Contrary to popular belief, washing your face is not as basic as you think. According to experts, proper cleansing requires a set of guidelines to follow to ensure a healthier, more glowing skin.
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If you’re looking to step up your skincare regime or even brush up on your face-washing skills, then buckle up, ahead we give you the low down on all the tips and tricks for the best cleanse ever. You’re welcome.
1. Start with clean hands
A common mistake people often make is washing their face with dirty hands. If you wash your face with unclean hands, you run the risk of pushing the dirt and grime onto your skin.
While a washcloth or a scrub may get rid of dirt faster on your face, it can often be a bit abrasive on the skin and could potentially harm healthy cells. So, wash those hands first!
2. Always remove makeup beforehand
If you’re a regular makeup wearer, then this is for you! Oftentimes, the makeup that we wear is smudge-proof or waterproof making it hard for regular cleansers to remove them thoroughly.
For this reason, gently cleansing with makeup wipes or micellar water before a face wash is recommended to get a deep and thorough cleanse!
3. Use lukewarm water
Hot water may feel nice on the skin (especially in those cold mornings), however they are not doing your skin any favours. In fact, using hot water is said to likely dehydrate our skin as it strips it of its natural oils.
Skin care gurus recommend keeping the temperature a little lower to loosen the dirt within your pores without outwardly stripping them.
4. Choosing the right cleanser
Depending on your skin type, you need to choose a pH-balanced cleanser that is suited to your face. Speaking to StyleCaster, Dr. Jeannette Graf, M.D., assistant clinical professor of dermatology at The Mount Sinai Medical Center, suggest using foaming or gel cleanser for oily skin and a creamier cleanser for dry skin.
Tried any of these cleansers lately? Why not leave a review below to help others make better skincare decisions:
5. Wash your face for 60 seconds
Popularised by American aesthetician, Robert Smith, the 60-second rule took the beauty world by storm in 2019. The rule is this: in order to maximise the potential of your cleanser, massage it onto your skin for 60 seconds. Yes, you read that right. One. Whole. Minute.
But wait! It doesn’t stop there – technique matters too. Instead of vigorously scrubbing your face for a minute, try a gentler more massage-like approach. Start with small circular motions on your face, making sure to lather the soap to avoid any pulling or tugging on the skin.
6. Don’t skip your neck!
When it comes to skincare, the neck is often one of the most neglected parts of the body. Which is why it is also one of the first to show signs of aging. So, next time you start your skincare regime, remember to give your neck some love too!
7. Always pat dry with a clean towel
In case you haven’t heard it lately, the skin on your face is delicate! Using patting motions with a clean towel after cleansing is key. Some skin experts suggest leaving a thin layer of moisture on the skin to help with product absorption.
A clean towel is also recommended to prevent any bacteria from forming which may lead to future breakouts.
