Face Acne - How to Wash Your Face the Correct Way​​​​​​​

Washing your face is a fundamental part of your skincare routine, no matter if you don't wear makeup, get dirty, or leave your home. It not only helps your skin look better and stay healthy, but it's also necessary for maintaining good hygiene and it's as important as washing your hands (the coronavirus has reminded us that viruses and bacteria are invisible and can stick to your skin even if you don't notice it).

But, like everything, there's a right way to do it: It's not enough to just splash soap and water on your face in the hope that everything will be okay. There is a process to be followed to remove any dirt and prevent the skin from getting too dry or damaged.

It's something we were supposed to learn from childhood but it's a step that must have been forgotten due to laziness or the misconception that it's just something women should do because they are putting their make-up on.

The reality is, your face is exposed to pollution, sun, dust, and all the nasty dirt that floats in the air in big cities (and around the world). So basic cleaning is necessary no matter if you are not leaving your house. Washing your face helps remove grease and grime residue that has built up throughout the day and it is not enough to just use water.

What happens when you don't wash your face?

According to dermatologist Meghan Feely, not washing your face can cause acne, especially if you tend to be in the sun or go to the gym (sweating is not your friend) but even if you don't sweat, anything that builds up can clog your pores.

Your skin produces natural oils and accumulates dead cells throughout the day and night, in addition to being exposed to pollution and other factors that can cause infections or expose you to viruses and bacteria. All of this makes your skin less healthy and can even reduce the effectiveness of products like sunscreens.

Can we only use water?

No, water cannot wash away all the dirt, experts recommend using mild soaps or cleaners (no harmful chemicals) with lukewarm water and you need to make sure they have the right components for remove oils and dirt.

How often should you wash your face?

For people with acne, dermatologists recommend doing this twice a day, but some skin types only require it to be done once.

If your skin is dry, it is important not to over wash it as this can irritate it and make it drier, as cleansers remove the layer of natural oils that are on the skin.

With age, the skin tends to be drier, which means that you no longer need to wash it twice a day because it stops producing the substances that naturally hydrate it and you don't need to do it twice if you don't use too many products.

Washing your face more than twice a day will only cause dryness and besides it will not produce any additional benefit.

What you use is very important

The cleanser you use should match your skin type. People with sensitive skin need lighter, more neutral products, and people with acne may benefit from using products that contain salicylic acid. Overall, most people can use products for sensitive skin which tend to be more delicate.