How to correctly wash your face

Believe it or not, there is a correct way to wash your face. Washing your face the right way can help your skin look and feel its best, whether you’re getting ready for bed or getting ready to put on your makeup for the day.

Step-by-step instructions for washing your face

Step 1: Get your hair off your face

Keep your hair off your face in order to make sure you’re getting your entire face clean. Your skin can get especially oily around the hairline where it can pick up oils and other products you use in/on your hair. So cleansing along the hairline is very important.

Step 2: Warm water only

Use lukewarm water to wash your skin. Warm water helps to lift unwanted oil and dirt out of the skin, but it’s not too hot that it will dry out the skin.

Step 3: Gentle is always best

Use a gentle cleanser. For most people, a cream cleanser is a good option: they can help with hydration. A gentle gel cleanser can also be an option, as long as it doesn’t strip the natural oils from your skin.

Step 4: Rinse well

Rinse with lukewarm water. Rinse well enough that no cleanser remains on your skin. Even the best, most gentle cleanser can cause irritation if left on the skin for too long.

Step 5: Don’t rub

Pat your skin dry with a soft towel. Rubbing your skin can not only cause irritation, but it can also pull and/or stretch the skin, which in the long run causes wrinkles.

Step 6: Tone, tone, tone

Don’t forget the toner. Using a soft cotton ball or cotton round, apply toner to your entire face, focusing on problem areas (t-zone, hair line, areas prone to breakouts, etc.) A gentle toner can also help remove any traces of cleanser. Remember that cleansed skin is the beginning of all other skin care or beauty treatments. Clean skin will help your other skin care treatments work better, and it will help your cosmetics look better. Clean skin is a great way to start – and end – your day!