Are You Cleaning Your Face Properly?

You’ve probably been doing it every day since you were a teenager without really giving it much thought – get cleanser or face wipe, apply to face, rinse off. It’s not rocket science. But cleansing is the cornerstone to any good skincare routine, and not doing it right could leave your skin looking tired, dull and prone to breakouts.

Cleansing twice a day is key. It doesn’t matter if you don’t wear make-up, or you spent the day binge-watching the latest season of Suits and haven’t seen sunlight. Your skin needs to be cleaned and prepped before your head hits the pillow. It’s also really important to wash your face after an intense workout – while sweat helps facilitate detoxification, when it reaches the surface of the skin and isn’t t washed away it can be absorbed back into the skin, potentially causing inflammation, clogged pores, and pimples. 

A common misconception is that you only need to wash your face at night, but cleansing your skin when you wake up is actually important. It not only washes away any residual product or grime accumulated overnight, but it also prepares skin for the subsequent application of serums, moisturizers, or sunblock. A quick rinse with water won’t cut it. In fact, it could lead to excess collections of acne-causing bacteria.

Heavy make-up wearers have been known to double-cleanse, but this can actually inflame existing skin problems such as acne. Instead, choose a micellar water or facial oil to gently melt away makeup before cleansing.

Before reaching for the cleanser, wash your hands to remove any bacteria that could transfer to your face. Gently massage the cleanser into your face using circular motions, paying particular attention to any trouble areas such as your T-zone. Aim for at least 30 seconds of washing to let the cleanser do its job. Any less and you might still have residual dirt or impurities on your skin. Rinse off using cool or warm water, not hot. While using hot water might feel like you’re indulging in a little steam treatment, overly hot water can irritate skin. Cold water constricts blood vessels, leaving your skin looking tighter instead of blotchy.

When you’ve rinsed away the cleanser, pat dry with a clean face towel. Don’t rub your face with the towel as this can damage the skin’s surface. As soon as you’ve finished, while the skin is still damp, apply a serum for optimal results.

It might seem like a bit of an effort initially but making these small changes can result in a big improvement to the overall appearance of your skin.

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Takeaway tips:

  • Cleanse morning and night
  • Find a moisturizing, soap-free cleanser with proper pH and no harsh chemicals
  • Use cool or warm water to rinse, never hot
  • Pre-clean using micellar water or cleansing oil if wearing heavy makeup
  • Don’t just rinse your cleanser straight off – massage it into the skin for at least 30 seconds

Not sure which cleanser to use?

It’s not just how you cleanse your face that counts, but also the products you choose. Select the right one, and you’re on your way to a hydrated, glowing complexion but choose the wrong one, and you might be left with dry skin, dullness, and breakouts. To work out which cleanser is best for your skin’s needs, check out here.

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