What does an ideal day begin with? Barring the 5 minutes that turn to 20, watching Instagram reels first thing in the morning! There's only one right answer to our question, and that is Cleansing.
Washing your face is important, but washing your face with proper techniques is what makes it effective. People often make the mistake of splashing water across their face and vigorously rubbing it off or barely taking a moment to spread face wash across the face. Washing your face this way is simply a formality; it has no positive impact.
Washing your face properly ensures that the unevenly spread dirt, bacteria, and oil and removed from the skin and that sebum production is regulated.
However, washing your face correctly doesn't begin with choosing a face wash. It begins with understanding your skin type:
There are four different skin types, and it is important to understand your skin type before indulging in any skincare routine.
As per the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), there are five primary types of skin; oily, dry, normal, combination, and sensitive. Every skin type has its own set of characteristics that determine the texture and complexion of the skin.
Face washing techniques based on skin types:
- For oily skin
- For dry skin
- For combination skin
- Using water that's too hot or too cold
- Scrubbing your face too hard
- Using harsh, abrasive products
- Not washing your face for long enough.
Opt for a foam-based cleanser containing BHA, AHA, charcoal, clay, or niacinamide.
Compulsorily wash your face at least 2-3 times daily to reduce sebum production.
This skin type needs care, so the face wash has to be devoid of harsh chemicals causing dryness or flakiness. Oil-based or balmy face washes are recommended.
Combination skin requires a balanced face wash as in this skin type, the T-zone and chin are oily, and other parts are dry.
A product label can tell you everything from the ingredients to what the product is intended to do, what skin type it works best for, and how to use face cleanser effectively.
Now, let's take a look at washing your face the right way:
Here's how to use face wash in a step-by-step manner:
1. Wetting your face and hands
Make sure your hands are clean, so you don't get dirt on your face. Instead of rubbing face wash directly onto the skin, wet your face and hands for better lather and foam.
2. Dispensing cleanser onto your hand
Take a coin-sized amount of cleanser onto your hand and rub your palms together.
3. Creating a lather
This step won't apply if it is a foam-free cleanser. However, creating lather is an important step as it gives you an idea of the quantity of the product and if more is required.
4. Gently massage the cleanser onto your face
Start with the cheeks, and move to the jawline, chin, and forehead. Massage the face wash for a good 30-60 seconds and cover all portions of your face.
5. Rinsing off the cleanser
Rinsing off the cleanser is an important step because most people make the mistake of using hot water to wash their face. You can either use cold or lukewarm water to cleanse your face. Wash off the cleanser by splashing water multiple times.
6. Patting your face dry with a clean towel
We said 'pat,' not 'rub,' so make sure you pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Using a dirty towel will induce bacteria right back into the skin. And rubbing your skin with a towel will cause irritation and wrinkles.
Now that you know the right way to wash your face, take a look at some of the common face-washing mistakes:
Water that's too hot can strip your skin of moisture, while water that's too cold will end up trapped in the debris. Lukewarm water is the best to wash your face.
Washing the face is about gently covering the facial area instead of scrubbing the cleanser onto your skin.
They will irritate your skin, leaving it dry and stripped of natural oils.
Ideally, you must wash your face for 30-60 seconds instead of just splashing water, running face wash across the face, and being done with it.
A very commonly asked question regarding face wash is; how often to wash your face?
Every skin type must wash their face at least once a day which is in the morning. However, twice a day is ideal and important, given dirt and pollution affect the skin by evening. People with oily skin can wash their faces thrice if oil accumulation is heavier.
Moreover, you must also adjust your face-washing routine based on environmental factors. This means you must take to frequent face washing during humid summer and monsoon and use lighter formulations, cream based cleaners during winter to retain the skin's moisture.
Here are a few final bonus tips for washing your face:
1. Using a facial brush or washcloth
Using a clean washcloth or a facial brush is a recent yet effective face-washing tactic. Normal skin types can use a facial brush or washcloth daily, and other skin types must slowly incorporate it twice or thrice a week.
2. Avoid touching your face with dirty hands
Touching the face with dirty hands is a top cause of acne, and if you don't clean your hands before face washing, you're introducing more germs and dirt to the skin.
3. Incorporating other skincare products into your routine
An effective skincare regime doesn't stop at cleansing. It must be followed by toner, serum, and moisturizer. It's even better if the entire skincare range is from one brand and double the benefit if enriched with probiotics!
Starting with face wash, the Clean it off face wash by Sonnet Wellness is a revolutionary non-drying formula with aloe vera and glycolic acid power to deep cleanse and hydrate the skin. Other products in the probiotic and perfect category are the Dab it on toner, Smear it on face mask, Rub it in serum and Soak it in face cream.
Wrapping it up,
We hope you understand the importance of proper face washing and the difference you can witness with effective face wash formulations. Taking face washing seriously and incorporating proper techniques for visible results is important.
Begin anew by learning how to clean your face correctly to achieve flawless, healthy, and glowing skin.
