An ideal skincare routine is incomplete without a face wash. Not only does it help in getting rid of pollutants and impurities on your skin, but it also gives it a radiant glow.
However, most people are not aware of how to apply it properly and end up doing more harm to their skin than good. If you too face the same problem, then hold on, we will help you!
In this article, we will explain to you the right method of applying a face wash in 11 simple steps.
What Is A Face Wash?
Simply put, face wash is a skincare product that cleanses the skin from sebum, dirt, grime, and other types of pollutants that may have accumulated on the skin during the day. It has a watery, creamy, or gel-like texture. Moreover, unlike soap, a face wash is gentle on the skin and effectively cleans most of the impurities without damaging your skin’s pH levels.
Benefits Of Using A Face Wash
Now that you know how a face wash works, let’s also briefly explain to you how beneficial it is for your skin. The following are the benefits of using a face wash:
- It deeply cleanses the skin of dirt and debris without removing its natural oils.
- It exfoliates the dead skin and reveals fresh and smooth skin beneath.
- It works down deep into the pores and prevents acne as well as pimples.
- A facial cleanser with moisturizing ingredients hydrates the skin, giving it a plump and youthful look.
- Washing your face with a face wash stimulates blood circulation of your skin and gives it a healthy glow.
How To Clean Face Using A Face Wash
Now that you know some of the benefits of using a face wash, here’s a step-by-step guide on the right way of applying it:
Step 1: Choose The Right Face Wash For Your Skin
The first and most important step in using a face wash is to select the right one for your skin type.
For instance, If your skin is dry, avoid a high-alcohol face wash and look for moisturizing ingredients. Instead, opt for a face wash that gently purifies your skin while also keeping it hydrated.
Oily skin requires a cleaner with lower pH and astringent properties. If you have a sensitive skin type, a face wash that is free of fragrance and harsh ingredients will be the most suitable for you.
Moreover, if you have acne-prone skin, you require a face wash that can control the excess oils in your skin while also having antibacterial properties to cure acne and breakouts.
Step 2: Pull Your Hair Back
It’s always a good idea to pull your hair back and keep those stray hair strands off your face while cleansing. Also, if your hair is short, you can simply wear a hairband to put them into place. This will make it easier for you to cleanse your forehead. Otherwise, the excess hair and sebum may clog your pores and cause acne and pimples.
Step 3: Wash Your Hands Thoroughly
The next step of using a face wash is washing your hands thoroughly. Since you will be applying face wash with your hands, you need to ensure that they don’t have any impurities. Washing your face with dirty hands can transfer the dirt and impurities onto your face and lead to acne and breakouts.
Step 4: Wet Your Face With Lukewarm Water
Before applying face wash, it is better to wet your face with lukewarm water. This step helps the cleanser go smoothly on your skin and spread evenly across your face. Wetting your skin before applying cleanser will help the soap slide more easily across your skin, preventing you from having to use too much.
Step 5: Spread The Face Wash Evenly Onto Your Face
Take a dice-sized amount of face wash onto your hands and add a few drops of water to emulsify it. Then, spread it evenly onto your face. Don’t ignore your jawline, hairline, and neck. Also, be careful while applying it around your eyes and mouth, since these areas are very sensitive.
Last but not the least, use your fingertips to apply cleanser instead of washcloths, sponges, or any other skin tool, or else, your skin might get irritated.
Step 6: Gently Massage Your Face
After applying your face wash, gently massage your face and neck in circular motions for 30-60 seconds. This will stimulate blood circulation to your skin and give it a healthy glow. However, depending on the type of face wash you are using, you may have to massage it for a few more seconds to activate its cleansing technology.
For instance, a gel-based face wash needs to be massaged onto the skin for 1 minute to work its magic!
Step 7: Splash Enough Water Onto Your Face
Once you finish massaging your face, splash enough water onto your face to get completely rid of the face wash residue. Because if there is any residue left on your face, your skin can become dry and irritated. Usually, the residue from a face wash may be concealed around your nose, hairline, jawline, and ears, so focus more on these areas, using your fingertips.
Step 8: Wash Your Face With Lukewarm Water
Never commit the mistake of washing your face with hot water! Hot water can damage your skin and destroy its protective barrier.
Moreover, perhaps you might have heard that washing your face with cold water can close the pores on your skin. No, pores are not doors that could be opened or closed! So wash your face only with lukewarm water or water at room temperature.
Step 9: Gently Pat Dry With A Soft Towel
After washing your face, gently pat dry (instead of rubbing it) with a soft towel. Aggressive rubs may irritate your skin and can even cause wrinkles in the long run. Remember that it is not the job of your towel to cleanse your face!
Also, make sure that your towel is clean and not damp since damp towels are a breeding ground for bacteria and germs, which can cause acne. Furthermore, while drying your face with a towel, be gentle around your under-eye since it is the most sensitive area of your face.
Step 10: Don’t Skip Moisturising
Although it is not directly related to the application of face wash, you should always apply a hydrating moisturizer after using a face wash.
As a proper skincare routine, applying a moisturizer after washing your face is always recommended. This helps in restoring the natural oils of your skin that face washes sometimes remove and gives it a plump and youthful appearance.
Step 11: Limit Washing Your Face To Twice A Day
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you shouldn’t wash your face more than twice daily as it can dry out your skin. So for healthy-looking skin, wash your face once every morning and evening. However, you must not skip using a face wash after workout sessions as the build-up of sweat and dirt can clog your pores and lead to breakouts.
FAQs
1. Does a face wash cause any side effects?
Generally, the face wash is suitable for all skin types. However, if you feel a burning sensation after using a face wash, it might not be suitable for you. Therefore, stop using it right away and consult your dermatologist to determine the right face wash for your skin type.
2. How does a face wash differ from a facial cleanser?
While a facial cleanser is designed to purify, moisturize, and soothe the skin, a face wash penetrates deeper into the skin and eliminates almost all the impurities. It also lathers on the skin to perform deep cleansing.
3. What ingredients should I look out for in a men’s face wash?
While shopping for a face wash for men, we recommend you to look for the following key ingredients: activated charcoal, glycerin, retinol, salicylic acid, Aloe Vera extracts, and natural oils such as coconut, olive, and jojoba, etc.
You May Also Like To Read:
Benefits Of Using A Soap Free Face Wash
Conclusion
Now that you know how beneficial a face wash is for your skin as well as the proper way of using it, start following it right away!
Also, remember no matter how good your face wash is, if you don’t know the proper technique of applying it, you won’t benefit from it. Washing the face is more than foaming a cleanser and splashing water over the face.
If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us in the comments section. We will get back to you as soon as possible!
