Facial Cleansing 101

You’ve been doing it every day since you were a little girl but it’s amazing how many women are not washing their face correctly which could be harming your skin more than helping it.

If you don’t wash your face thoroughly you will leave traces of makeup and daily grime on your skin which will result in clogged pores and blemishes and if you are overly zealous you will strip your face of essential oils leading to dry patches and the dreaded w-word… wrinkles! It seems like such a simple process but get it wrong and you could be ruining your complexion, so banish schoolgirl errors to the past and perfect your face wash with our facial cleansing 101. Your skin will thank you for it.

Start by pulling your hair back and splashing your face, neck and décolletage with warm water. Hot water is harsh on the skin and can result in dryness or blotchiness and cold water is plain unpleasant so go for a lukewarm temperature. The warm water will start breaking down and loosening surface dirt and will help to evenly distribute the cleanser.

Choose a facial wash for your age and skin type (dry, combination, oily, sensitive) and if you’re using it for the first time perform a patch test 24 hours before you incorporate it into your daily regime. It’s important to get the right cleanser for your skin type; get it wrong and you either won’t remove the daily build up or on the flip side will dry out your skin leaving it dull and flaky. Remember everyone’s skin is different and the cleanser your best friend swears by might not be the right one for you.

Apply a small amount of cleanser (about the size of a 10p coin) to your palm and work it into a lather with a few drops of water. Using your fingertips or a facial brush, (link to shop) apply the cleanser to your damp face in circular motions, starting at the centre of your face and working outwards towards your hair and jawline. We also recommend using your facial cleaner on your neck and décolletage as, like your face, the skin here is more sensitive and body washes can be too harsh. Take your time to massage the cleanser all over your face so you get good coverage; as a general rule 30-60 seconds should be sufficient. Women’s faces are more oily in the t-zone so spend a bit more time on this area and ensure you work into all of the creases such as the side of the nose where makeup can build up.

Once a week perform a deep cleanse by exfoliating to remove dead skin cells and use a face mask to unblock clogged pores and re-hydrate the skin. Bear in mind that the skin on your face is very thin and sensitive so choose gentle products and go easy on the application - you’re pampering your skin not punishing it!

Once you’ve thoroughly cleansed your skin, rinse off the suds with clean warm water. Use your hands to ensure you have removed all traces of cleanser as any residue left on your skin can dry and irritate or lead to breakouts. Dry your face by patting it with a soft, clean towel. Be mindful not to rub or pull your skin as you dry as this can stretch it and cause wrinkles, which is the last thing you want.

Finish off by moisturising your skin to seal in moisture and protect from outside toxins. Apply to your skin in small dots around your face, neck and décolletage and use your fingertips to massage it in evenly and thoroughly. Use a rich moisturiser at night to help repair and replenish your skin and choose a moisturiser containing SPF for the day to protect your skin from UV.

Welcome to thoroughly cleansed, hydrated skin and a flawless complexion.