The primary function of the skin is is to protect the body from germs. Foregoing the washing of your face can lead to acne and premature aging. When you fail to wash your face, the skin has to fight off free radicals. This leads to the breakdown of collagen in the skin and eventually causes to fine lines and wrinkles. The purpose of washing your face is to remove the build-up of impurities from the skin. Removing dirt, oil, bacteria, pollutants, and viruses protects the skin from further damage while giving a clean and glowing look. In addition, washing your face keeps pores from becoming clogged and prevents breakouts.
Regardless if you are male or female, face washing is a must for proper skin care maintenance. This guide shows the correct order of washing and applying products.
Morning Face Washing
Washing your face in the morning removes the impurities brought on during sleep. Dead skin cells, germs, and products put on from the night before have built-up on your skin. Removing the bacteria and impurities ensures that newly added products work properly while giving you a beautiful glow.
1. To start, use warm water and a gentle skin cleanser. Cetaphil Daily Face Wash is a great cleanser and works with all skin types. You may use a warm wet wash cloth, your hands, or cleansing brush that cleans and exfoliates.
2. Pat dry and put a few drops of Vitamin E oil your face and neck. Let this set for 15-20 so the oil may adequately penetrate the skin.
4. Use a cleansing cloth to wipe the oil off. Cetaphil wipes have a hydrating formula to give your skin added moisture so your face doesn’t feel dry or chapped throughout the day.
Now that you’ve done your morning face wash routine, you can begin applying makeup.
Bed Time Routine
Removing makeup, dirt, and the day’s germs is crucial if your goal is to age gracefully!
Begin by cleaning the eyelids, eyelashes, and eyebrows. Eyelashes and eyebrows are the eyes protection against dust, dirt, and other debris. And as such, these tiny hairs are susceptible at catching bacteria and germs. Removing the particles from these areas first ensures that you don’t accidently get residue and bacteria in your eyes when you wash your face.
There are many eye makeup removers that do the trick, but these are often expensive and contain sulfates and parabens that can be damaging to hair. My go-to eye makeup remover is organic coconut oil. Coconut oil is anti-bacterial and a natural hydrating oil, making it perfect for not only removing dirt and makeup from the eyes, but also a natural protectant of the tiny hairs.
- Start by using a small spoon to get the oil out of the jar. Take a tiny amount and begin by rubbing in on your eyelids, eyebrows, and then your eyelashes. (Be sure your eyes are closed so you don’t risk getting any in your eyes!) Then use a warm wet wash cloth to wipe away the dirt and oil. Voila! Clean eyes!
- Next, use your morning skin cleanser to wash your face. Use a warm wet wash cloth to gently wash the face. This helps the cleanser penetrate deep into the pores, removing any impurities. Take 2-3 minutes to work the soap around your face, rinse, and if you wish, repeat the cleansing step!
- I swear by using a sugar scrub on your face DAILY! Sugar scrubs work to exfoliate the skin, remove toxins, helps to remove or avoid ingrown hairs, brightens the skin, and evens out the skin tone. I’ve tried many scrubs, and even made my own. But nothing compares to Palmer’s Coconut Sugar Scrub. This stuff is magical! Put a small amount on your fingers and gently rub in into the skin. Remember, it’s a scrub, so it can be abrasive if you use too much at once. Add warm water and make circular motions on your forehead, cheeks, chin, and neck. After 1-2 minutes, wash it off with warm water, and dry your face.
Serums and Moisturizers
After washing your face you can begin applying serums and moisturisers.
Always apply serums first and avoid using more than two at once. Some serums may not work well with one another, so try to stick with the same brand. Serums work to specifically target problems on the skin (hyperpigmentation, acne, or fine lines). Apply and let it dry well.
Now you’re ready to moisturize. Moisturizers are thicker and work to hydrate the skin. Finding a moisturizer you love is not always easy, trust me! A good rule of thumb is to use the same brand of cleanser as your moisturizer. Cetaphil Face Lotion works well with all skin types and doesn’t leave an oily/greasy feel after applying.
Remember, consistency is key. Get in the habit of washing your face and your skin will age gracefully.
