Washing your face might sound like one of the most basic tasks, but it can get complicated at certain times, making you wonder if you are correctly washing your face or not. However, you are not alone in this boat. Many of us have wondered about this question at least once in our lives, and the answer has always left us a little shocked. 

Face washing is not something we learn specifically; it is a basic procedure we pick up from our elders while growing up. Splash some water on the face, rub it in a few seconds and dry it with a towel; that was all we learned about face washing while growing up. 

None of us knew that something as simple as face washing could get so complicated later in life. However, with the right guidance, washing or cleansing your face can become a little easier. If you want to learn more about facial cleansers, the correct way of washing your face, and more tips about it, make sure to read the entire article. 

Importance of Cleansing 

Cleansing is the first step of every skincare routine and undoubtedly the most important one. It not only removes bacteria and harmful substances from the skin but also prevents product buildup. 
Even though cleansing is important for glowing skin and a healthy skin barrier, many people don’t consider it so and ignore it. Some of the reasons why cleansing is important are mentioned below to help you understand its significance. 

• Boosts Hydration 

Cleansing your face is a great hydration booster. The splashes of water and moisturizing oils in the facewash help with hydration. Furthermore, using lukewarm water to wash your face will help in removing the excess oils and dirt more appropriately. 
This process ensures a healthier production of collagen while maintaining the pH level of your skin to keep it hydrated.  

• Better Product Absorption 

Since clean and makeup-free skin is the first demand of every product application, there is obviously a connection between the two. Clean skin will help in absorbing the product more deeply as the pores are cleaner and dirt free. 

Apart from better absorption, it will also limit any opposite reactions that might occur because of the mixing of various products. 

• Removes Dirt and Bacteria 

Our facial skin is affected most by environmental pollution, and there is nothing we can do about it than keep it clean and wash it regularly. Cleansing will help in keeping the dirt, bacteria, and other harmful debris out of the skin and ensure healthier and clean skin. 

If not cleaned properly, Bacteria buildup can cause various skin problems, including acne, rosacea, and flaky and irritated skin as well. 

• Prevent Scars 

Since our facial skin regenerates new cells and healthy skin ensures proper production of skin cells, it helps in preventing scars and blemishes. Cleansing your skin regularly will remove the dead skin cells and make way for new ones, promoting healthy skin cell regrowth and lightening scars. 

• Maintains pH Level 

Our facial skin is one of the most delicate areas that require extra care and attention at all times. Since we use different products on it, there is a high chance of disturbing its pH level. Cleansing helps in maintaining a healthy pH level by preventing product buildup. 

All the above-listed benefits of cleansing can be achieved with proper cleansing techniques and the right products that are suitable for your skin. 

Wash Your Face In 6 Steps 

Even though washing your face sounds simple, it actually isn't, and there are various specific steps that one should follow to wash face properly. Washing your face with the correct technique is essential to achieving healthy and glowing skin, and we want you all to achieve that. 
So, without any further delays, let's jump right onto the topic and help you achieve glowing, beautiful, and smooth skin in just six steps.  

Step 1: Remove Makeup with A Makeup Remover

Even though a lot of people assume that a face wash can remove makeup entirely, it is not true. One should always remove makeup with a makeup remover first and then head over to washing the face. 

Inappropriate removal of makeup might leave dirt and products inside the pores, causing severe skin diseases. Your skin might feel clean after washing the face, but the product penetrates deep and can't be removed with one wash. 

Step 2: Use a Gentle Facial Cleanser

Using a facial cleanser with harsh ingredients like chemicals or acids can ruin your skin with every wash rather than making it clearer and more glowing. A gentle facial cleanser will remove the dirt and bacteria while maintaining the pH level of your skin and keeping the skin barrier intact. 

Step 3: Rub Lightly 

The third step is the most important one because many people rub the facewash harshly on the skin and for longer periods. This can make your skin dry and even ruin your skin barrier eventually, making your skin red and irritating. Make sure to rub the facewash lightly onto the skin for less than a minute to achieve the maximum benefits of a skin cleanser. 

Step 4: Wash with Lukewarm Water 

Even though the temperature of the water doesn't matter a lot, it is essential to consider it for regular use. Washing your face with lukewarm water is beneficial because it properly removes dirt, oil, and debris from the skin. Lukewarm water also increases the hydration level of the skin. 

Step 5: Pat Dry with an Antimicrobial Towel

Using a regular towel for drying facial skin will make the skin rough and dry. However, pat drying it with an antimicrobial towel will ensure healthy skin. It will also prevent the transfer of germs that usually builds up on ordinary towels. 

Step 6: Moisturize 

The last and most crucial step of cleansing is the application of a good-quality moisturizer. Whether you are suffering from any skin problems or not, moisturizing is essential for everyone as it maintains the skin barrier and ensures the healthy production of collagen and cells. 

How Often Should You Wash Your Face? 

This is one of the most commonly asked questions, yet many people are unsatisfied with the answers. This is because everyone's routines and lives are different, and our schedules directly impact the number of times we wash our faces. Some people prefer to wash their face once a day, while others wash it at least 3-4 times. 

However, the ideal number is twice a day, but it can vary according to different situations. There are certain conditions when you have to wash your face no matter how many times you have done it already. After a hectic workout, before leaving for work, after removing makeup, or prior to applying a mask are some of the most common conditions when you have to wash your face. 

Make sure you follow a proper procedure of face washing to avoid any problems with the skin and don't forget to use a moisturizing cream and sunscreen!

How to Choose the Right Cleanser? 

Choosing the right cleanser is one of the most challenging tasks as our skin reacts differently in different seasons, and most brands keep updating their formulas for better results. With the competition rising among the manufacturers, choosing the right cleanser only becomes more and more difficult. 

Since the type of our skin remains constant throughout our life, it makes the decision easier. If you are searching for the best cleanser for your skin, we are more than happy to help you. 

Normal Skin Cleansers 

Normal skin is one of the most common types of skin and also the one easily manageable. This type of skin is well-balanced, and neither gets oily nor dry, which might be the best thing. However, normal skin still requires proper care and precautions. 

Usually, normal skin cleansers are foaming cleansers because they are the perfect combination of gel and water-based cleansers. However, people with normal skin can use all types of cleansers depending on the requirements of the skin and season. 

Since normal skin is neither too oily nor too dry, it varies with the seasons. During summer, it produces more oil than usual, while during winter, it gets a little on the dry side. 

Dry Skin Cleansers 

Dry skin is the type of skin that lacks natural moisture and oils that are produced by the skin. Hence, it gets flaky and dry and requires artificial creams and moisturizer to prevent flakiness. Because of the dryness and lack of moisture, dry skin people should opt for cream or gel-based cleansers. 

These types of cleansers lock in the natural moisture while promoting the production of oils in the skin. Using harsh exfoliants or caustic facial washes will make dry skin worse, causing breakouts and redness. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser and CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser are two of the most popular and best facial cleanser for dry skin. 

Combination Skin Cleansers 

Combination skin is officially the most challenging type of skin as people with combination skin are not happy in any season. During winters, their skin gets too dry, while during summer, it gets too oily, and in between, it gets both. 

Tackling combination skin is undoubtedly tough, but with new and advanced products, it has gotten a lot easier. Gel cleansers and Cream cleansers work best for combination skin as it balances the oil and ensures the healthy production of collagen. 

Moisturizers also work wonders for combination skin people as they artificially manage hydration and keep the skin barrier intact. CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser and Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser are two of the best cleansers for combination skin. 

Oily Skin Cleansers 

Even though a lot of oily skin people assume that they have to wash their face at least 4-5 times a day, it isn’t true. Oily skin is the type of skin that produces excess oil despite a healthy skin barrier. However, tackling this skin type has become easier with the variety of products that are available these days. 

Oily skin people mostly prefer using cleansers with healthy acids that reduce the production of oil and maintain a healthy pH level of the skin. Both gel and foaming facial cleansers are great cleansers for oily skin because they remove dirt and oil while producing lather. 

Acne Skin Cleansers 

Cleansers might not be the only solution for people with acne-prone skin but it is the first and most important step toward healthier skin. Since acne is mainly caused by the dirt, oil, and sebum locked inside the skin, removing it should be the first step. 

Looking for active acne-fighting ingredients in a cleanser for acne might help in improving the skin. Gentle foaming or gel cleanser might also work great for people with acne-prone skin. 

Sensitive Skin Cleansers

Sensitive skin is more likely to get affected by different ingredients found in skincare products. Choosing a cleanser for sensitive skin people is one of the most difficult tasks because the skin barrier is never fully repaired and requires extra precautions. 

While choosing a cleanser for sensitive skin, make sure to select a gentle skin cleanser without exfoliating properties and harsh ingredients. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser and Aveeno Ultra-Calming Hydrating Gel Cleanser ate two of the best cleansers for sensitive skin. 

Tips for Washing your Face Correctly

Even with the right facial cleansers and the best techniques, we are prone to making mistakes while cleansing our faces. However, you don't have to worry about it when you have access to the best tips for washing your face. 
Some of the best tips for washing your face correctly are mentioned below: 

• Make sure to wash your neck every time you cleanse your face to avoid discoloration.
• Avoid using skincare products with alcohol or perfume as they can harm the skin severely. 
• Use two facial cleansers, one gel-based and one foaming cleanser, for double cleansing. 
• Avoid using cold water to wash the face as it might make your facial skin dry and numb. 
• Try to wash your face only twice or thrice a day for refreshing and clear skin. 
• Emulsify the cleanser in your hand first to achieve maximum benefits of the facewash. 
• Make sure to pat dry your face instead of rubbing it to avoid damaging the skin barrier. 
• Use moisturizer and sunscreen every day for smooth and glowing skin as it protects your face from dirt, pollution, bacteria, and harmful rays of the sun. 

The Bottom Line 

Our facial skin is one of the most delicate parts of our body because it is exposed to the environment most. However, with new products and advancements in science, many beneficial skincare products are available according to different skin types, and the most important part of any skincare regime is cleansing. Every skincare routine starts with a proper face cleansing session. Whether you want your products to work or restore your skin barrier, try fixing your cleansing routine and see the results for yourself!