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Are you washing your face correctly? While it may seem like a simple skin care step, proper facial cleansing involves more than a quick rinse with your favorite face wash. Choosing the right facial cleanser, knowing how often to wash your face and following the proper cleansing techniques all play a role in maintaining healthy-looking skin. Here’s how to effectively wash your face and get the most out of your daily skin care routine.
Sure, washing your face sounds straightforward, but it’s all in your technique. Making sure you’re doing it right will make a difference in your appearance, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. Proper facial cleansing not only helps maintain healthy-looking skin but also supports skin’s natural renewal, minimizes the likelihood of breakouts and soothes signs of irritation from dryness. We asked the Eminence Organics Product Support Team to share some expert tips to help you wash your face effectively.
Rule number one: Wash your hands before washing your face. It may sound obvious, but a surprising number of people skip this important step, transferring bacteria from their hands to their faces. From doorknobs to keyboards and cell phones, bacteria are everywhere. According to the University of Colorado, we carry a shocking number of bacteria on our hands: 3200 from 150 different species. Ensuring that you have clean hands is the first step in an effective cleansing process.
Once your hands are clean, ensure you use water that isn’t too hot or too cold. Exposing the skin to temperature extremes can cause irritation and dryness, which can strip it of its protective layer. So, what temperature is just right? Lukewarm water is perfect for cleaning your skin and keeping it protected.
Like extreme temperatures, harsh additives such as sulfates can strip your skin’s moisture barrier, causing irritation, dryness and discomfort. These surfactants may produce a satisfying lather and remove excess oil, but they can be too harsh for many complexions, potentially damaging and dehydrating the skin over time. As a general rule, if you see sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate or ammonium laureth sulfate on your cleanser’s ingredient list, swap it out for a natural alternative.
Another rule of thumb: Don’t over (or under) scrub your skin. Over washing can cause dryness and irritation, while doing too little can lead to buildup and breakouts. The goal is to hit a happy medium. Our Product Support Team recommends a 30-second cleanse morning and night to keep your skin clean and refreshed.
It’s easy to miss your jawline and neck during your daily cleanse, but these areas also collect makeup, dirt and debris. When you apply your cleanser, be sure to extend it past your chin. Using circular motions, gently work your way down your neck and along your jawline. This massaging motion not only cleanses the area but may also help stimulate lymphatic drainage, reduce puffiness and give your skin a healthy-looking glow.
In addition to washing your face, you’ll want to boost your cleansing routine a few times a week by exfoliating. Regular exfoliation encourages healthy skin cell turnover, removes dead skin cells and clears buildup that can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. That said, don’t reach for an abrasive option that can cause microtears and inflammation. Instead, we recommend adding a couple of shakes of Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant to your favorite Eminence Organics cleanser or choosing a two-in-one option like our Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser.
Once you’ve washed your face, don’t undo your cleanse by reaching for a dirty washcloth or towel. Moist washcloths harbor all sorts of microscopic critters — and using the same one over and over can spread bacteria, germs and even mold to your face. Likewise, don’t dry your face and body with the same towel. Keep things separate to avoid transferring pore-clogging residue from your shower products to your complexion.
When you’re ready to dry your face, be gentle. Our Product Support Team reminds us that the skin is delicate: “Make sure you don’t rub your face vigorously when you’re drying off.” Rubbing aggressively can cause irritation and gradually reduce elasticity in your skin. Instead, gently pat skin dry with a clean towel. Remember: Your skin doesn’t have to be bone-dry — leaving a bit of moisture will actually help subsequent products absorb better.
A toner completes the cleansing process. It removes lingering impurities, replenishes the skin with necessary hydration and can restore pH balance. In the morning, finish your skin care routine with a moisturizer and sunscreen. At night, follow the toner with a serum and/or night cream.
Now that you know the ins and outs of cleansing, how often are you supposed to wash your face? Experts agree that even if you’re not wearing makeup, it’s important to wash your face morning and night.
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Noelani Gonzalez, “You should wash your face in the morning for various reasons … Bacteria can accumulate throughout the night and you should prime your skin by cleansing it for your morning skincare routine, not to mention to remove your nighttime creams and serums used the night before.” While you're tossing and turning at night, bacteria and oils from your hair are easily transferred to your face and eyes. Even a quick rinse in the morning is better than not cleansing at all.
Washing your face at night helps to remove makeup, sunscreen and any other impurities that have settled on your skin’s surface and seeped into your pores throughout the day. It also leaves your skin with a clean slate that can better absorb the active ingredients in your night care products.
While twice a day is the ideal cadence, it’s important to wash your face after a sweaty workout or time in the sun. Oil and sweat shouldn’t be left to linger between your visit to the gym (or the beach) and your evening cleanse. While a full multi-step process isn’t a must, a quick cleanse is highly recommended.
As mentioned, an effective cleanse comes down to technique. Here are the exact steps to follow to wash your face properly:
If you'd like to learn how to double cleanse, watch Chelsea below as she double cleanses with the Stone Crop Cleansing Oil and Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser.
Once you’ve committed to keeping your complexion clean, you’ll want to figure out which type of cleanser is right for you. Just as you choose serums, oils and concentrates that are formulated for your skin type and concerns, picking a cleanser that works for your specific needs is a must. Here is a breakdown of the different types of facial cleansers to explore for your complexion.
Cleansing oils and balms are suitable for all skin types (even oily). They lift away impurities and excess oil, remove makeup and keep the skin’s moisture barrier intact. To use, warm a cleansing oil or balm between your hands, then massage it into the skin with circular motions for about 30 seconds before rinsing with lukewarm water or removing it with a clean, damp washcloth. If you’re using a double cleansing method, follow with a foam or gel cleanser to wash away the last traces of dirt and debris.
Versatile gel cleansers leave the skin feeling clean, clear and smooth. These are the perfect pick for those with a combination or oily complexion who want to remove oil but don’t want to leave their skin stripped. If you prefer a lightweight, hydrating cleanser that won’t leave your skin feeling dry or tight, this is the one for you.
Foaming cleansers are fantastic for oily and acne-prone skin but be careful to avoid sulfates. Traditional foaming cleansers can be harsh, so opt for a version that contains gentle, plant-derived foaming agents. These will give your skin a deep clean and still leave skin soft and smooth.
Exfoliating cleansers are an easy way to double up steps in your skin care routine by cleansing and exfoliating in one. These cleansers can provide physical exfoliation (using natural ingredients such as finely ground olive seed), chemical exfoliation (using alpha hydroxy acids or beta hydroxy acids), or both. Some are gentle enough for daily use.
Do you have dry or sensitive skin? The best choice for you is a cream cleanser that hydrates and moisturizes skin while gently washing away impurities. After massaging a small amount into your skin and rinsing away, your complexion will feel perfectly cleansed and replenished.
Should I wash my face before or after a shower?
You can wash your face in or out of the shower, but avoid letting very hot shower water run directly over your face. If you cleanse in the shower, use lukewarm water and wash your face toward the end of your shower to help remove any shampoo, conditioner or other product residue from the skin.
Should I wash my face before or after working out?
If you’re wearing makeup, consider removing it before your workout. After exercising, wash your face as soon as you can to remove sweat, excess oil and buildup from the skin’s surface.
Is it okay to wash your face with just water?
Water alone can rinse away some sweat and surface debris, but it may not fully remove sunscreen, makeup, excess oil and other impurities. A facial cleanser provides a more thorough cleanse, particularly at the end of the day.
How do you know if you’re overwashing your face?
Skin that feels tight, dry, uncomfortable or irritated after cleansing may be a sign that you’re washing too frequently, using water that’s too hot or cleansing with a formula that’s too harsh for your skin. Adjusting your routine or choosing a gentler cleanser may help.
Can you use the same cleanser morning and night?
Yes. If your cleanser works well for your skin type, you can use it for both your morning and evening cleanse. You may prefer a more thorough evening routine if you need to remove makeup, sunscreen and daily buildup.
Do you need to double cleanse your face?
Not everyone needs to double cleanse. It can be useful when you’re wearing makeup or sunscreen or want to remove heavier buildup. Start with an oil-based cleanser or cleansing balm, then follow with your regular facial cleanser
Are you looking to update your skin care routine? Visit your nearest Eminence Organics Spa Partner for help choosing the best products for your skin.
Thea is the Marketing Copywriter at Eminence Organics. Over the years, Thea has loved working as an editor, copywriter and content marketer for a vast range of brands ranging from BRIDE Magazine and Time Out Magazine to Microsoft and Adobe. On a personal quest to quen… Read more
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