensitive skin. Those with oily skin can use a gel or foamy cleanser, while those with normal skin should stick to water-based cleansers. A cleansing oil or balm might also be a good alternative to traditional cleansers, which can be drier for sensitive skin types. This is because they are able to remove thicker sunscreens and makeup.

It’s worth speaking with a dermatologist to figure out your skin type, if you have no idea where to start. Hope you’ve enjoyed these simple rules for face washing 101. Remember, the skin is the largest organ of the body. It turns out, there actually is a correct way to wash your face. It just may look different for each skin type.

What skin type are YOU?

Relevant articles:

• How To Wash Your Face | Tips for Facial Cleansing From Experts | Marie Claire
• Dermatologist-recommended skin care: Tips and routine (medicalnewstoday.com)