Written by: Zeena, Brown and Coconut
When it comes to skin care, our face washing technique is not always the first thing to come to mind. If you’re suffering from a breakout or irritation, you’re probably considering swapping out your toner or moisturizer for something a bit more effective. Well, not so fast. Believe it or not, how you wash your face can have just as great of an impact on your skin as the very products you use on it. By avoiding these mistakes you can protect your precious skin from further damage:
Skip the Wash Cloth
Unless your scrubbing off years of built-up dirt, then the daily wash cloth routine probably isn’t necessary. These tiny cloths seem friendly enough, but with enough force they can actually tear at our skin causing irritation and potentially even more breakouts. Instead, try using just your clean hands and face wash to get a good cleansing. If you simply desire more exfoliation, I’d recommend investing in a Clarisonic or an exfoliating facial scrub. If you simply can’t live without your wash cloth, be sure you swap it out for a fresh one every day to avoid the build up of bacteria that can lead to more breakouts.
Tone Down the Cleanser
It makes perfect sense that we think our skin needs an extreme cleansing agent to get the dirty job done. I mean, look at what we use to clean our clothes, dishes, and even cars? The idea that we need aggressive chemical-ridden cleansers in order to have “clean skin” has become ingrained into our minds. However, a gentle cleanser works wonders. It removes bacteria, oil, and makeup while allowing your skin to hold on to its natural oils. There is no need to put your skin through the ringer with harsh cleansers, toners, and moisturizers. Remember: Less is more.
Cool your Jets
Using scalding hot water to cleanse your face does nothing for the health of your skin. In fact, hot water can actually dry out your precious skin by stripping it of its natural oils. Try using cool or warm water to get the job done.
It’s all About the Technique
Whether you’re using your hands or Clairisonic, start the process by adding a few drops of your cleanser to your cleansing mechanism. Begin by moving your hands around your face in small circular motions, making sure to cover all areas. As someone who experiences breakouts, I’ve learned to pay special attention to the area around my hairline and temples which can harbor left over hair product. Be sure to avoid using your nails during the cleansing process which can tear at your skin. After cleansing, rinse your skin with cool or warm water until the soapy residue is gone. Gently pat dry your skin with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing your skin vigorously as you dry. This will only cause irritation.
Take a Break
Our skin only needs to be cleansed once or twice a day. More than that can cause irritation, dryness, and potentially increased breakouts. Unless your experiencing excessive sweating throughout the day, try limiting your cleansing sessions to 2x per day.
