Cleansing—it should be the easiest part of your routine, right? Make sure you’re doing it correctly!
Use Lukewarm Or Tepid Water Extreme temperatures of water when washing the face can be harsh on the skin and can potentially damage capillaries. Instead, opt for tepid or lukewarm water. Be sure to rinse thoroughly.
Avoid Body Bar Soaps Sure, bar soaps for the body can make you feel squeaky clean, but they are not (I repeat) not formulated for your face. They are meant for the body and if they are used on your facial skin, a bar soap can strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it tight, dry, and dehydrated. The skin on the body is different from facial skin—thicker and more resilient and can therefore handle bar soaps. Our facial skin, on the other hand, necessitates a gentler cleanser that is specifically formulated for the face.
Choose The Right Facial Cleanser It is important to know your skin type so you can choose the right cleanser accordingly; cleansers are not a one-size-fits-all deal. Typically, oily and combination/oily skin types require a gel cleanser or foam-based cleanser whereas dry or combination/dry skin types need cream-based textures.
What cleanser are you using?
Cleanse Twice A Day The general rule of thumb for cleansing is twice a day, morning and night. Once a day may not be enough and anything more than twice a day is over-washing, which can strip the skin and potentially damage the protective moisture barrier. Makeup wearers especially need to cleanse at night to thoroughly remove makeup. Perhaps you don’t see the need to do a morning cleanse since you already washed the night before—but an a.m. cleanse is just as important and here’s why: your skin is in repairing itself at night while you sleep and that process includes the skin secreting oils and toxins; it’s best to start your day off with a clean slate…literally! So wash your face both morning and night.
Use Circular Motions When Cleansing It is best to massage cleanser into your skin in circular motions as this action will help aid in properly removing makeup, dirt, oil, and impurities. Cleansing is a staple in your regimen, so do it right!
