A dermatologist explains the right way to wash your face for healthy skin

Washing your face the right way can ensure your skin stays healthy and hydrated. Abide by these expert tips!
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Washing your face twice is very important in the summers. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Nikita Bhardwaj Published: 9 May 2021, 10:00 am IST
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Simply applying face wash to your skin and washing it off with water is not enough. There’s so much more to washing your face to keep your skin healthy. If you learn the art of cleaning your face properly then you might not even need other products!

The thing is that choosing the right kind of face wash and using the right technique also plays an important part. That’s why we want you to go back to the basics.  

You must start by understanding why washing your face is important 

Washing the face regularly is important in order to maintain healthy-looking skin. Throughout the day, our skin gets exposed to bacteria, pollutants, and dirt. Washing your face removes these impurities to give the skin a fresh look. In addition, washing your face is also an important factor in helping the skin to maintain proper hydration. Cleansing of the face helps to manage the pH levels of the skin, enabling sufficient water and product retention. 

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Your facial cleanser plays a crucial role in determining the health of your skin. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

“Tiny glands present under the skin produce oil called sebum that protects the skin from the dangers of the outside world. Excessive dirt builds upon the surface of the skin layer that causes blockages of the follicle, trapping sebum, sweat, and dead skin cells. The lack of sebum on the skin’s surface allows bacteria to penetrate the follicle causing inflammation that causes the appearance of acne,” explained Dr Ajay Rana, a world-renowned dermatologist and aesthetic physician

He adds, “Properly washing your face clears pores of debris to prevent dirt buildup, allowing the sebum oil to reach the skin surface unimpeded and decreases the chances of a breakout. It keeps the skin looking radiant and healthy. It also helps anti-ageing products and treatments to work properly.”

Here’s what can happen if you don’t wash your face at least twice a day

If you don’t wash your face twice a day, it can get covered with a thick layer of dirt and grime which make it difficult for other products to penetrate the skin properly. When we don’t wash our face daily, our skin becomes dehydrated which makes the skin look rough, wrinkled and aged. 

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Not washing the face can cause your pores to become clogged, resulting in the development of serious acne. The skin could also experience severe redness, dryness and irritation from insufficient hydration. This makes the skin appear dirty, oily, greasy, and significantly aged.

Learn the right way to wash your face

First of all, find the right cleanser suited for your skin type. Next, make sure your hands are clean. Remove bacteria and dirt from your hands by washing them before cleaning your face.

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“Use warm water on the skin to open up the pores and loosen dirt. Water that is too hot can shock the skin and cause broken capillaries. Gently remove all the make-up with a cotton pad soaked with olive oil before washing your face. This allows thorough cleaning. Apply face wash onto the fingertips of one hand. Rub the hands together to form a lather. This will help to activate the cleanser. Move your fingertips in a circular motion along the face and neck. It stimulates blood circulation. Then, rinse the cleanser off by splashing lukewarm water on the face. Do not rub the face as this can cause irritation. Pat your face dry with a clean towel. After washing, hydrate your skin with a light moisturizer,” explained Dr Rana.

For how long should you wash your face?

Washing your face for a longer duration of time doesn’t mean it is effective. Instead, wash your face for only 20 to 30 seconds. Washing your face for too long, especially if the cleanser contains any exfoliating ingredients, can quickly lead to red and irritated skin. 

Here’s how you should choose your face wash or face cleanser

Before washing your face, identify your skin type and choose a cleanser according to it. If you have dry skin, avoid any face wash that has high alcohol content. Use a face wash with no chemicals, perfumes, and dyes. Try gentle, non-foaming, oil or cream-based cleansers.

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If you have oily skin, use a face wash with a lower pH level that helps regulate oil production. Use a face wash that will remove oil but without causing dryness.

“Try gel and foaming cleansers. If somebody has combination and sensitive skin, they should use a basic face wash that is free from heavy fragrance and additives. Select a cleanser depending on the weather and the current skin needs,” concluded Dr Rana.

So, you see that washing your care is an art in itself? Use these expert tips to keep your skin healthy! 

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About the Author

Six-pack abs are all that Nikita needs, along with her daily dose of green tea. At Health Shots, she produces videos, podcasts, stories, and other kick-ass content. ...Read More

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