A meticulous face wash is indispensable to a skincare routine, regardless of how elaborate or minimalist. This humble yet efficacious formulation removes impurities, gunk, and pollution from the skin, ensuring a smooth and balanced microbiome. But that’s not all – depending on the contents of the face wash, you can target and treat pertinent skin concerns. From dryness to excess greasiness, the ideal face wash can improve the quality of your skin and life immensely.
This article covers all the above (and more) reasons why a face wash is non-negotiable in every vanity. We also dive into the tips and tricks for picking the ideal face wash for your skin type. Finally, read till the end to learn how to use a face wash correctly. Get scrolling!
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Why Should You Add a Face Wash to Your Beauty Regimen
- It removes dirt and grime from the pores: To reiterate, a face wash removes dust, grime, and pollution, which may irritate the face.
- It helps better absorption of beauty products: Our skin lays exposed to external aggressors, extreme weather conditions, and never-ending pollution on the reg. This leads to an unwarranted accumulation of dried cells and debris on its outermost layer. A good face wash tackles this problem by disintegrating residue and helps in better absorption of your serum, moisturiser, sunscreen, and more. It also unveils a healthier and brighter complexion sitting underneath,
- It hydrates your skin: Hydration is integral for every skin type. It makes your skin look radiant, soft, and supple. Ample moisture content in the skin also upholds barrier health, dwindles episodes of fine line, and prevents the sebaceous glands from overproducing oil. You can double down on efforts for skin hydration with a humectant-imbued face wash. These ingredients (like glycerine, hyaluronic acid, and honey) bind water molecules to the dermis and maintain a healthy microbiome.
- Counter skin concerns: To achieve the skin of your dreams, pick a face wash that counters relevant concerns. Case in point, if your skin looks dull and beat, add a vitamin C-infused face wash to your regimen. This potent antioxidant (vitamin C) reduces the appearance of spots, ensuring an even complexion. Similarly, for acne, use the oil-soluble salicylic acid in your face wash, for hyperpigmentation, glycolic acid-infused cleanser, and for reverse skin ageing, niacinamide or retinol-based face wash.
- Rejuvenates the skin: A face wash instantly perks up your appearance, by refreshing the complexion. The ideal pick also brings out the latent radiance of your skin with just a drop-sized amount.
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How to Pick a Face Wash for Your Skin
Now that you’re well-versed with all the reasons to never skimp on face wash, how should you pick the right offering? Keep scrolling for tips and tricks.
- Know your skin type and concerns: It is important to have an unerring knowledge of your skin type and concerns before adding a new product to your rotation. If your skin type is dry, look for formulas with humectants that bind water molecules to the dermis. For folks with oily skin, salicylic acid-infused cleansers are game changers. Similarly, people with combination skin types should look at striking a balance between hydration and sebum control with their top pick. And readers with sensitive skin, alleviating agents like aloe vera and oat milk in the formulations go a long way.
- Do a patch test: To reap the best results of your face wash, conduct a patch test. If there are instances of inflammation or redness, speak to your dermatologist. Needless to say, you should steer clear of such offerings.
- Shouldn’t over-dry your skin: Since a face wash removes dust, sweat, and grime from the pores, it can sometimes be too drying for the skin. This may lead to unwarranted flakiness or uncomfortable tightness. This is why always pick a variant that doesn’t meddle with your skin’s pH.
- Shouldn’t be abrasive or rough on the skin: It is crucial to test the feel of the product before adding it to your rotation. If you have acne or sensitive skin, steer clear of products which feel grainy on application as they may lead to unwarranted flare-ups.
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How to Use A Face Wash for Best Results
- Use a pea-sized amount of the product: Dispense a pea-sized amount of your face wash and rub it between your palms to create a lather. Next, use this lather to gently cleanse your face for one minute (and nothing more). It’s crucial to prevent over-washing at all costs.
- Rinse with lukewarm water: Use lukewarm water to rinse your face. Once you’re through, ensure there are no product remnants or residues on the dermis, as it may lead to irritation.
- Dry with a clean towel: Use a clean towel or paper towel to dab your face dry. Remember, don’t rub your skin vigorously, as it may lead to episodes of redness and inflammation.
- Use a moisturiser: Next, use a moisturiser (suitable for your skin type) to seal the nourishment and hydration into your skin.
FAQ
How many times should I use a face wash?
Ans: You must use a face wash at least two times during the day. A potent face wash or cleanser will remove grime, dried cells, and excess oil from pores while granting you a clean, bright surface.
Why should I use face wash at night?
Using a face wash at night time (or your PM routine) is non-negotiable. For the uninitiated, the skin prioritises cellular restructure and rejuvenation at night. A good face wash removes the dried dead cells from the dermis, expediting this repair process. It also ensures better absorption of your serum and night cream, furthering the cause for optimal skin health.