Do you know how to wash your face?

We are all busy, perhaps busier than we want to be.  In a hectic schedule we tend to side step important aspects of our daily routines, including properly cleansing our face.  I have been in the Anti Aging business for a long time and though contact with clients worldwide, I have discovered that many, perhaps most do not know how to wash their face properly.

Why is proper facial cleansing important?  First and foremost it is important to maintain healthy skin.  Healthy skin is skin that glows and is clear of free radicals.  Cleansing helps prevent skin disorders including Milia, which are those persistent white bumps seen on skin that are usually unmovable once they appear.  Milia is caused by an accumulation of facial products and skin oil, which become trapped under the skin surface and are usually visible in the eye area.

Having clean healthy skin allows your favorite skin care products (including the Easy Eye Solutions products) to work at maximum strength.  Clean healthy skin looks younger much longer than skin that is not cared for.

Here are some reminders and helpful hints:

1) Pull your hair back.

If you’re washing your face at the sink, hold your hair back with an elastic, shower cap or a headband. If you’re in the tub or shower, either rinse your hair back or put it in a cap. Remember to get bangs/fringes out of the way if you have any.

2) Splash warm water all over your face.

Warm water opens your pores and helps you clean deeper, so avoid using cold water if possible. (You might even want to let your face steam in the bath or shower for a few minutes.) Don’t dry your face yet.

3) Apply a cleanser (never hand or body soap) using gentle, circular motions. Spread all over the face gently, especially if you have acne; scrubbing hard will make it worse or even leave scars. Remember that you don’t need a lot of product for a thorough clean.

Facial scrubs contain tiny beads or particles that help rub away dead skin cells (i.e. exfoliate). This will make your face smoother and fresher looking while helping to unclog your pores. To exfoliate, use a face scrubber (a soft, knit piece of material) or facecloth. Gently rub it in circles over your skin as you did the soap. Don’t scrub hard or you will irritate the skin and encourage wrinkles.

4) Thoroughly rinse away the cleanser. Splash your face repeatedly with water, rubbing gently with your hands after each splash. If it all does not come off, wet a cloth and rub your face gently to get the more obvious stuff off, then rinse again.

Rinse more than you think you need to. Residue will clog your pores, dry out your skin, and possibly even affect your skin’s natural pH. Leaving a film on your face will make it dirtier than when you started.

Pay extra attention to your hairline, jawline, and anything that drips down your neck. It’s easy to neglect these spots while rinsing.

5) With a soft, clean towel, gently pat your face dry. Try not to rub or pull at your skin, which encourages wrinkles.

6) Apply an alcohol free toner with a cotton ball or pad.

7) Apply moisturizer (optional). Doing this won’t make your face any cleaner, but it can enhance the wash by giving your face a healthy, glowing look.

If you have acne, choose a non-oily moisturizer. If necessary, make sure it won’t conflict with any anti-acne products you’re already using.If you’ll be going outside, use a moisturizer that contains sunscreen, preferably with SPF 15 or 30.