Splash, rub, rinse - there isn’t much to face washing, we hear you say. Why do you need to read a guide on it? Well, we were actually pretty surprised to find out that for many people, just a quick splash of water - minus even facial cleansers - is enough. If you’re after that ultimate glow from within, you better take note of the steps to properly wash your face.
There are countless questions floating around on the internet about how many steps a skincare routine should be and what kind of acids or active ingredients we should be adding to the lineup. But none of it matters if you’re not actually washing your face properly.
And by washing, we mean a really good cleanse every night to wash away makeup and even if you don’t wear makeup - just to get rid of the day’s impurities. There's no better way to protect your skin than clearing the slate each night.
Our 5 steps to properly wash your face aren't hard and fast rules you have to follow militantly in the correct order. Think of them more as steps you should incorporate into your cleansing routine to really get the most out of it.
Read on to learn the correct way to wash your face and some cleansing tips you’ll want to try out tonight!
Steps to properly wash your face:
- Cleanse your face for a full minute
- Remove your cleanser with a warm washcloth
- Use warm water
- Use a double cleanse
- Apply toner after cleansing your face
1. Put a timer on it
You should be cleansing for at least a full minute. At least. Hands up if you’re guilty of just rubbing some facial cleanser in for about 20 seconds before rinsing it off quickly? We know we’ve done that one before. You’re probably not washing anything off that quickly, and all those skincare steps you have lined up after, like miracle serums or rich eye creams, won’t be able to work their magic if you don’t have a clean slate.
Take your time and work the facial cleanser into your skin with your fingertips in circular motions around your face and in upwards motions where possible. Alternatively, get your hands on a face spin brush to do the hard work for you! Bioderma Sensibio Cleansing Gel is a gentle cleanser that actually does the job and it's perfect for your newly developed routine. Just pump into your palm and work into a foam, then gently massage into your face with your fingers or face spin brush and watch your makeup melt away!
2. Remove it the same way
While you don’t have to give your face quite the same circular motion massage as when you put the cleanser on, you should still take time to remove it properly. Do it slowly and, even better, with a warm washcloth to really lift the product off your face.
3. Don't use hot water - or ice cold water either
So we've all heard that thing about how washing your face with cold water will tighten your pores and skin, right? Well, it's not a myth but it's not exactly true either. The first thing you should know in the steps to properly wash your face is that piping hot water is a hard no. Like a steaming hot shower, it might feel pleasant - especially in the cold weather - but hot water will dry out your skin and strip the skin on your face of its natural oils. This causes problems for people with delicate skin, drying it out even further if it's already dry. For those with oily skin, the stripping of natural sebum can actually cause your skin to create even more oil.
Cold water, on the other hand, can be refreshing and has an astringent effect causing your skin to retract temporarily. This can be great for reducing puffy skin, especially in the eye area. However, skincare experts have suggested that warm water - or more precisely, lukewarm water - is the ideal temperature for face washing. It doesn't irritate sensitive skin and also ensures your facial cleanser gets the right amount of foaming and balances your natural oils properly.
4. Embrace a double cleanse
Just like how you should wash your hair twice - more on that another time - you should also cleanse your face twice. The reasoning behind both of these are the same: when you’re just cleansing once, you’re simply getting rid of that initial barrier of sweat and bacteria. But when you go in again, it acts more like a deep clean.
There are many ways to do this. Some people will use the same cleanser twice and others will use an oil cleanser first, then use a 'normal' cleanser like a foam or gel one after. We love the latter because oil cleansers are super luxe. We're particularly fond of the Pixi Double Cleanse, which has literally been designed to promote this double cleanse we’re talking about. The Cleansing Oil breaks down and removes dirt, makeup and sunscreen. Then the Luxe Cleansing Cream - rich in nourishing ingredients - acts to condition the skin and prepare it for the next skincare steps - think serums, eye creams and moisturisers.
If you’re not sure about doing this every night, try starting with 2-3 times a week - you’ll be addicted in no time (especially with the face spin brush to help you out). An oil cleanser is also a great cleansing option for all skin types so everyone can get around this face washing step.
5. Don’t forget to tone!
Cleansing isn’t really done until you tone. At least that’s what some skincare experts will say. They do have a point though. Despite following all the steps to properly wash your face, you’ll often find residue that one extra swipe of skin toner is needed to get off. This is especially true if you wear makeup everyday. The Pixi Milky Tonic does the job pretty well with it's jojoba enriched formula that acts to soothe and balance the skin.
As an alternative to a skin toner, you can also use micellar water as a final step to remove any last bits of makeup and grime - and it works a charm! Some people will use Bioderma Sensibio H20 before the actual face cleanse as a pre-cleaning ritual and makeup remover, but we love using it after to prep our skin for serums and moisturisers. Our favourite miracle tonic is another great post-cleanse option (with a built in exfoliator).
After you’ve perfected these steps to properly wash your face, feel free to go to town on your favourite serums and treatments. You’ll probably see a noticeable difference in how those products work on your skin. Shop everything you need in this 5 steps to properly wash your face guide on Oz Hair & Beauty today - and pay later with Afterpay.
Did you love this skin care post? There's much more where that came from! Read about all things hair and beauty - including why you should start using Davroe hair products, our top health and wellness tips and what our best hair products were for 2019 - all on the Oz Hair and Beauty blog today!
People also asked:
Are facial cleansing brushes good for your skin?
Yes, absolutely! Facial cleansing brush can give your skin a super deep cleanse, minus any irritation. If you have acne prone skin, they’re also great for clearing clogged pores and really just cleaning your skin of excess dirt, oil and makeup.
What does toner do for your skin?
Toner is amazing for your skin! It’s used after cleansing, and it can remove excess oil, dead skin cells and makeup, as well as give your skin a hydration boost and prep your skin for the rest of your skin care routine.
What are natural skin care products?
Natural skin care products are products that are usually good for the environment, are packed full of beneficial ingredients (such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants), and they can be vegan and cruelty free.
