Wash. Rinse. Dry. Cleansing your skin may seem like a simple task but trust us when we say that it can be done incorrectly. Although the guidelines to a proper facial scrub-a-dub-dub aren’t complex to understand or impossible to complete, some often neglect to incorporate certain steps. But friends, when it comes to your cleansing routine, you may be doing your skin a disservice by taking shortcuts. That’s why today, we’re sharing six tips for washing your face the right way. To learn whether you’ve been breaking the do’s and following the don’ts of facial cleansing, keep reading!
Wash Your Face Twice a Day
We know many beauty gurus and YouTubers go against washing your face both morning and night, as many of them believe skin is still as fresh as a daisy in the A.M. if you’ve properly cleansed the evening before. This is simply not the case. Just think about it… Your face rubs against your pillow while you sleep. Your saliva most likely drips onto your chin. A whole lot happens while getting some shuteye. And those aren’t the only things to keep in mind. If you frequently incorporate heavier nighttime serums, lotions, and/or treatments into your routine, you’ll want to cleanse your skin of any lingering residue before you begin any morning skincare applications with new products. Remember, starting with a clean canvas is always best.
And washing your face in the evening is just as important, if not more so, than A.M. cleansing. Our skin accumulates a lot of oil and bacteria after a long day and the last thing you should do is hit the hay with uncleansed skin. This is even more imperative for those with acne, as built-up sebum and dead skin cells can create the ultimate breeding ground for breakouts. Oh, and whether it’s morning or evening, wash your hands before cleansing your skin!
Ensure Water is the Right Temperature
We know hot water feels glorious on skin, but it’s not what’s best for your face. After all, you’re not trying to boil a chicken…
When water is too hot, it can both strip your skin of its essential oils and easily open your skin’s pores. This can lead to inflammation and dehydration, worsening skin for those with pre-existing conditions such as rosacea and eczema. And this goes for washing your face while showering in desert-like temperatures, too. Cleansing your skin with hot water and/or under heat can dilate and burst blood vessels, leading to infection. Simply put, always opt. for lukewarm water!
Use a Cleanser for Your Skin Type
Using the proper cleanser for your skin type is one of the most crucial steps when it comes to washing your face the right way.
Think of it this way. If you don’t have acne-prone skin, why would you use a cleanser that’s designed to tame current and prevent future breakouts? Or why would you incorporate a scrub that contains harsh exfoliants if your skin is as sensitive as a baby’s? Even if the product is a cult-favorite or highly rated, don’t be tempted to use it on your face if it isn’t specifically formulated for your skin type. Unsure what your skin type is? We have a guide to the six different types of skin and how to care for them here. Oh, and if you’re in need of a new cleansing confidant, you can check and try out our Restore Face Cleanser, which is suitable for all skin types!
Don't Aggressively Lather or Scrub Skin
Whether you’re cleansing or exfoliating, ensure that you’re doing it…
Don’t assume that aggressively lathering or scrubbing skin will yield quicker, more effective results. In fact, doing so can lead to irritated, inflamed, and even dry skin. You also don’t want to spend more time than you should cleansing. Just because you’ve spent five minutes repeatedly working in a product doesn’t mean your skin is cleaner. Ideally, you should aim for 60 seconds. Trust us when we say that it’s just the right amount of time to either prep your skin for the day ahead or rid your skin of the toxins its accumulated throughout the day. And if you’re concerned about accounting for time on your own, you can always secure the assistance of a trusty, timed facial cleansing device such as the Foreo or LumiSpa.
Immediately Moisturize After Cleansing
Remember this. Repeat this to yourself. Write this down...
Moisturizers are key because they help seal in all the products you’ve used. In the A.M., opt. for moisturizers that’re light and gentle and that contain SPF if you don’t plan on adding a separate sunscreen. At night, you ideally want your moisturizer to rejuvenate and repair your skin. We recommend using anti-aging products with ingredients such as aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and retinol to help hydrate, soften, and nourish. No matter what your skin type is, never skip out on moisturizing. Oh, and do so immediately after cleansing, as this’ll optimize your moisturizer’s hydrating effects!
Pat Your Skin Dry with a Clean Towel
A lot of people make the mistake of vigorously rubbing their skin with a towel after they’ve washed their face but doing so is a big no-no, especially if you have sensitive skin. To ensure you aren’t creating any unnecessary inflammation by exerting too much force, pat your skin dry instead. And when it comes to reaching for a towel, don’t use the same one your guests use to dry their hands. If you wash your face twice daily but then reach for a dirty towel to dry off, the entire process becomes counterproductive. An unclean towel can potentially cause breakouts due to all the bacteria that’s been left behind after multiple washes. And we’re not saying you need to change your face towel daily. If you switch out your towel on a weekly basis, you’re good to glow.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to proper cleansing, it’s important that you don’t cut any corners. After all, your skin deserves the best routine, even if it takes 12 steps to complete (we’re totally not judging). With that said, we hope you’ll keep these six simple tips for washing your face in mind the next time you’re ready to make your skin squeaky clean. Follow us on socials and let us know if you’re guilty of being a skincare rulebreaker or if skipping a step or two is something you’ve never done. Happy washing, pals!