How To Wash Your Face Properly

So many of us have gotten into the routine of absentmindedly washing our faces each morning and night, but are we really taking into consideration a few tiny tricks that can make all the difference in a more effective wash? As model Angela Lindvall said, one major component of a deep and effective cleanse is including some type of massage. It's important to stimulate your lymph system to get much needed oxygen and blood circulating in your face. Also, be sure that you are using the correct cleanser for your skin type and please try to avoid bar soaps at all costs — they can really dry out your skin.

Gentle cleansing is really important in treating and preventing acne. It can also prevent further irritation. If you can see that your face shows signs of irritation and reddening, then it could easily lead to breakouts. To make sure that you have a mild cleanser, look for words like “oil-free”, “hypoallergenic”, “dermatologically tested” or “non-comedogenic”. Some mild cleansers could also contain some medications like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, which are good components in fighting acne.

At the most, you should wash your face two times a day with lukewarm water and a mild facial cleanser or soap. Avoid antibacterial cleansers if you have normal or sensitive skin. Do not scrub facial skin during and after washing. Massage the cleanser on your skin, splash clean with water and pat dry.

Keep soap from clogging your pores with a fragrance free, non-comedogenic soap specifically made for faces. Clogged pores keep your skin's oils from reaching the surface of the skin, which causes acne.

Get a couple of squirts of facial soap, which will probably amount to slightly larger than a quarter size. Pump bottles make applying face cleanser easier.

Rub the soap into your skin gently, moving your fingers in a circular motion for at least 30 seconds. Clean hands work much better than loofahs or harsh cloths that can irritate your skin and make acne worse.

Never use large quantities of cold water as a rinse. This will only aggravate sensitive skin and thread veins and make the sebaceous glands pump out oil even harder after their initial cold shock. If you like, you can spray your face with a plat mister containing one the mineral water or herbal vinegar or wine mixes suitable for your skin type. Leave this untouched on the skin for a few minutes, then apply a layer of moisturizer over it.

Pat dry with soft, non-abrasive towel. Never ever rub your face.

Use an alcohol-free toner on your face. It should make your face feel smooth and refreshed. Astringents and toners with glycolic or alpha hydroxy acids work the best for toning the face. These acids actually can reduce the pore size, and help avoid ingrown hairs. They are aggressive and have quick results. Remember to look for a product that is not photosensitive (sensitive to light).

Finish off with moisturizer to replenish the natural oils that has been lost. Moisturizing is a must. Again, the product with the least amount of chemical additives is the best. Always use a light moisturizer on your face after cleansing. For an intensive moisture treatment use pure vitamin E, or aloe vera oil. It is available in liquid form, or you can just break open a capsule and apply the oil directly to the skin.

Those are eight simple steps that would help you keep your face clean and beautiful. Start today for a more refreshed and beautiful you.