Facial Cleansing Routine: What + How

By Marji Soofi

Cleansers vs. Soaps
I believe it is harmful to clean your face with a bar soap even with one called “moisturizing,” it will still be drying and it will affect your skin’s PH negatively.  Today’s cleansers can dissolve makeup without irritation.  You have many choices of cleansers; creams, milks, foams, and liquids that can dissolve makeup without irritating your eyes.

Water Temperature
You should use medium warm water to begin with when washing your face, and finish with medium cool water.

When and How Long
Most ladies do not take enough time to clean their faces.  First remove all eye makeup before cleansing your face.  You do not want to spread your mascara and eye shadows all over your face.  Then clean your face with the appropriate cleanser for your skin type for two minutes at night.  In the mornings a quick wash is sufficient.
Gentlemen, you should clean your face with an appropriate cleanser for your skin type for one minute at night, and a quick wash in the mornings.

Tools or No Tools
If you wear a lot of makeup, layer on sunscreen, live in a highly polluted city or sweat often, using just your fingers might not be enough to cleanse your skin thoroughly.  Gentle scrubs or oscillating cleansing brushes with soft nylon bristles and sonic vibrations are an option.  Use your choice of exfoliating method several times a week, but make sure you do not use too much pressure.

Toners or No Toners
Toners are an important part of cleansing.  You should choose an appropriate toner for your skin type.  The purpose of a toner is to remove any remaining make up, oil, dirt and debris from your skin after cleansing.  A toner will help to calm and hydrate the skin, allowing your products to penetrate better, and therefore helps to reduce the amount of products you use.