We all know that cleaning your face is crucial! Wiping off all that dirt and sweat from your face is so important before continuing with your skincare routine. But, cleaning your face might not be as simple as you think. Here are a few tips on how to really clean your face and some mistakes you might be making!
Tips for a clean face
#1. Don’t over-wash!
Many may think the more the merrier, but for washing your face this is a big no-no! It is a given that washing your face removes unnecessary dirt, but too much can strip it of the water and natural oils that it needs. Some oil on your skin is important to maintain a natural skin barrier. Taking this away can actually lead to excessive dryness, reduction of skin’s pliability, and compromise your skin’s natural defense against pathogenic organisms.
Washing twice a day is best. Once in the morning, and once before sleeping. Of course, we all have days where we’ve been sweating all day and have been exposed to tons of dirt, so it’s natural that we reach for the face wash to clean up as soon as we get home. If that’s the case, we recommend using only a gentle face cleanser that will not dry out your skin. Also, make sure not to use facial cleansers with active ingredients such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, as these will excessively dry you out!
#2. Don’t use excessively hot or cold water
Who enjoys washing your face with cool, refreshing cold water on a hot summer day? However, washing with hot water on a cold day or cool water on a hot day can actually be damaging to your skin. Hot water can create red marks or irritate your skin. On the other hand, cold water may break capillaries under your skin. So, when you wash your face, make sure to use lukewarm water (30°C– 32°C) .
#3. Don’t use a multipurpose towel
Keep your hair and body towel separate from your face towel. You don’t want any hair product reside, oils and conditioners to rub off on your face and give you unexpected breakouts! The oil from your hair products can most likely be a source for breakouts because it can clog up your pores without you even noticing. Make sure to change your towel every 3 to 4 days, and keep it away from damp areas where ‘bad bacteria’ can fester and grow!
#4. Don’t rub your face so vigorously
When it comes to drying the face, many people go crazy with their towel! Rubbing your face so vigorously, especially with a non-gentle wash cloth, can be incredibly damaging. Using a towel with a coarse texture can also irritate the skin. An intense rubbing motion can also create pressure and stress on your skin, which sadly can start premature aging. Instead, you should use a gentle microfiber wash cloth or even an old cotton T-shirt. An extra tip for drying is use your fingers first to pat your face dry, and then moving on to a gentle wash cloth (pure cotton is best) and patting the rest of your face dry.
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