It may come as a surprise, but not everyone knows how to properly cleanse their face. While it may seem like common knowledge, like brushing your teeth or washing your hair, many people have issues with their skin that stem from incorrect cleansing. That’s why we’ve put together a step-by-step guide on how to cleanse your skin like a professional. Some of these steps may already be a part of your routine, but others may be a simple tweak that could make all the difference.
Step 1: First and foremost, you need to get yourself a cleanser that is specific to your skin type. To determine what’s best for you, consult with an expert skin therapist. Cleansers come in various forms such as creams, gels, foams, or milk. Some will foam and get all bubbly, while others will feel like you’re washing your face with a moisturizer. Both are fine as long as you have the right one for your skin type.
Step 2: Begin by using a small amount of warm water and a pea-sized amount of cleanser. Massage the cleanser in quick circular motions over your skin. If your cleanser is safe to use for removing eye makeup, gently work it into your brows, lashes, and any places where you’ve added an extra layer of concealer. Make sure to get any makeup out of your hairline and also cleanse your neck and chest. We recommend cleansing for 60 seconds per cleanse to ensure a thorough cleansing session!
Step 3: Rinse with warm water, not hot or cold. Hot or cold water can exacerbate redness, strip your skin of its natural oils, and lead to skin conditions like rosacea. So, use lukewarm water and don’t put your face under a hot running shower. Gently wash away any cleanser until you feel that it is all gone from your skin.
Step 4: Repeat a second cleanse. The first cleanse removes makeup, grime, pollution, and dirt. The second cleanse is for cleansing your skin and removing oil and old skin cells. Work in small circular motions and then rinse with warm water until all of the cleanser has been removed. Don’t forget to cleanse your hairline, neck, and chest.
Step 5: Pat your skin dry with a soft towel. Don’t wipe or scrub your face dry. This step is simply about drying the water that’s left on your skin. You could leave it to air dry or pat dry with a tissue if your skin is feeling sensitive. Remember, gentle is the key here.
Now, your skin is clean and ready for you to apply the next steps in your skincare routine. Follow with a vitamin-rich serum and a moisturizer that is specific to your skin type. Applying serum or moisturizer to skin that’s not properly cleaned will interfere with how these products work, making your investment in great skincare wasted.
So, before you go to bed tonight, take a few extra moments to properly cleanse and care for your skin. Your skin will thank you for it!