10 Steps to a Perfectly Clean Face

Did you know that you have a great deal of control over the texture, clarity, suppleness and long-term health of facial skin just based on how and how often you cleanse? Whether you’re young or old, man or woman, you can do your skin a big favor by cleansing correctly.

Cleansing is arguably the most important part of your basic skincare routine. Proper cleansing gets rid of old surface skin cells, dirt and dust, grime, make-up and bacteria, and keeps skin pores free of clogs and able to breathe freely. Cleansing also aids circulation and prepares the skin to receive topically applied nutrients and lipids.

Cleansing your face correctly is the cornerstone of any beauty regime regardless of your age, skin type or ethnicity and whether you are using expensive luxury brands or everyday high-street products. It is also the key to maintaining beautiful, healthy skin and will provide a sound base for all your skin care and make-up products.

Here are some tips for proper facial cleansing:

1. Cleanse twice a day, no more. Unless you have exposed your skin to excessive dust, grime or pollution, twice-a-day cleansing is more than adequate for any skin type. Cleansing too often strips your skin of precious natural oils. Not cleansing regularly, particularly before you retire for the night, may lead to build-up and eruptions.

2. Always remove all make-up or any other products such as heavy overnight creams and serums from your face beforehand. Use a gentle cleansing cream or make-up remover especially designed for your skin type and either your fingers or a cotton ball to help remove all traces of make-up. Be especially careful around the eyes as the skin there is very fragile. If you use sponges or washcloths, make sure they are clean and soft. They are not necessary for effective cleansing: your fingertips can do just as good a job.

3. Choose a cleanser that is appropriate for your skin type. Do not use soap on facial skin: it can be too harsh and drying and damage skin over time. A too-rich cleanser can clog pores, while a too-dry cleanser can irritate the skin. A cleanser for dry skin should contain nourishing herbs and oils. One for oily skin should include herbs that balance oil production and support clarity. Sensitive skin benefits from an ultra-gentle, fragrance-free, non-irritating cleanser.

4. Always cleanse with tepid water. Hot water dries and damages skin over time, and cold water won’t dissolve and take away embedded dirt and grime as well as lukewarm water. Make sure that the water you use to wash your face is lukewarm – too hot or cold as you can dehydrate your skin. Very hot water can also damage your skin – aside from scalding or burning, it can also aggravate conditions such as rosacea, eczema and broken capillaries.

5. Wash your hands thoroughly before you cleanse your face, or you will be working dirt into facial skin. Use a headband to secure hair away from the face. Start by splashing tepid water on your face and neck.

6. Apply the cleanser with your fingertips or a soft sponge, using gentle circular massaging strokes and moving upward on the face and neck. Do not scrub too much, gentle massaging strokes are enough to help improve circulation as well as loosen grime and old surface skin cells. Too much scrubbing will stretch skin and irritate it, especially the delicate skin around the eyes.

7. As important as the cleanser you use is the rinsing afterwards. All traces of soap or cleanser must be thoroughly rinsed off otherwise the residues can clog your pores. You cannot over-rinse your face, provided the water is at the right temperature, so rinse several times and then rinse again, paying particular attention to your hairline, the area around your ears, nose, eyes and lips, as well as under your chin. Rinse with lots of tepid water. Don’t forget to rinse off cleanser from the neck and hairline. Cleanser residue can clog pores and attract dirt.

8. Gently blot off excess water with a soft towel. Do not scrub dry or drag towel along skin.

9. Follow immediately with a water-based toner and a moisturizer appropriate for your skin type to seal in surface moisture and offer nourishment when skin is receptive. Choose your facial cleanser carefully. Avoid harsh soaps and other cleansers as these can severely dehydrate your skin and strip it of all natural oils and lipids. This is particularly important if you are prone to acne. These days, there is a wealth of products on the market and you can choose specially designed cleansers that are soap-free, non-comedogenic and especially formulated for your skin type.

10. Finally, apply a moisturiser appropriate for your skin type as you will need to replenish any natural oils that have been lost in the washing process. This is an essential step and one of the most important factors in maintaining youthful-looking skin. A good quality basic moisturiser, which contains key ingredients such as Vitamin E, will do as good a job as an expensive luxury brand – the important thing is finding the right product for your skin type and moisturising consistently. Try to find a product with as little chemical additives as possible.

Most of all, NEVER, EVER go to sleep without removing make-up and cleansing your face. No matter how tired you are, make the effort to go through the basic steps. Your skin will thank you for it and you will be grateful when you continue to have clear, youthful skin for many years.