I used to think my moms 20-minute skin care regimen was overkill, but maybe she was onto something.
Her face looks amazing and her skin is healthy in her older years.
The world is filthy and gross.
But hey, if you ignore or overlook proper facial hygiene, whats the worst that can happen?
Whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, blemishes, and acne.
Do you go with a cream or a gel?
Do you buy oily or acne-specific washes?
First, note that many products are created for specific skin types.
Some help with heavier-duty cleansing, and others are better at safeguarding delicate skin.
Heres how to choose based on your skin pop in.
Your skin may feel tight and look flaky.
Oftentimes winter exacerbates the dryness or symptoms of skin conditions like eczema.
Specific brands likeCeraVe,SkinCeuticals, or my current (non-winter) favoriteCaudaliecould work.
Youll know if youve scrubbed away too much if your face is left feeling tight after washing.
Thats not necessarily the case, however.
Sometimes irritation is a matter of overusing a specific product, or just using the wrong product for them.
They tend to have a thinner outer skin layer which is easily irritated and reacts readily.
I feel you, sensitive skin-sufferers.
She adds that in general, the fewer the ingredients on the label, the better.
Some active ingredients, such aslipoic acid,glycolic acid, and salicylic acid are well-known skin irritants.
Bust out the confetti because you have the least problematic skin jot down!
The video above, fromGlamrs.com, shows you how to figure out your skin jot down.
As it notes, using the wrong products could worsen skin issues you may already be prone to.
Improve Your Face-Washing Technique
There are better, less harsh techniques to clean your delicate facial skin.
To be clear, thesetechniques apply to both women and men.
(In fact, there arent gender-specific regimens or products, per seonly gender-specific product marketing.)
Use lukewarm water:Water temperature is important, but not for the reason you think.
Pores dont open or close in response to hot or cold water.
What about washing your face in the shower?
Use your fingers:When washing your face, easy does it.
Among theface-washing tipsprovided by the AAD, they say to avoid scrubbing or using anything other than your fingertips.
Washcloths, scrubbing pads, or other rough fabrics will probably irritate your skin.
Pat your face dry:Be gentle.
when you’ve got the technique down, how often should you wash your face?
Well, the jury is still out on that one.
Most people stick with the oft-repeated twice a day rule, once in the morning and once at night.
Of course, that recommendation isnt for everyone, and too often will dry out your face.
For others, too infrequently will leave their face oily and dirty.
How often you wash your facedepends on your skin typeas well.
Those with oily and acne-prone skin generally should wash twice a day.
Whats more, over-washing can actually lead toincreasedoil production, notedBadreshia-Bansal.
Its a bit befuddling because we want clean but notsqueakyclean, when theres no more oil.
The saying Too much of a good thing can become bad!
applies to face-washing, too.
Illustration by Fruzsina Kuhari.
drop a line to the author at[email protected].
