We all know that washing our face is important, but do we really know why? Here’s a quick and easy skin cleansing 101 to help us better understand the importance of keeping our skin clean!
REMOVING BUILD UP of dirt, oil and makeup
Washing your face is one of the most important steps in any skincare routine. Whether you’re using a simple cleansing cloth or a more sophisticated brush, cleansing helps to unclog pores and remove dirt, oil and makeup that can build up during the day. It’s important to wash your face every day, even if you don’t wear makeup, to remove the dirt and oil that can accumulate on your skin.
There are a variety of ways to cleanse your face, and the best method for you may vary depending on your skin type. If you have dry skin, you may want to use a gentle cleanser or milk; if you have oily skin, you may want to use a foaming cleanser; if you have sensitive skin, you may want to use a fragrance-free or hypoallergenic cleanser.
In general, it’s best to avoid using harsh soaps on your face, as they can strip away natural oils and leave your skin feeling dry and tight.
If you wear makeup, it’s important to double cleanse in the evening to make sure all traces of makeup are removed. Start with a gentle oil-based cleanser to break down makeup, then follow with a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining dirt and oil. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and follow up with a toner and moisturizer.
BOOSTING your skin’s HYDRATION
Washing your face is one of the most basic and essential steps of any skincare routine, yet it’s also one of the most often overlooked. We get it—who has time for one more thing to add to their already packed schedule? But trust us, your skin will thank you for taking the extra few minutes out of your day to cleanse properly.
Not only does cleansing remove dirt, oil, and makeup buildup that can lead to breakouts, but it also allows your other skincare products to work more effectively. Think of it like this: would you rather put your makeup on over a clean canvas or one that’s already cluttered?
There are different schools of thought when it comes to how often you should wash your face. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you may want to wash once or twice a day. If your skin is on the drier side, you can get away with washing every other day or even every few days.
If you have sensitive skin, be extra careful not to overdo it— cleansing too much can strip away the natural oils that keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
No matter what type of skin you have, there are a few universal tips that will help you get the most out of your cleansing routine:
- Use lukewarm water instead of hot— excessively hot water can dry out your skin
- Gently massage in a small amount of cleanser using upward circular motions— don’t scrub too hard!
- Rinse thoroughly until all traces of cleanser are gone
- Pat (don’t rub) your face dry with a soft towel
- Follow up with a moisturizer
MAINTAINING CLEAR SKIN to open pores
Washing your face is important for more than just aesthetics: It also helps remove dirt, leftover makeup, and oil that can clog pores and lead to breakouts.Proper cleansing also helps prep your skin for the rest of your skincare routine by creating a clean canvas for serums, treatments, and moisturizers to work their magic.
There are a few different ways to wash your face, but the most important part is using a cleanser that’s right for your skin type. If you have dry skin, look for a milder cleanser that won’t strip away natural moisture. For oily or acne-prone skin, choose a gel or foaming cleanser that will help remove excess oil. And if you have sensitive skin, be sure to select a hypoallergenic cleanser that won’t irritate or cause redness.
Once you’ve found the right formula, follow these steps for clean, clear skin:
- Wet your face with lukewarm water and massage the cleanser into your skin in gentle circular motions. Avoid using hot water, which can strip away natural oils and aggravate dryness.
- Rinse away the cleanser with lukewarm water and pat your face dry with a soft towel. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing too vigorously, which can irritate the skin.
- Apply toner with a cotton ball or pad to help remove any remaining traces of dirt or makeup. Choose an alcohol-free toner if you have dry or sensitive skin.
- Follow up with a moisturizer to help hydrate and protect the skin barrier. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for a light lotion or gel formulation that won’t clog pores.
WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF YOU STOPPED WASHING your skin?
If you stopped cleansing your face altogether, you’d probably have a breakout within a few days. “Failing to cleanse your skin on a daily basis will result in a buildup of dirt, oil, makeup, and sweat on the surface of the skin” Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, tells Allure. After a few days, that build-up will start to clog pores and lead to pimples.
Not washing your face can also cause excess oil production down the line. When your pores get clogged with dirt and sebum (the oily substance our skin naturally produces), they get inflamed. In an attempt to heal that inflammation, your body produces even more sebum, leading to an oily complexion — or worse, acne.
So if you’re not cleansing your face regularly, you’re likely to see an influx of blemishes pretty much immediately followed by excess shine and larger pores down the line. Not exactly a flawless complexion.
OTHER BENEFITS OF CLEANSING YOUR SKIN
In addition to the basic purpose of cleansing your skin — removing dirt, makeup, and other impurities — there are also a few other important benefits of cleansing your skin on a daily basis:
- It can help to remove dead skin cells that can build up and cause your skin to look dull.
- It can help to unclog pores and prevent them from becoming blocked, which can lead to acne breakouts.
- It can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- It can help to keep your skin looking and feeling smooth and soft.
CHOOSING THE BEST FACIAL CLEANSERS
Washing your face is important because it helps to remove dirt, oil, makeup, and other pollutants that can clog your pores and cause breakouts. But with all of the different cleansers on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for your skin type. Here are some tips to help you choose the best facial cleansers:
If you have oily skin, look for a cleanser that contains salicylic acid or beta-hydroxy acids. These ingredients will help to control oil production and prevent breakouts.
If you have dry skin, look for a creamy or milky cleanser that will hydrate your skin without stripping it of its natural oils. Avoid cleansers with harsh exfoliating properties, as they will only aggravate dryness.
If you have sensitive skin, look for a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser that wont irritate your skin. Avoid cleansers with harsh chemicals or exfoliating beads.
CONCLUSION
Now that you understand all there is to know about cleansing your face, it’s time to get started on a daily routine. Just remember to be patient — it can take some time to find the products and methods that work best for your skin type. And don’t forget, a healthy diet and lifestyle are also key to keeping your skin looking its best. With a little effort, you’ll be on your way to achieving and maintaining clear, youthful-looking skin.