Cleansing your face is one of the most if not the most important steps in a proper daily skincare routine. It should be done first thing in the morning and right before bed at night. When it comes to choosing a cleanser, pick one that is appropriate for your skin type. Choosing the wrong cleanser can be just as bad for your skin as not cleansing at all!
If you have dry skin, avoid a cleanser that is too aggressive or that contains drying ingredients like soap – choose something that won’t strip the skin.
For oily skin, avoid anything too heavy that will sit on your skin or too stripping. Either of these options can increase oil production.
For sensitive skin, choose a gentle formula made with natural ingredients like peppermint. Look for something creamy to soothe and not strip sensitive skin.
If you have normal skin, you have the benefit of being able to choose a cleanser designed for any specific skincare concerns you may have. Combination skin gives you a wider range of options as well, though you’ll do best with something that clears away oil and grime without stripping your skin’s natural moisture.
Once you’ve chosen your cleanser, the next step is learning how to use it properly. Here are some simple tips for washing your face properly:
-If you like to double cleanse, you can start with a micellar water and a cotton pad to remove as much of your makeup as possible.
-Wet your face with lukewarm water and apply a small amount of cleanser to your fingertips.
-Rub your fingertips together to spread the cleanser then apply to your face, using circular motions to massage it into your skin.
-Massage the cleanser into your skin for at least 30 seconds for the best results then rinse with lukewarm to cool water.
-Pat your skin dry with a clean towel but do not rub or scrub.
-Apply your preferred skincare products in the following order: toner, serum, eye cream, acne spot treatment if needed, moisturizer, sunscreen.
Knowing how to properly wash your face is only part of the equation – you also need to choose the right cleanser. When shopping for any skincare product, it is important to know your skin type and to select a product formulated for that skin type, so you don’t make your skincare concerns worse.
BY STEPHANIE E. HEMEN
