Skin Care

The Correct Way to Wash Your Face

At bedtime, you’re just ready to hit the sheets so washing your face may not be high on your list of priorities. Face wipes may seem like a quick way to get the job done, but be warned: The “wipe, rinse and sleep” method is all wrong.

 

To remove the day’s makeup, environmental debris and dead skin cell build-up, we must give our faces a thorough cleansing. It starts by simply washing using a wash cloth along with your favorite facial cleanser.  If you have quite sensitive skin or are prone to acne, it’s better to use a baby wash cloth which will be more gentle for you.

 

Almost all women choose to remove their makeup first, but this only pushes the product deeper into the pores so you should forget using face wipes for the purpose of getting your skin ready for bed.  Once you’ve cleansed your face,  go over with a wet towelette to wipe away excess dirt and makeup, especially eyeliner. Use a toner to restore the skin’s pH balance so your evening treatments work more effectively. Then apply serums or retinol products (allow them to sit for a few minutes). Finish with a hydrating night cream.

In the morning, you’re sure to wake up with glowing skin.

Oh, and by the way, always hang up your wash cloth to dry after use and preferably in sunlight if possible.  Give it a thorough weekly wash to remove any hidden debris. These steps will keep it free of bacteria.

 

How To Erase Dark Spots

There’s no need to actually walk around without makeup or, conversely, plaster your face in foundation in an effort to rid your face of unsightly dark spots or hyper-pigmentation.

 

Here is a four-step regimen to remove dark spots and prevent them from popping up on your skin.

Removing dead skin cells with an exfoliating cleanser or face cleansing brush a few days a week is the first step.

Then, to protect your now-hypersensitive skin from light and UV rays (as well as block future blemishes), always wear sunscreen.

A key step in the process that I kept screwing up: Before bed, apply a dark spot corrector as this is prime time for skin cell regeneration, allowing the products to work better.

Then be sure to treat yourself to a brightening face mask with illuminating ingredients like vitamin C and papaya at least once a week.

You’ll be sure to see a big improvement if you carry out the above routine.

 

Types of Skin Toners

Skin bracers or fresheners

These are the mildest form of toners; they contain virtually no alcohol (0-10%), water, and a humectant such as glycerine. Humectants help to keep the moisture in the upper layers of the epidermis by preventing it from evaporating. A popular example of this is rosewater.

These toners are the gentlest to the skin, and are most suitable for use on dry, dehydrated, sensitive and normal skins. It may give a burning sensation to sensitive skin.

Skin tonics

These are slightly stronger and contain a small quantity of alcohol (up to 20%), water and a humectant ingredient. Orange flower water is an example of a skin tonic. Skin tonics are suitable for use on normal, combination, and oily skin.

Astringents

These are the strongest form of toner and contain a high proportion of alcohol (20-60%), antiseptic ingredients, water, and a humectant ingredient. These are commonly recommended for oily skins as they are drying, removal of oil from the skin does not cause overproduction of oil as there are no structure in the skin that provides a mechanism that will send a negative feedback to the oil glands that the skin has become dry and it needs to compensate for that condition . to compensate for that dryness it would be recommended to use a water based, non comedogenic facial moisturizer.

 

What are some things I can do to prevent my skin from getting too dry?

Answer: Some things that you can do prevent your skin from getting too dry are number one, to moisturize. The most important thing to do about moisturizing is to moisturize as soon as you get out of the shower. You want to just dry off and then have damp skin and apply the moisturizer.
Another thing to remember is that you don’t want to take really hot showers. I know that’s tempting but the hotter the water the more the lipid barrier in your skin breaks down. So taking a lukewarm shower if you’re prone to dry skin is something that can be beneficial.
These strategies can also help make your skin supple and smooth:
•    Plug in a humidifier at home to help keep skin hydrated during winter months when indoor air is dry.
•    Wear cotton and other natural fibers. Wool, synthetics, or other fabrics can be scratchy and irritating.
•    Drink plenty of water.
•    Eat omega-3 foods. Essential fatty acids can help fortify the skin’s natural oil-retaining barriers. Foods rich in omega-3 include cold-water fish (salmon, halibut, sardines), flax, walnuts, and safflower oil.
•    For redness or inflammation, apply a cool compress or an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream on the area for a week. If these don’t provide relief, talk to your doctor.