How To Properly Wash Your Face

Washing your face is the key to clear skin, and washing it properly is something most of us are not doing. To wash your face seems like such a simple task, soap, water , scrub and your done. The thing we don't know, is the right products we should be using for our skin type and getting a routine and sticking with it. Once you have this down pact, you will be pleasantly surprised at how much healthier your skin will look. Here are some great techniques on proper face washing.

1. Wash every night
This is so crucial. I admit, I tend to go to bed with a face full of makeup because i forget to wash it off. It never fails that I wake up with at least one new pimple (I have very acne prone skin). Makeup seeps into your pores over night causing them to clog, and this is how pimples arise. Getting into a routine of washing off your makeup every night is going to really improve not only breakouts, but it will also prevent wrinkles in the long run.


2. Wash, exfoliate, tone, moisturize.
Dont forget any of them! Each step has its own crucial part in keeping skin healthy and acne free. Skipping out on any of these steps will not give you the healthy, glowing skin you crave. Washing cleanses the pores, removes the makeup, and prevents breakouts from starting. Exfoliating 3 times a week is going to energize skin, even out your tone, and clean in hard to reach pores. Toning will restore the PH balance to your skin that is lost from cleansing and exfoliating, adding moisture back in. Moisturizing obviously an important step, is going to keep skin soft, and will help prevent wrinkles that can form when skin is too dry.


3. Use the right products for your skin type
Acne Prone / Oily: Using a cleanser with Salicylic acid will dry out those nasty zits, without being too harsh on your sensitive skin. Neutrogena makes some amazing facial cleansing products for those with acne prone/oily skin.
Oily/Normal: A gel based, foaming cleanser is best for your skin type. You need products to absorb oil without drying, and gel based cleansers will do just that. Dermologica is an amazing brand that carries a wide variety of facial products for combination skin. It can tend to be a little on the expensive side, but it last forever and works wonders. Cant afford this? Try out a few drug store cleansers to find which one works for you.
Dry Skin: You need a product that is gentle, and will not strip any moisture from your skin. In fact, you will need a cleanser that is going to add moisture. I recommend a cream based cleanser, as these tend to be good for thirsty skin, and are gentle as well. Ponds is the best product for dry skin, their skin care line is drenched with moisture, and oh-so gentle.


4. Wash Your Hands First
You would be disgusted to know how much grease, dirt and grime get stuck on our hands and under our nails throughout the day. If you don't clean your hands first, your skin will suffer. Always make sure you cleanse your skin with washed hands to prevent dirt and bacteria from getting stuck in your pores.

5. Be Gentle
Many people assume that in order to get rid of pesky zits, you must scrub scrub scrub. This is simply not true, and can do more harm than good. Scrubbing the skin too hard not only dries it out, but it can actually spread dirt and bacteria around the skin. To cleanse properly, use gentle, circular motions and dont scrub too hard.

6. Wash With Luke Warm Water
Using hot water to wash the skin can be very harsh. It will dry out your face, forcing your skin to produce more oils to make up for the loss of moisture. We all know this clearly leads to breakouts and shiny skin. To prevent this, make sure you are cleansing your face using luke warm water.

7. Rinse With Cold Water
Rinsing with cold water is going to tighten the pores, making it harder for any dirt, makeup or grime to make their way back in.

8. Pat Dry
When drying your face, make sure you are using gentle patting motions with your towel to prevent any drying or damage.

9. Repeat
Make sure you are washing your face twice a day. In the morning and at night are the best times to get rid of any bacteria built up over night, and during the day. If you are able to make this a habit, you will notice such an amazing difference with your skin


10. Extra Tips
A few more things to keep in mind when coming up with a cleansing routine:
-Never use bar soap: I made this mistake once after hearing a model with gorgeous skin say she washes her face with Dial soap. Little did I know how insanely harsh bar soap is, my skin ended up producing more oil to compensate for loss of moisture that was caused by the soap.
-Exfoliate only 2-3 times a week: Any more can damage the skin, and cause it to dry out. Exfoliating the skin only a few times a week will still help pores stay clean and keep skin looking energized and fresh.
- Make sure you rinse your face well of all cleanser, and exfoliant. Leaving any behind will irritate the skin.
- Use a gentle toner that is non drying. I don't recommend using sea breeze toner as it is so harsh and drying. For me personally (and I have oily skin) it made me break out even worse. The  best product I use to tone my skin is Rosewater. Not only is it all natural, and has many benefits, its extremely healthy for your skin. Rosewater is moisturizing and tightens pores. Read more on the benefits of rosewater here.

Hopefully these tips will help you out next time you are cleansing your face, and i promise you will notice such an amazing difference once you start sticking to a skin care routine!