Washing your face is as simple as using soap and water, right? Not quite! According to dermatologists, how you wash your face can make a difference in your appearance.
Not all faces are created equal, so it’s important to know what your skin needs. Don’t overdo it but don’t be slack when it comes to skincare. Washing your face is like brushing your teeth: you can do it quickly and sloppily, but you’re probably going to pay for it. Find a good balance to help you get your skin clean without rubbing it raw.
For healthier-looking skin, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends these tips to keep your face looking healthy:
- Use a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser that does not contain alcohol. The right cleanser should remove dirt, makeup, and grime completely but not strip away too much of your skin’s natural oils or healthy cells.
- Use your fingertips. Wet your face with lukewarm water and use your fingertips to apply cleanser. A washcloth, mesh sponge or anything other than your fingertips can irritate your skin.
- Pat dry, don’t rub….or scrub. Scrubbing irritates your skin so resist the temptation to scrub. Rubbing can feel really good, but it tugs and pulls your skin and puts your skin’s elastin at risk. And don’t just grab the nearest hand towel, instead designate a clean, soft towel to blot your fresh face.
- Rinse with lukewarm water. Hot water may feel good on your skin but it can affect your skin’s natural, protective oils and can cause irritation and excess dryness.
- Don’t wait to moisturize. To maximize absorption and help seal in moisture, apply moisturizers immediately after cleansing while your skin is still damp. Waiting until your skin is completely dry will make it harder for the active ingredients to sink into your skin and can cause it to feel greasy or tacky. Be gentle when applying any cream around your eyes so don’t pull too hard on this delicate skin area.
- Too much of a good thing can be bad. Limit washing your face to twice a day and after sweating. Perspiration, especially when wearing a hat or helmet, irritates the skin. If you wash too frequently, you’ll destroy what your skin needs to stay soft and supple.
Pay attention to your skin and target your cleansing routine to your skin type. Bad habits can cause annoying skin woes, including dryness, irritation, oiliness, and breakouts. Exfoliation is a healthy practice to slough off dead skin cells, but moderation is key so stick to exfoliating two to three times per week.
Found value? Feel free to share!!
To Your Success,
Althea
Althea A. McLeish Wilson, RN, MSN
Educate . Empower . Encourage
Promoting inner health & outer beauty!
Did You Find This Helpful? If so, please feel free to share!
