Washing your face properly shouldn’t be a mystery – but so many times I hear that clients are doing it all wrong. They’re skipping steps, overlooking the details, or not doing it at all. And the biggest mystery of all is, “do I wash my face with cold or hot water?”
The cleansing process is vital to the skins’ health and correcting unwanted conditions such as acne, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. As you read through this guide, keep in mind these six tips.
Tip 1: Always use WARM water. Hot water strips the skin of its moisture while cold water disrupts the skin barrier.
Tip 2: Use a clean towel or paper towel every time you cleanse your face.
Tip 3: There are several types of cleansers – cream, oil, foaming, powder, corrective. Consult with your esthetician to find out which one is appropriate for your skin type and conditions. You may need more than one.
Tip 4: Stop using your cleanser if it makes your skin feel tight and dry. The goal isn’t to strip your skin of oil. The oil your skin naturally produces strengthens the barrier and provides nutrients.
Tip 5: Use a pH balancing toner if your cleanser isn’t already pH balanced. Toners aren’t always necessary and should not be depended upon to remove residual dirt and makeup.
Tip 6: Wash your hair and brush your teeth before cleansing your face. To avoid washing away your finishing serums and then leaving the conditioner on your skin, wash your hair. Go ahead and brush your teeth as well to avoid leaving toothpaste and saliva on your clean face.
Now that we have the basics out of the way, let’s begin.
Wash Your Hands
You can’t clean your face with dirty hands. Wash them well and preferably with a non-perfumed soap to avoid irritating the skin.
Remove Your Makeup
If you’re using a makeup wipe be sure to check the ingredients. Many include ingredients that irritate and dry out the skin. Please note that a makeup wipe is NEVER a substitute for washing your face. Do you use baby wipes to substitute for a shower?
If you’re using an oil cleanser to remove your makeup be sure you’re removing the cleanser correctly. Some oil cleansers require you to add water to create an emulsion in order for you to wash the dirt and oil away. Read the instructions to get it right.
First Cleanse
Once again, make sure you’re using your cleanser properly. Foaming cleansers should foam. Add water and rub your hands together to create suds before massaging it into the skin. Creamy cleansers can go directly on the skin. Massage with circular and upward strokes. Be sure to cleanse close to the hairline and down to the neck. The first cleanse will remove makeup and product residue, environmental pollution, sweat, dirt, and germs.
Massage for 30 - 45 seconds and rinse with warm water. Pat your face dry with a clean towel.
Second Cleanse
The second cleanse will now clean your skin, clean your pores, and condition your skin for exfoliation, masks, or serums. Once again, massage for another 30 - 45 seconds and rinse with warm water. If you find that your makeup still hasn’t been entirely removed, repeat the cleansing process again.
Tone
If your cleanser isn’t already pH balanced, you must use a pH balancing toner. An unbalanced pH can lead to irritation, breakouts, and a lack of product penetration.
Comments