The 10 Commandments of Washing Your Face
Suds it up, rinse it off and you’re done, right? Well, not really. If you’ve ever wondered how to wash your face the right way, you’re not alone. A recent survey found that 80 percent of Americans make at least one or more common mistakes when washing their face, and more than half of us don’t wash our faces before bed. Yikes!
Here’s the deal: It’s worth the effort to get it right. Washing your face removes dirt, debris, makeup and so much more. Plus, ridding your skin of pollution buildup minimizes free radical damage, which can contribute to premature aging. Washing your face is also key to removing dead cells that build up and contribute to skin dullness — get rid of those cells and you’ll uncover healthier, more radiant skin.
Ready to get that healthy glow on, even in the doldrums of winter? Follow these 10 commandments of washing your face, and you’ll be well on your way:
- Choose the Right Cleanser for You. The perfect cleanser for you might be different than what’s currently in your medicine cabinet. Often, if you have dry or sensitive skin, sticking to hydrating cleansers is a safe bet. Conversely, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, a salicylic acid–based cleanser might be your go-to. As always, it’s best to chat with your A360 aesthetician about your skin and the cleanser that would treat it best.
- Don’t Over-Wash Your Face. If your face develops redness, peeling or flaking, or feels tight or itchy, you might be overscrubbing your skin. Just don’t, friends. Our clinical aesthetician Aaron recently gave tips and trick for washing your face during the harsh winter months. Read all about it here.
- Pay Attention to Water Temperature. Always use slightly cool or lukewarm water to dampen your skin and remove your cleanser. Especially if you have sensitive skin or redness — hot water can lead to facial flushing and worsen the appearance of Rosacea and acne.
- Wash Morning and Night: Wash your face twice a day, in the morning and before bed. (And don’t forget to wash your face after your workouts, or if you sweat under your face mask during the day.) But — if you just can’t motivate yourself to do it twice — always wash your face at night. It’s the key to ridding your skin of the day’s pollution, dirt, sweat and more.
- Only Use the Products You Need: Today’s cleansers are much more effective than they were in the past, so toner and astringents are not always necessary to remove dirt and oil. Again, talk to your A360 aesthetician to learn more about the products that should be in your skincare arsenal.
- Remove that Makeup. Seriously: It’s important to fully remove your makeup before you go to bed. This can minimize the risk of developing skin irritation from the makeup itself — and getting it constantly smashed into your skin from your pillow. If you’re rocking a full face of makeup, remove it first with a makeup remover or gentle Micellar water on a cotton pad, then cleanse away!
- Wash Your Hands: Wash your hands thoroughly before you begin washing your face. Common sense, right?
- Use a Dedicated Face Towel: That towel hanging next to your sink might have bacteria from you and your family wiping your hands on it throughout the day — and constant wetting and drying. Instead, opt for a gentle, clean cloth that you only use on your face. And remember, pat-pat, don’t rub.
- Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize: Immediately after washing your face, it’s time to hydrate your skin with a moisturizer. Then, apply your anti-aging or treatment products (since the moisturizer acts as a buffer to help minimize potential irritation.)
- When In Doubt, Ask: Aestheticians are aestheticians for a reason — they know skin. Instead of flying blind with product choices and grabbing that glow, talk to a professional about what’s best for you and your skin. After all, we’re here to help!
To learn more about the best skincare products for your skin and how they can help you achieve your desired results, contact us today for a personalized consultation with one of our A360 aestheticians.
