The Do’s and Don’ts of Washing Your Face

The Do’s and Don’ts of Washing Your Face

 

Glowing, happy skin makes you look healthier and younger. Getting that beautiful dewy skin might not be as hard to get as you think. The right skincare products and routine are vital to a healthy glow, from the ingredients to the application. A few do’s and don’ts can help you tweak your routine to reveal your inner glow. 

 

Do: Wash your face in the morning

Your skin secretes oils that buildup throughout the night. A morning cleansing removes those oils and anything else on the skin in preparation for your morning skincare routine. 

For those who like to keep things simple, a cleanser like SkinResourceMD’s Total Facial Cleansing Gel or Tea Tree Deep Clearing Facial Cleanser if you struggle with acne is a good place to start. They don’t strip the skin of its natural moisture, so it doesn’t feel tight or dry. 

 

Don’t: Use body soap

Soaps, especially body soaps, often contain surfactants (the chemicals that help remove oil and dirt) that irritate, dry the face’s sensitive skin. We recommend skipping soap for a gentle cleanser, specifically one designed for the face. 

 

Do: Wash your face before bed

Those evenings when you’re too tired to wash your face can come back to haunt you down the road. Cleansing your skin in the evening removes oil, dirt, and lingering products that could clog your pores overnight. Make sure to use a gentle cleanser and a soft cloth. Scrub gently, especially around the eyes where the skin is thinner.  

Any products you put on before bed will stay in contact with the skin for longer than those you apply in the morning. It’s a great time for deeper moisturizers or serums that address acne or wrinkles. 

 

Don’t: Forget your neck 

Close up of woman washing neck.

The skin on your neck needs cleansing and moisturizing too. This delicate skin can show age spots and wrinkles, even more so than the face. You can use the same gentle cleanser you use on your face to wash your neck. 

Some products like Firm & Repair Throat Cream are specifically designed for the skin on the neck. This product moisturizes while repairing and firming the skin to reduce the visible signs of aging. 

 

Do: Exfoliate 

You naturally shed dead skin cells every day. Those cells can build up and clog the pores or make the skin look dull. Exfoliating removes dead cells to reveal healthy, glowing skin underneath. You have a choice between chemical or physical exfoliators. Chemical exfoliators, like Alpha Hydroxy Skin Renewal Serum, break bonds to rid the face of dead skin cells. 

 

Don’t: Over exfoliate or use harsh physical exfoliators

Be careful when exfoliating, especially when using a physical exfoliator. Physical exfoliators use an abrasive substance to break or polish away dead skin cells. However, some physical exfoliators with large particles can create micro-tears in the skin, which can trigger breakouts. Look for physical exfoliators with microbeads or microcrystals, like Crystal Clarity Exfoliation Scrub. This formula gently polishes the skin without damaging the skin’s surface. 

 

Do: Pat your face 

Woman patting her face dry in the mirror.

After washing your face, pat it dry with a clean, soft towel. The skin on your face is thin and delicate, and patting doesn’t tug or pull at the skin. Any motion that repeatedly tugs or pulls the skin and underlying muscles can contribute to sagging and wrinkles. 

 

Don’t: Rub your face

We’ve already covered why you pat instead of rub, but try not to rub your face during the day either. Rubbing pulls at the skin and underlying muscles, potentially damaging both. 

 

Do: Use the recommended amount

Read the directions on your skincare products before applying them. Many people don’t put enough sunscreen on and put on too much moisturizer. Too much moisturizer won’t damage your skin, but a lack of sunscreen potentially could. 

Apply the recommended amount of product, whether you’re applying sunscreen, wrinkle treatments, or moisturizer. Following these recommendations reduces your chances of having an adverse reaction or not getting the full benefit of the product. 

 

Don’t: Skip moisturizer or sunscreen

Woman putting sun screen on shoulder.

Apply moisturizer every time you cleanse your skin. Maintaining the hydration of your skin is one of the best ways to slow the aging process. If your skin feels dry, apply a moisturizing sunscreen like Hyaluronic Facial Skin Protector or Essential Solar Protector. You’ll need to touch up both sunscreen and moisturizer throughout the day, and these products take care of both.  

 

Do: Wear sunscreen every day

Speaking of sunscreen, make sure to apply it every day. Summer, fall, winter—it doesn’t matter the season. You need sun protection to stop the damage caused by harmful UV rays. Opt for a physical sunscreen, such as SkinResourceMD’s Hyaluronic Facial Skin Protector or Essential Solar Protector. These sunscreens block UV rays from penetrating the skin and are reef (and people) safe. 

 

Woman smiling in the mirrow.

A clean, happy face

A clean, moisturized face is one that puts your best face forward. Develop a skincare routine that works for you, and stick to it to keep your skin healthy and glowing. 

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