The Proper Way to Wash Your Face
Every night before you go to bed you wash your face. It’s the most necessary part of your skincare routine, but it’s also the step that some people take for granted. Since you’ve been doing it daily since you were little, it’s likely the process is second nature to you – similar to brushing your teeth. However, no matter how well you feel like you’re cleaning your skin, you might be doing it wrong.
If you wash your face when extremely tired, or complete the process too quick, you could be harming your skin more than helping it. So follow the rules below for the best face wash possible. Once you complete your perfect wash, you’ll be ready to apply your lotions, oils and more for glowing, moisturized skin.
The Water – I’m sure you’ve heard that hot water opens up your pores and thus allows dirt and residue to come out easily when washing your face. That’s only half true. Hot water doesn’t open your pores up (as they don’t open and close), but warmer water can loosen dirt. Unfortunately, washing with hot water can be drying and harsh to the skin, so it’s best to start your wash by rinsing your face with lukewarm water. This will still break down some of the dirt and be soothing to the skin. Throughout the wash and rinse, continue to use lukewarm water.
The Wash - Once you’ve wet your face it’s time to lather up. Massage your face with cleaners in a circular motion – making circles move outward from the center of your face. Spend a little more time on your t-zone, the area that can produce more oil, and don’t forget your jawline and along your hairline where you may have sweat. It may seem like a no brainer, but many people don’t spend enough time on the lather. Try to massage your face for 30 seconds to an entire minute. If you’re exfoliating (1-2 a week), be gentle. Gently massaging on an exfoliate will still cleanse your skin without having to press hard and aggressively against the sensitive skin on your face.
The Wipe Off - Then rinse off all soap by splashing water on your face and using your hands to remove any remaining cleanser. Don’t forget the edges of your face and the area around your nose and ears. Many people tend to miss the edges of their face which leads to soap residue build up and can cause unsightly breakouts. Next, dry your face by dabbing it with a towel. Do not rinse off soap or dry your face by wiping it with a cloth. Rubbing with a cloth can irritate, stretch and cause wrinkles on the skin. Softly dab your face dry and you’re done!
Do you have any tricks for a better face wash? Share with me in the comments below.
<3 Mish
