Skincare can be confusing, to say the least. Between seemingly infinite products to choose from and equally infinite ways of skincare routines and habits, we definitely understand the struggle. There’s just so much to learn about. One of them? Properly washing your face.
Washing your face should be the foundation of any skincare regimen. And, like most routines, it should all depend on what your skin needs. It’s not as simple as going to Sephora and buying what looks good. You have to figure out what skin issues you currently have, what works for your skin type, and what products you can afford. Practicality mixed with enough research is the way to go!
For this guide, we’re going to focus on various types of skin and what kind of face washing routine it needs. Cleansing your face washes away dirt, bacteria, dead skin cells, as well as anything that can clog your pores and/or cause skin conditions. Whether you’re prone to acne, have dry, oily, normal, sensitive and/or a combination, learning how to properly wash your face can only bring good things to your skin. Keep scrolling down to read the dos and don’ts of washing your face.
Do: Wash your hands
Washing your hands first before touching your face should be a standard operating procedure. In doing so, you would be getting rid of dirt and germs on your hands and prevent them from going on your face.
Don’t: Use your body soap on your face
We’re looking at you, men. We understand that money is a big factor but trust us when we say that those three-in-one products that promise to function as your shampoo, conditioner, and body wash (cue gasps from women around the world) may do more harm than good. Three-in-one shampoo, conditioner, and body wash treat everyone the same way. Like we all have the same skin type, scalp, and level of dryness/oiliness. For starters, it would be necessary for you to figure out what your hair and scalp need while also knowing what your face and your skin need.
Another thing that you should avoid is washing your face with the same soap you use for your body. Bar soap, or the soap that you use for your body, can be abrasive, scented, and artificially-colored. While these factors may not spell trouble for the rest of your body– it may on your face.
Do: Determine your skin type
Figuring out whether your skin is normal, dry, oily, sensitive, or combination can help you in determining how you should wash your face and what products to use. Your skincare regimen depends on the type of skin that you have. It pays to know your skin type since it also gives you an idea about which products are perfect for your skin and which ones to avoid. Additionally, it would also be beneficial for your skincare journey to find out if you have allergies.
Beauty products contain a plethora of chemicals and ingredients that may trigger allergies that may not have manifested yet. Consult your dermatologist first, before anything else!
Don’t: Go scrub crazy
Exfoliation is something that your skin absolutely needs. However, doing too much exfoliating can also bring about unwanted skin irritation and blemishes. When it comes to your face, proper exfoliation may bring about smoothness, silky-soft, and healthy-looking skin.
Exfoliation is important if you want your skin to look amazing and rid off dead skin cells. Usually, washing your face daily with a gentle facial cleanser is enough. Some advise that it is best to wash your face daily with lukewarm water in the morning and a facial cleanser at night. But did you know that you could also scrub the skin on your face? Facial scrubs get rid of excess oil and dirt on your face but you should only do it once or twice a week. Yes, once or twice a week.
Don’t go scrub crazy by trying to scrub your face every day. The skin on our face is more sensitive compared to the rest of our body. Scrubbing it frequently would cause your skin to dry up as it would also wash away the natural oils that your skin produces.
Pro tip: Skin exfoliation would depend on, you guessed it, what your skin needs. Sometimes, very oily skin may need more frequent scrubs compared to other skin types. If you’re exposed to dust, dirt, sweat, and pollution on a daily basis, your skin might also benefit from frequent exfoliation.
Do: Follow a schedule!
Following a schedule, along with learning how to properly wash your face, are the basic foundations of a skincare regimen. No matter how busy you are, you should find the time to follow a skincare routine if you really want healthy and younger-looking skin. Following a schedule would also promote discipline. We can’t highlight this enough, discipline makes or breaks your skincare routine.
Don’t: Stop on your face
Like putting on make-up, you just don’t stop on your face. You try to balance the color down to your chin and your neck. The same goes for washing your face. Dirt, make-up, and germ build-up do not stop on your face. Believe it or not, your neck also experiences the same things. So whether you’re washing your face with a scrub or washing it with a gentle cleanser, make sure you give some love to your neck too.
Do: Pay your dermatologist a visit
If you’re unsure about your skin type, the products you’re using, or the frequency with which you have to wash your face, don’t just believe anything you read, hear, or watch on the internet. It pays to have a specialist give you the advice you’re looking for. We only get one face, we should take care of it as best as we can.
And there you have it! Here are just some of the dos and don’ts of properly washing your face. If something works for you, keep at it! If it doesn’t, well, try and try again!
Until next time!
