Who knew washing your face isn’t as simple as squeezing on some face wash, rubbing it in for a couple of seconds and washing it off with water? Blah! And that’s exactly what your skin ends up looking like.
Proper cleansing is the most essential skincare step, so naturally there is detailed science to it and it’s pretty darn easy to master. In fact, follow the step by step guide we put together for you and we guarantee you top marks in the science of cleansing as well as a lifetime of supple, flawless, nourished and baby soft skin. Happy cleansing, ladies!
1. Choose the correct cleanser or face wash
Understanding your skin texture is as integral to cleansing as the act of washing your face itself.
Based on your skin type, you can formulate an ideal routine that not only suits your complexion but will also help improve it. To understand your skin type, observe how it reacts in different climates. If it’s prone to get flaky, stretchy and parched and feels tight even in summers then you have dry skin. In the same way, a face wash for oily skin should be the one which removes the excess oil without leaving the skin stretchy. Finally, combination skin is when your T-zone is prone to oiliness while the rest of your face (mainly your cheeks) has the tendency to get dry. Also, when it comes to choosing a cleanser for men, the best face wash for men would be the one which is custom made for male skin to combat oiliness and dirt.
Also note that the weather plays an important role in how your skin behaves, so do keep that in mind when picking a cleanser or face wash..
Also read: 7 Rules Of Skincare You MUST Follow In Your 20s!
2. Armour Up
Before you go and splurge thousands on a bunch of expensive and probably ineffective face washes, stop and breathe. Start by collecting samples, travel size packs or small sizes of the cleansers you want to try and give it a spin for a week. You will instantly notice how your skin reacts to the products and that will help you make a smarter purchase. Once you find products that suit your skin and that you like, incorporate them in your cleansing routine for quite some time rather than frequently switching up your routine.
Step 1: The first step to cleansing your skin is ensuring that it’s totally makeup-free. Use a makeup remover first to wipe off any trace of makeup residue. Now you have a clean slate to start your cleansing process on. Also remember that over-washing can cause dryness, while too little washing will obviously cause breakouts and bumpy skin. Cleansing your face twice daily is the optimal amount.
POPxo Loves: Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes (Rs 499)
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Step 2: Apply your cleanser with your fingertips in circular motions for a couple of minutes. Focus on your T-zone, especially the corners of your nose and chin. Once you have massaged your face wash in, give it a rinse and repeat the procedure. Yes, you read right. The first cleanse takes off all your external dirt while the second cleanse targets your pores and deeper layers. The more you gently rub it in, the more you work the product into your skin, but be sure not to cleanse for more than a couple minutes.
POPxo Loves: Clean & Clear Morning Energy Face Wash (Rs 120)
Step 3: Depending on your skin type, use an exfoliator. It’s important as it washes off dead skin and unclogs your pores. If you have dry skin, limit this step to just once a week or as and when required. For oily skin you could repeat this step thrice a week. Avoid daily scrubbing as it can cause irritation.
POPxo Loves: Lakme Clean Up Scrub (Rs 120)
Step 4: Post your scrub, use a toner to shut your pores. This prevents any dirt from entering and keeps your skin squeaky clean. It’s the best way to avoid blackheads and clogged pores.
POPxo Loves: The Body Shop Vitamin E Hydrating Toner (Rs 895)
Step 5: The last but most essential step in cleansing your skin is a moisturizer. Stick to this step irrespective of the weather. Pick one with a high SPF to provide full coverage against the blistering Indian sun.
POPxo Loves: Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion (Rs 314) suits all skin types, even sensitive and combination skin.
Images: Shutterstock
