WASHING YOUR FACE
As an esthetician, I live and breathe skin care. Following a proper skin care regimen is second nature to me. But I’m constantly reminded that not everyone knows what to do or why it’s essential. Like washing your face.
Whenever I have a new facial client, my first question is always, “Can you tell me about your skin?” I know what I see, but I want to hear what you see. My second question then follows: “What are you using on your face right now?” A lot of people know what to do, but they’re just not using good products. But even more people admit that they just splash water on their face, or use their shampoo or gentle body soap (sorry—but Dove Sensitive Skin Body Soap is still not appropriate for your face). I get it…you’re busy. Kids. Workouts. Zoom calls. But it takes the same amount of time to reach for a facial cleanser as it does water. Often people who don’t wear make up feel like washing their face is unnecessary. But think about all the pollution and pets and kids that touch your face day and night. Not to mention food and your own hands. Properly washing your face can make all the difference. Even if your skin seems healthy now, it can help prevent problems in the future.
Use a facial cleanser. As mentioned above, splashing your face with water alone won’t cut through the oil. You wouldn’t wash your dishes or clothes in just water, would you? So why is it enough for your face? And using your shampoo or soap is just too harsh and will dry you out.
Cleanse morning and night. In the morning because you sweat, drool, and produce oil while you sleep. Before bed because all day long, you, your pet, and your kids touch your face. Plus, food, pollution, and oil add up to a lot of grime.
Follow with a moisturizer. So many people have told me that they, “like to start the day and go to bed with a clean face.” But a freshly washed face takes time to return to its natural pH, during which it is susceptible to dryness, irritation, inflammation, and overzealous oil production. Applying a moisturizer neutralizes your skin faster while keeping hydration locked in.