Washing our faces is something we all do. Most people probably wash their face in the morning before starting their day and at night before going to bed. However, we have all been guilty of missing a face wash every once in and while. Despite being a common practice, some research out there has determined that many people do not know how to wash their faces properly. Oddly enough, there is a right way and a wrong way to wash your face for optimal skin health. 

A recent Canadian survey shows that 90 percent of people wash their hands the recommended 20 seconds, and the amount of people who wash their hands 10 times a day or more has more than doubled. This is great news, considering that most of us touch our faces multiple times a day even if we don’t realize it. However, are you giving this same love for your hands to your face? Are you even washing your face properly? With so many cleansers, toners, and cleaners on the market, it is no surprise face washing is getting a little too complicated. 

Common Face Washing Mistakes

  • Less than ideal water temperature. If the water is too hot, it can burn or irritate your skin. Too much heat and you will dry your skin out right away. If the water is too cold, it may not kill germs or bacteria that are on your face. Also, cold water does not open your pores for optimal cleaning. The best temperature for face washing is warm to hot. Nothing wrong with gentle steam, just try not to turn the tap to boiling.
  • Choosing the wrong facial cleanser for your skin type. If you have dry skin, you don’t want to use a facial cleanser for oily skin and vice versa. If you have face acne, you may want to choose a cleanser that is gentle enough to clean but powerful enough to help with your acne symptoms. Read the label before purchasing your facial cleanser to find the best fit for your face and skin type. Normal to dry skin? Reach for a hydrating and creaming cleanser. Oily skin? You will want to keep an eye out for foamy or gel facial cleansers.
  • Using harsh exfoliators. A good scrub feels nice and can get rid of dirt and grime, but your facial skin is pretty soft and sensitive. A gentle exfoliator is a solid choice because it won’t strip your skin of its natural protective barrier. If you have concerns about the environment, you may want to avoid those exfoliators with microbeads. Also, you do not need to exfoliate daily. Aim to do so about once or twice a week. 
  • Skipping a face wash. After a long day at work, it can be tempting to skip the nighttime facial scrub in favor of jumping right into bed. However, when we sleep, our skin regenerates the most. If you go to bed wearing makeup or caked with dirt and oil, your skin is not going to regenerate as optimally as it would with a clean and fresh face. Not to mention spreading all of that dirt and grime onto your pillows! 
  • Not removing makeup thoroughly. Believe it or not, many people are still guilty of this face washing faux pas. Going to bed without removing makeup is a recipe for skin disaster. By removing makeup, we mean using a cleanser to wash the makeup from your face. No makeup wipes. No quick splashes of soap and water. The cleanser is the best way to go, especially if you want to prevent face acne. 
  • Not washing or sanitizing your phone. While this mistake is not directly related to actual face washing, it is still equally important. Apparently, cell phones have more bacteria on their surface than some toilet seats. Gross! And that device touches your face when you are on a call unless you choose to go hands free. Make sure you sanitize your phone daily to get rid of germs and bacteria.
  • Washing your face too much. On the other side of the spectrum, some of us wash our faces far too much. This can dry out the skin and cause cracking, thus inviting bacteria and other foreign pathogens into the skin’s layers. As the skin dries, your skin’s oil production can go into overdrive, and you do not want that happening. Aim to wash your face twice a day. 
  • Using a universal towel. The same towel you dry your hands with is also your face washing and drying towel? That is a huge mistake. Instead, choose a clean towel that is specifically for your face. This way you can avoid any potential cross-contamination from a multi-use towel. Aim to wash your face towel at least once a week to prevent bacteria from growing in the moist environment. 
  • Rubbing your face dry. Speaking of towels, if you rub your face dry, you are doing your skin a disservice. You can accidentally promote collagen breakdown or rub off your skin’s protective barrier. Instead of rubbing the water off your face, gently pat your face dry. This almost gives your skin a mini massage while avoiding the abrasive gesture of rubbing. 
  • Skipping the moisturizer. It can be tempting to clean your face, pat it dry, and go about your day (or evening), but there is one more step you should always do before leaving the bathroom: moisturize. Using a gentle moisturizer will lock in your skin’s natural moisture and leave it feeling soft and refreshed. It is also a great way to hydrate your face for hours after a good cleansing. 

How to Wash Your Face Properly

A surefire way to wash your face properly is to set up your own skincare routine and stick with it. Research the right type of cleanser for your skin type. While using warm water, gently wet your entire face. Next, lather your cleanser and apply it to your face using your fingertips in a circular motion. Be careful not to get the cleanser in your eyes! If you’re wearing heavy makeup, you may want to use a makeup remover before starting your face wash. But remember, those makeup wipes are not a replacement for facial cleansing. 

Make sure you do not rush the process. Your face deserves a little TLC. When you are complete, rinse the cleanser off and pat your face dry with a clean towel (that is used only for your face). Lock in the cleanliness with your favorite facial moisturizer. Repeat twice a day – morning and night. 

While you can wash your face properly in the shower, you still want to use a facial cleanser instead of bar soap or body wash. So, if you’re trying to save time, just make sure your trusty cleanser is in the shower with you. Do not forget to wash your jawline, behind your ears, and neck as well! 

Love Your Face with Skin Treatments

In addition to a healthy face cleaning routine, there are many skin treatments out there that can give your face a nice clean boost. Skin treatments are designed to support skin integrity, enhance its appearance, and relieve skin conditions. 

At First Impressions Rejuvenation Clinic, you can receive a consultation along with an in-depth skin analysis to determine your skin type, conditions, and skincare goals. Treatment consists of cleansing, deep exfoliation, massage, and customized masks and serums to best treat your predetermined conditions. Choose between a 1-hour or 30-minute treatment that is designed specifically for you and your skin.

Ever heard of microdermabrasion? It is a minimally invasive exfoliating procedure used to renew overall skin tone and texture. It can improve the appearance of sun damage, wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, acne scarring, melasma, and other skin-related concerns and conditions. Combine this medical-grade deep exfoliation with customized masks and serums and you will walk out with a refreshed, rejuvenated skin!

Another option for a fantastic skin treatment is the Bela MD Dermal Infusion. Bela is an all-in-one skin treatment, offering an uncompromising skin health solution by combining the latest serum innovations and technologies. Following a single treatment, your skin will feel smoother and more hydrated. Patients often experience a refreshed appearance and glow. 

The treatment combines diamond tip microdermabrasion for deep exfoliation, serum infusion to treat specific skin concerns, a mega-dose of antioxidants with hydrogen water infusion, microcurrent for muscle stimulation, toning and to increase circulation, and finally electroporation for deep product penetration.

Bela treats a multitude of skin conditions and concerns including:

  • Dry, dehydrated skin
  • Fine lines & wrinkles
  • Acne & congestion
  • Pigmentation
  • Tone & texture
  • Premature aging

Now is the Time to Rejuvenate Your Skincare Routine

Washing your face is a simple, daily task, but when done properly, it can make you feel radiant and lively in the skin you are in. For a clean and smooth appearance, follow these tips and avoid the most common face washing mistakes. 

Want to elevate your skincare routine? Consider using safe, gentle, and proven products that clean, hydrate, and protect your skin. Facials and skin treatments are always a great addition to a proper skincare routine. At the very least, try to avoid these 10 common mistakes and enjoy a healthy and beautiful reflection. Not sure where to start cleaning up your skincare routine? Just ask us! We’d be happy to discuss your skincare needs and help you make the right decisions for your skin.

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