For us to achieve smooth, flawless skin, the first step is always a proper skincare routine, and cleansing our face thoroughly is key. Many of us, however, unknowingly harm our skin by using the wrong techniques when washing our faces.

Today, let's go through the correct way to wash our face, and how often we should be doing it based on different skin types. By following these steps, we can maintain glowing, healthy skin!

What's the Ideal Frequency for Different Skin Types?

Depending on our skin type, the frequency of washing our face and the products we use can vary. Let's take a closer look at the skin types and how often we should cleanse.

Dry Skin

If you have dry skin, you should use a gentle, moderate cleanser and wash your face twice a day. However, if your skin still feels too dry, you can skip the cleanser in the morning and just use water to remove surface dirt. In the evening, use a cleanser. After washing, make sure to apply a moisturizer to avoid dryness and peeling.

Oily Skin

For those with oily skin, we are prone to acne and clogged pores. It's suggested to wash our face up to three times a day based on how oily our skin feels. But we should avoid over-washing, as excessive washing can actually trigger more oil production. When choosing a cleanser, look for products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to help control oil and prevent acne.

Combination Skin

Combination skin is common, where the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) is oily, and the cheeks are dry. If you have combination skin, wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser, once in the morning and once at night. For the oily areas, you can use blotting paper to control the shine without over-cleansing.

Sensitive Skin

For sensitive skin, one wash a day is usually sufficient. Choose a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and avoid those with harsh chemicals like salicylic acid or glycolic acid, which can irritate the skin. This will help prevent redness or peeling.

you are washing your face wrong

Video: Dr Alexis Stephens

The Right Way to Wash Our Face: 6 Key Steps

Now that we know how often we should wash our face, let's take a look at the steps for doing it correctly. These six simple steps will help us achieve smooth, radiant skin.

Step 1: Prepare Your Face

Before we begin, make sure our hair is tied back to keep it away from the face. Wash your hands thoroughly to avoid transferring dirt onto your skin. Then, using water that is slightly cooler than our skin temperature, wet your face thoroughly.

Step 2: Apply Cleanser

Next, take about a coin-sized amount of cleanser, and lather it with water in your hands. You want to create a rich foam. This helps remove dirt without rubbing your skin too harshly.

Step 3: Massage in Circular Motions

Using the foam, gently massage our face in circular motions, starting from the forehead, moving down to the nose, temples, cheeks, and chin. Be gentle around the eyes and mouth. This will allow the cleanser to break down any dirt, oil, and makeup.

Step 4: Rinse with Water

After massaging for about a minute, rinse your face with cool water. It's important not to rinse too long as it can remove your skin of essential moisture. Aim for a total of around 2 minutes to cleanse and rinse.

Step 5: Dry Your Face

After rinsing, gently pat your face dry with a clean towel or tissue. Avoid rubbing the skin, as this can cause irritation.

Step 6: Moisturize

Finally, apply a suitable moisturizer for your skin type. This will lock in hydration and keep your skin smooth and soft.

Should We Exfoliate After Washing?

Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells and promote smoother skin, but it's not something we should do every day. Exfoliating too often can thin the skin and make it more sensitive. Aim to exfoliate once or twice a week. If you have sensitive skin or are currently peeling, skip exfoliating until your skin has healed.

After exfoliating, avoid using products with harsh ingredients, like retinoids or acids. They can irritate freshly exfoliated skin and cause redness or discomfort.

By following these steps and knowing the right products for our skin type, we can create a skincare routine that will leave us with healthier, smoother skin. Remember, consistency is key, Lykkers! Let's all take a few minutes each day to treat our skin right and enjoy the glow we deserve.