Cleansing, which constitutes the first step of your skincare routine, lends a clean canvas for your following products. Irrespective of your skin type, texture, and concerns, ensure you cleanse your face twice daily, employing a suitable cleanser or face wash. But besides consistency, what’s important is how you get the job done.
But before we delve further into the details, let’s investigate the difference between a face wash and a cleanser.
Face Wash vs. Cleanser
Face washes are water-based formulations boasting a gel or foam texture and deeply cleanse your pores and curtail sebum overproduction. On the other hand, cleansers feature a thick, milky, and creamy texture and gently cleanse, hydrate, and soothe your skin. If you suffer from acne or possess oily skin, opt for a face wash that promises a more thorough cleanse. Meanwhile, if you have sensitive skin, consider using a mild cleanser that gently sloughs away dirt, grime, and impurities. A gentle yet effective face wash is the cornerstone of a vibrant skincare routine.
How To Use a Face Wash Effectively
Prepping your skin doesn’t end with cleansing it; you must wash your face correctly, too. Stick to cleansing not more than twice daily, as over-washing can strip your skin of its natural oils, triggering increased sebum production and the potential disruption of your skin’s protective barrier.
- Always wash your hands before you touch your face. Unwashed hands containing dirt and bacteria can cause unforeseen breakouts and skin irritation.
- Splash lukewarm water on your face; steer clear of cold or hot water.
- Begin by taking a coin-sized amount of the product onto your palms—rubbing them together to activate the formulation. Add a few drops of water to your palms to lather the face wash.
- Apply the product onto your skin and initiate deep cleansing by massaging it in circular motions for 45-60 seconds. Apart from your cheeks, T-zone, forehead, and chin, remember to cleanse your décolletage region, too.
- Now rinse off the product with lukewarm water and pat your face dry with a soft microfibre towel. Do not rub your skin harshly with the towel—doing so may cause micro-tears and irritation.
- Follow up your cleansed face with a lightweight moisturiser and serum to replenish your skin’s moisture.
Benefits of Cleansing Your Skin
There are myriad benefits of washing your face regularly. The first and most obvious one is getting rid of build-up. It is only via cleansing that one can remove dirt, grime, makeup, and other impurities from the surface of their skin. Doing so helps keep breakouts, whiteheads, and blackheads at bay. Cleansing also allows for better penetration and absorption of serums, moisturizers, and other skincare products. Lastly, it helps regulate your sebaceous gland secretions, minimizes pore size, and keeps your skin healthy and radiant.
Types of Face Washes
Gel Face Wash: Gel face washes boast a gel-like consistency and are ideal for a deep cleanse to help unclog pores and remove dirt, grime, and impurities from the surface of your skin.
Cream Face Wash: Featuring a slightly thicker, creamier texture, such lush formulations lend more hydration to dry skin types, cleansing your skin without stripping it of its natural oils.
Foam Face Wash: Foam face washes boast a weightless form and instantly lather onto the skin, removing excess sebum and impurities. Ideal for combination and sensitive skin types, such formulations are super-gentle and effective.
Identifying The Right Face Wash For Your Skin Type
When scouting for a face wash, remember to look for ingredients suitable to skin type and concerns.
Dry Skin: Dry skin types should look for moisturizing and nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, and avocado oil.
Combination and Oily Skin: Oily and combination skin types should look for soothing ingredients such as tree extracts and salicylic acid to nip the breakout problem in the bud.
Sensitive Skin: If you possess sensitive skin, avoid acids and exfoliants. Ingredients like rose and aloe vera will help calm flare-ups, redness, and inflammation due to skin irritation.
Normal Skin: Since you are seldom plagued with skin ailments, look for a mildly exfoliating face wash containing lactic acid and antioxidants.
Things To Bear in Mind While Cleansing
- Steer Clear of Scalding Water: Washing your face with hot water can leave your skin feeling parched and irritated, causing flare-ups and flushing, especially if you battle rosacea. Lukewarm-to-cool water can help minimize pore size, regulate sebum production, and prevent breakouts.
- Consistency is Key: Stick to washing your face twice daily—no more, no less. Over-washing can strip your skin of its natural oils, accelerating sebum production, while under-washing may leave dirt, grime, and impurities on your skin, causing blackheads and breakouts.
- Use a Microfibre Towel and Be Gentle: Treat your skin with care. Rubbing down on your skin harshly instead of patting it dry can cause micro-tears and disrupt your skin barrier.
- Consider Double Cleansing: Jump on the K and J-beauty bandwagon with double cleansing. As the name suggests, this practice involves cleansing your skin twice over, first with an oil-based cleanser to absorb makeup residue, dirt, and grime, followed by a water-based cleanser.
- Remember Your Décolletage Region: One often skips their neck and jaw region while cleansing their face. To avoid dirt build-up and breakouts along your jawline, give your décolletage some TLC too.
- Follow Up With a Toner and Moisturiser: After washing your face, apply a toner and moisturizer to balance your skin’s pH levels and replenish its moisture. Dab a toner infused with rosewater, chamomile, and salicylic acid or witch hazel onto the skin after cleansing, following it with a lightweight moisturiser to lend your epidermis a boost of hydration.
Conclusion
Cleansing is where it all begins and ends. One of the most vital steps in your beauty regimen, remember to wash your face before applying any other skincare product or exposing your skin to makeup. The same goes for nighttime after your skin has borne the brunt of external aggressors such as pollution, dirt, grime, and other impurities. If you possess oily, acne-prone skin, consider indulging in double cleansing to slough off dirt and makeup residue.
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_Assigned to Ansha Khan_
