Achieving glowing, blemish-free skin can be a challenge for many of us. Busy schedules and higher priorities often push self-care to the back burner. However, cleaning your face is essential as it helps to remove dirt, bacteria, pollutants and toxins that your skin encounters daily. The simple act of cleaning your face has important, visible benefits for your skin, including increased hydration, clearer skin and even slowing down the signs of aging.
While cleaning your face seems straight forward - wet your face, apply cleanser and rinse - there are ways to get much more out of your facial cleanser and maximize its benefits. Here’s how to get the most out of your facial cleanser:
Cleanse twice daily.
Clean your face in the morning and at night. Throughout the day, your skin is exposed to environmental toxins, pollution and build up including dirt and oil. This can clog skin’s pores. Before your head touches your pillow, you will want to make sure your skin is clean and prepped for optimal skin cell regeneration. When you sleep, the human growth hormone (HGH) is released and helps to restore collagen and regenerate skin cells at night. It’s best to help aid this process with clean skin. Why should you also cleanse in the morning? Your pillowcase carries dead skin cells, bacteria and germs, even if you wash it often. This then ends up on your face.
Use a clean washcloth or clean hands to wash your face.
Hands can be full of oil and germs. Before cleaning your face, be sure you use clean hands or a fresh, clean cloth to cleanse your face. Using a washcloth can help exfoliate the skin, but you’ll want to make sure you use a fresh cloth daily. Why? Using the same dingy washcloth over and over can spread bacteria and mold on your face.
Time matters.
The ideal time for cleansing your face is anywhere between 20 and 30 seconds. During this time, gently massage the cleanser onto your face. Anything after that can potentially irritate skin. But seriously, 30 seconds is hardly a chore, so there’s no reason to skip a cleanse!
Don’t use your cleanser as your primary makeup remover.
Even if your facial cleanser claims to remove makeup, it’s best to use an actual makeup remover first. Makeup these days is made to exist on the face for a long time. There’s waterproof, smudge-proof and 48-hour lasting makeup. Use an actual oil-based makeup remover. Now there are several natural makeup remover options that help to break down long-lasting makeup. Or if you prefer DIY, there are some great coconut oil mixtures out there you can make at home. Doing this before cleansing allows more makeup to be taken off and allows your cleanser to wash away the rest.
Watch your water temperature.
One might think it’s best to use hot water to open the pores. However, hot water can strip your face of natural oils and dry out skin. It’s best to use a lukewarm water warm enough to open pores, but cool enough to not be harsh on your skin.
Pick the right cleanser for your skin.
With so many great choices available, it's easier than ever to pick a cleanser that is right for your skin type and concerns. Our Purifying Gel Cleanser makes a great daily option as it is effective for all skin types and helps to gently detoxify and remove dirt, oil and impurities.
We hope these tips help you get the most out of your facial cleanser. It is important to remember that the best thing you can do is be consistent with your facial routine. Consistency is key to cleaner, clearer skin.
Sources:
http://www.byrdie.com/beauty-sleep
https://www.menshealth.com/health/g19544138/grossest-things-on-pillow/
https://www.self.com/story/how-to-wash-your-face
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