Skincare 101: The Right Way to Wash Your Face
This may sound a little silly to some, but you will be shocked to hear just how many of us are still not washing our faces properly. With the market drowning in options of products, tools and methods there will most certainly be a routine that works for you and your skin. So here we answer some questions about the right way to wash your face.
How to properly wash your face
Let us strip it back to basics and share the best way to wash your face using a formulated wash and your hands. This is the most simple way of keeping your routine delivering the optimal results and maintaining good clarity for your skin.
Here is how to wash your face properly:
Wet your face with warm water
Using hot and cold water is too extreme for the skin and can be too abrasive, warm water is able to gently open the pores and won’t cause any irritation to the skin. How you wet your face is up to you by either splashing the face with water or wetting a flannel or towel to dampen the skin. No matter which way you decided, making the skin wet first will make it easier for the cleanser to move around the face and lather up removing all the impurities and traces of makeup.
Apply your cleanser of choice
Once you have your chosen cleanser apply a 10p size amount to the wet skin and work it around the face with your fingertips using circular motions. The benefit of using your fingers is that you are able to work the product into every part of the face, such as the nooks around your nose and up towards your hairline. Don’t be afraid to work the cleanser really well into the skin and try not to rush, it has been proven that cleansing the skin for 60 seconds is the ideal time to get the skin fully cleansed resulting in the pores becoming unclogged and impurities, such as bacteria, dirt and debris are lifted away from the skin.
Avoid using any soap or wash that has not been formulated for the skin on your face as these are usually too harsh and can strip the skin of its vital natural oils and causing an imbalance in the pH level. There is also your skin type to consider when using a face wash, especially oily skin types as many foaming face washes have a tendency to contain many harsh chemicals that dry out the skin causing overproduction in sebum making the skin more oily.
Rinse and pat dry
Using warm water again, rinse the cleanser completely away from the skin with your hands or flannel, then use a soft towel to pat the face dry. Try not to rub the skin as this can cause irritation and signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
The next steps
The next steps boil down to your regime so can alter from person to person. You can follow with a toner, serum or moisturiser but the fact you have gone to the effort of cleaning your skin properly you will find these products will work better and penetrate deep down into the lower layers of the skins.
There you have the very basic steps of washing your face correctly, this is a great starting point for your skincare routine and something that can be expanded and changed as time goes on and you build more confidence.
What is the best tool to wash your face?
Once you have mastered how to correctly wash your face you may be interested in the next step to upping your skincare game by looking into cleansing tools. Here are some of the most popular tools available at the moment.
Cleansing pads- usually made of silicone with tiny bristles that work product into the skin reaching further down than your fingers could
Cleansing brushes- these brushes can spin or vibrant and buff away dead skin cells and bacteria in no time at all. These tools can be quite abrasive so if you have sensitive skin, its best to give them a miss
Konjac cleansing sponge- this sponge may look like a rock, it is, in fact, a root found in Asian countries, such as Japan and Korea. Its fibrous composition absorbs debris and impurities. It’s best not to use with a scrub as the konjac sponge is naturally exfoliating and so works best in conjunction with a cleanser and face wash.
Flannel or muslin cloth- there’s no denying that the ol’ faithful flannel is still considered a great tool to use when washing your face. Not only is it more gentle, but it also has the added factor of sustainability and can be washed and used over and over again. Muslin cloths vary slightly in the fact they are a little rougher giving them the added benefit of exfoliating and cleansing the skin simultaneously.
These tools are currently the most effective in the market, but with the rapid speed of how the beauty industry evolves and changes every year, there could be another skin-changing product just around the corner!
When should you wash your face?
Washing your face twice a day is an opinion that is continuously up for debate. Many believe that just one cleanse daily will maintain a healthy and fully functioning skin barrier, though some feel morning and evening cleanse is the most effective routine.
This is really up to you, but what I would suggest is ensuring you clean the skin in the evenings. Our skin encounters a number of environmental aggressors, such as pollution every day and if you choose to wear makeup you can also cause damage to the skin if you don’t remove it properly before bed. Sleeping in your makeup can clog the pores causing breakouts and blemishes whilst also prematurely ageing the skin. By cleansing the skin properly in the evenings and following it with a collection of serums and facial oils enriched with skin-soothing and rejuvenating ingredients you are helping your skin restore itself and regenerate skin cells whilst you sleep.
For those who believe in the morning face wash try choosing a product that will help the skin become bright and vibrant looking, vitamin C and glycolic acids are potent ingredients that can add luminosity to the skin and get you ready for the day ahead.
Can you just use water to wash your face?
There is nothing stopping you from using water to wash your face, however, if you are wanting to help your skin remain healthy and looking as flawless as possible it is best to use a face wash that will penetrate deep into the lower layers of the skin clearing away impurities that can lead to spots, blackhead, fine lines and dull-looking skin. This is something that unfortunately water just can’t do, here are some skin benefitting ingredients to look out for in face washes.
Glycolic acid
Vitamin C
Hyaluronic acid
Salicylic acid
Lactic acid
There you have a brief skincare 101 on the right way to wash your face. Sometimes when it comes to skincare its best to go back to basics with your routine and build from there, you’ll be amazed at the results you’ll see and the confidence you will feel in your skin.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
