How to Use Facial Cleanser: 7 Key Tips to Proper Face Cleansing

Facial cleansers are one of the most important products in anyone's skincare routine because we use them so regularly. However, the degree of care that each person takes with their cleanser and cleansing routine differs. Some people are content with washing their faces once a day using soap and water, whereas others have a detailed step by step cleansing routine that involves several cleansing products.

Benefits and Impact on Skin Health

A facial cleanser is a crucial step in a daily skin care routine as it helps remove dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin. Regular cleansing can improve the overall health and appearance of the skin. Here are some of the benefits of using a facial cleanser:

1. Deep Cleaning: Facial cleansers help remove impurities that can clog pores, leading to breakouts and blackheads. Cleansing helps to keep the skin looking fresh and clear.

2. Hydration: Cleansing helps to balance the skin's natural oils, keeping it hydrated and moisturized. This can prevent dryness, flakiness, and fine lines.

3. Improved Absorption: Cleansing helps to prepare the skin for the next steps in a skincare routine, such as toning, moisturizing, and applying serums or treatments. When the skin is clean and free of impurities, it can better absorb these products and maximize their benefits.

4. Brighter Complexion: Cleansing can help to improve the overall radiance and brightness of the skin by removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover.

It's important to choose a facial cleanser that is appropriate for your skin type, as different skin types have different needs. For example, those with dry skin may benefit from a gentle, hydrating cleanser, while those with oily skin may need a stronger, oil-control cleanser.

Tips to Proper Face Cleansing

Today we demystify cleansing by giving you 5 important tips on how to use a facial cleanser to properly clean your face:

1) Use Proper Cleanser Products for Your Skin Type

There are so many different types of facial cleansers, and many are targeted towards different skin types. Find out if you have neutral, oily, dry or sensitive skin and buy the appropriate cleanser for your skin type. In general, you should use a gentle, non-abrasive facial cleanser for your face. Avoid cleansers that have alcohol. Also, do not use soap to cleanse your face as the detergents in it are too harsh and can leave your face dry, tight and irritated. Consider double cleansing, especially if you wear makeup. Usually, a lot of dirt remains on your skins after one cleanse, so a second cleanse helps remove more grime from your skin.

Many people have reported great success after following the Korean system of cleansing with an oil-based cleanser and following up with a foam cleanser. If you have a lot of makeup on, you can wipe it off first with a facial wipe and then cleanse with an oil cleanser before finishing off with a foam cleanser. When using facial wipes, wipe straight down on one side of your face then turn the wipe over and run it straight down on the other side of your face. Wipe your nose but ensure the wipe doesn't touch the rest of your skin by keeping the wipe pinched on your nose. This method of using facial wipes prevents you from spreading dirt and bacteria around our face.

 

2) Wash Your Face in the Morning and Evening

Some of us, especially those that don't wear makeup, don't wash their face in the evenings. This is detrimental to your facial skin because it collects dirt and grime throughout the day. Allowing this gunk to sit on your pores overnight will lead to blocked pores, blackheads and even acne. On the other hand, others are obsessive about washing their face and do so several times a day. This is unnecessary and can also be detrimental to your skin. Excessive washing will irritate your skin and dry it out. If you have oily skin the dryness caused by frequent washing will ironically cause your skin to produce even more oil, leading to breakouts.

The only time you should wash your face more than twice a day is if you happen to sweat heavily during the day or if you work out in the middle of the day. Sweating is good for your skin because it removes any impurities from your pores. However, if left to sit too long on your skin the impurities mixed with sweat will cause irritation which may lead to blemishes. The best frequency method of how to use facial cleanser is finding just the right amount of time for washing. If possible, cleanse your face from any makeup and grime immediately before a workout and again after working out to remove the sweat and dirt you have secreted.

 

3) Follow Critical Protocols

There are a few key points to remember when cleansing your face. It's important that you wash your hands before touching your face. This prevents you from transferring dirt and germs onto your face. Use lukewarm water to wash and rinse your face. Hot water is too harsh on your skin and dries it out whereas cold water is unable to remove some types of dirt and makeup from your face. You can use your fingertips and gently rub in the cleanser around your face in a circular motion. Do not use items such as washcloths or sponges as they are abrasive and may irritate the skin. Some scrub brushes and exfoliators may be suitable. Focus more attention on your nose and hairline areas as makeup and dirt tend to accumulate here. Also, be very gentle when cleaning around your eyes as the skin there is weak and delicate.

 

4) Exfoliate Properly and Regularly

Exfoliation may be very beneficial for your skin as it gets rid of dead skin and cleans clogged pores leaving your face smooth. For normal skin, you can exfoliate two or three times a week but for sensitive skin, it's better to do it only once a week. The exfoliation step may be as simple as using a facial scrub, an exfoliating skincare brush or applying an exfoliating mask that contains acids that peel off dead skin. Monitor your skin to see whether or not it benefits from exfoliation and skip the step or reduce how often you do it depending on how your skin reacts to it.

 

5) Rinse Properly

Once you have cleansed and exfoliated your face, you must ensure that you rinse it properly so that all the dirt and facial cleanser comes off your face. Any product that stays on your skin will clog your pores leading to breakouts. Again, use lukewarm water to rinse your face. As you rinse rub carefully on the areas that lather has accumulated such as the sides of your nose, your hairline, and your eyebrows.

 

6) Incorporate a Toner into Your Routine

Once you finish cleansing, tone and moisturize your skin to lock in the moisture you introduced to your face during the cleansing process. Pat in any toning or moisturizing products and remember to be gentle around your eye area

Toner is an important step in a cleansing routine as it helps to balance the skin's pH levels and remove any remaining traces of dirt, oil, and makeup. It also helps to prep the skin for further steps in a skincare routine, such as moisturizing or applying serums, by allowing better absorption of these products.

Using a toner can also help to tighten the pores, making them less noticeable, and can provide additional benefits such as hydration or exfoliation, depending on the type of toner used.

It's important to choose a toner that suits your skin type and concerns for best results. Overlooking this step can lead to an imbalanced skin pH, leaving the skin more susceptible to breakouts, dryness, and other skin problems.

 

7) Pat dry with a soft face towel

You shouldn't use a dirty hand towel or the same towel you've been using to wipe your body on your face. This will undo all the hard work you've done so far by reintroducing germs and bacteria on your face. Pat your face dry instead of rubbing it. Rubbing pulls at your delicate skin and irritates it.

 

Are You Learning How to Use Facial Cleanser the Right Way?

Now that you've learned how to use facial cleanser it's time that you apply these tips for healthier, glowing skin. Another important factor is the type of products you use. Start building your skincare regimen around natural, high-quality products. Check out our shop to help you choose a facial cleanser that's best for your skin type.