Face-washing is probably one of the most basic and essential skincare routines that we all know of. And yet, many of us still don’t do it right! In this article, we’ll be sharing with you 10 key do’s and don’ts for washing your face, as recommended by you guessed it... dermatologists! So whether you have sensitive, dry, or oily skin, read on to find out how you can best take care of your skin when washing it!
Do: Cleanse your face twice a day
Cleansing your face twice a day is one of the most important things you can do for your skin. It removes dirt, oil, and makeup that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. The easiest way to go about this would be in the morning, after a long sleep, and night, after a long day!
Don't forget to wash your neck and décolletage (chest area) as well (we'd usually recommend doing that in the shower so you get a full wash). These areas are often overlooked but they need just as much attention as your face does. Use circular motions when cleansing your face and be sure to rinse all of the product off with warm water.
Do: Use a gentle cleanser
You should use a gentle cleanser when washing your face. A gentle cleanser will not strip your skin of its natural oils. It will also not cause irritation. When looking for an effective face cleanser, make sure the ingredients are clean and work for your skin type. Look for a cleanser that is designed for sensitive skin and contains ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile to soothe and protect your skin.
2. Do: Use warm water when cleansing
You should use warm water when washing your face. Warm water will help to open up your pores and remove dirt and debris from your skin a little easier than cold water would.
3. Do: Use a soft cloth
You should use a soft cloth when washing your face. A soft cloth will not irritate your skin. It will also help to remove dirt and debris from your skin without stripping it of its natural oils... not to mention it makes your cleansing routine a bit cleaner!
4. Do: Rinse with cool water after cleansing
You can rinse your face with cool water after cleansing it and removing all the bacteria and dirt. Cool water will help to close your pores up and prevent dirt and debris from getting trapped in them.
5. Don't: Use hot water
You should not use hot water when washing your face because it can strip your skin of its natural oils and cause irritation.
Do: Exfoliate regularly
Exfoliating your face regularly is important for keeping your skin healthy and free of blemishes or (dare we say it) acne breakouts. When you exfoliate, you remove the dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to breakouts or blackheads. Dermatologists recommend exfoliating two or three times a week. Find that healthy balance that your skin responds to well. We don't recommend exfoliating more than 3 times a week as it could really end up doing your skin a disservice.
Don't: Over-wash your face
You might think that washing your face more often will help to keep your skin clean and healthy. However, this is not the case. Washing your face too often can actually damage your skin.
Your skin has a natural protective barrier that helps to keep it healthy. This barrier can be damaged by over-washing, which can lead to dryness, irritation, and even acne. Washing your face more than twice a day is really not necessary! A cleansing brush can also be used to help remove dirt and makeup without damaging your skin.
Do: Moisturize
One of the most important things you can do for your skin is to moisturize it. We will always, ALWAYS preach this one. IF you're not moisturizing, then you have to re-evaluate your skincare routine stat! This helps to keep your skin hydrated and supple. It is important to use a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type.
Do: Apply sunscreen
Dermatologists recommend that you apply sunscreen to your face every day, even if you don't plan on spending time in the sun. This is because the sun's UV rays can damage your skin, even when you're not in direct sunlight. Those cloudy days are not to be overlooked. Still add that sunscreen if you will be out and about for prolonged periods of time. Look for a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and make sure it says "broad-spectrum" on the label. This means it will protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
You should apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of skin, including your face, neck, and hands. Be sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweating. You definitely want to make sure to protect your face after completing your skincare routine, as it will help you very much in the long run!
Don't: Pick at your skin
One of the worst things you can do for your skin is picking at it. Whether you're popping a pimple or just scratching an itch, your fingers are covered in bacteria that can cause an infection. Even if you don't develop an infection, picking can oftentimes cause scarring. So, simply resist the urge to pick, and your skin will thank you for it. It's easier said than done... but making this simple thing a habit will definitely guarantee healthier and softer skin in the future.
Do: See a dermatologist regularly
Dermatologists are experts when it comes to skin care. They can help you determine the best way to care for your skin and can also offer advice on specific products that may be beneficial for you. It is important to see a dermatologist at least once a year, or more often if you have more specific concerns about your skin.
When it comes to a regular daily skincare routine, you can always trust organic ingredients. Natural skincare products are way more gentle for your skin and usually don't require you to seek external help from your doctor or dermatologist. We'd normally recommend using natural skincare products right away as they are specially formulated to be used by all skin types. If you're nervous about it or think your skin is too sensitive for most over the counter products, then you can always give them a try on a small area of your skin to see how it reacts first before making your decision!
When it comes to extreme skincare conditions or ones that require medical attention, we 100% recommend seeking a professionals help before making any decisions of your own.
Do: Use gentle skincare products
One of the most important things you can do for your skin is to use gentle skincare products. This includes cleansers, toners, and moisturizers. Look for products that are labeled “for sensitive skin” or “hypoallergenic.” Avoid products that contain harsh chemicals or fragrances.
Don't: Use harsh chemicals on your skin
Dermatologists recommend against using harsh chemicals on your skin. It's hard to know which products you use may have chemicals in them. We recommend doing a bit of research on the entire ingredient list of a product you may be interested in before trying it out! Harsh chemicals can be found in all kinds of cleansers, toners, and exfoliants. These products can strip away the natural oils on your skin, leaving it dry, irritated and red looking (we don't want that)
Look for products that are designed for sensitive skin or that are labeled “fragrance-free” or “paraben-free”, "sulphate-free." These products will be less likely to irritate your skin.
All in all as long as you keep washing your face day in and day out, you will notice a huge benefit in both the short term and long term! It's super easy to overlook, but incorporating this quick and simple aspect into your daily habits is a surefire way to get your skin to level up.