Washing face properly: 10 easy steps

A lot of people know how to enhance their facial features, but not all of them know how to wash face properly. They will simply wash it with the same soap they use for their body or over-wash with a lot of soaps, astringents, and cleansing solutions that they end up irritating the skin instead. Some will even keep washing face several times a day which is also quite harmful since it will strip their skin of its natural oils.

It is ideal to wash face thoroughly once a day, preferably in the evening, and just rinse it with lukewarm water during other times to dislodge the dirt and excess oils.

Follow these steps:

1. Determine face skin type: normal or combination, dry, oily, sun-damaged, or sensitive. This will dictate the type of cleansing solution you will need for your face.

2. Tie hair away from your face. This goes for all, men or women, with short or long hair. You may want to use a headband or clip to keep the hair in place and prevent it from falling on your face. Wrapping a towel over it may also do the trick.

3. Wash hands thoroughly with an antibacterial soap. This is to prevent transferring any dirt or bacteria to your face.

4. Wash face with warm water while letting the steam seep through the skin. This is to open the pores and get all the dirt out.

5. Place a small amount of cleansing solution on your hand and work it into a good lather by rubbing your hands together. A creamy cleanser is used for dry skin while a clear one is for oily skin. If you are not sure of your skin type, then use the mildest cleanser and see if it works for your skin.

6. Wash face thoroughly by applying the lather on your face and gently massaging it on your skin using your fingertips. Take about ten seconds for each area: hairline, forehead, nose, mouth, chin, cheeks, neck, and even behind the ears.

7. Rinse face with cool water. Avoid water that is too cold as this may break the capillaries. This is to close the pores.

8. Pat face dry gently with an absorbent towel. Do not rub as this irritate the skin and cause redness.

9. You may opt to use an astringent or toner to remove excess cleanser off the face. However, rinsing properly and thoroughly would be better than putting on a toner or astringent.

10. Moisturize face with a good moisturizer that helps trap water in the skin. Even people with oily skin may use this. Just do not use too much or this may clog the pores instead. Also, those with acne should refrain from using moisturizers.

Also…

After washing face, it will also benefit from weekly skin exfoliation and scrubbing. Applying sunscreen is crucial for those who are frequently out in the sun to prevent premature aging and wrinkles.

Proper face washing is a good habit to have, for both men and women. It is not only part of a good hygiene but can also keep the face looking refreshed and young-looking.