Wash Your Face

Washing your face is an essential part of your daily hygiene and skin care. Individualized in-office treatments and a good at-home routine is the winning combination to glowing skin. You can maximize your treatment results by taking good care of your skin at home between visits. Please read below for our breakdown of the first step to your home routine: washing your face. Be sure to sign up for our cosmetic newsletter “In The Glow” to be the first to know about our skincare tips and exclusive specials.    

The foundation of your skincare regimen is washing your face. It helps to rid the skin of any dirt and oils that accumulate during the day and while you sleep. Don’t give in to the temptation to skip washing your face. Your products and your dermatologist will have to work twice as hard to make up for it. A clean face is the best surface to apply products, allowing moisturizers and topicals to soak into the skin for maximum effectiveness. People tend to focus on the other products that they use on their skin and neglect the cleansing. Products can only work as well as the clean skin to which they are applied. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to washing your face, but below are some general tips that are universal.

It’s simple. Everyone needs to wash their face twice a day with a cleanser. Start your day with fresh skin and go to bed after cleansing off the day. Limit washing to twice per day, only adding another wash after vigorous workouts or activities that induce heavy sweating. Perspiration can lead to irritation and clogged pores, so wash your face as soon as possible after sweating. Washing the face only takes 1-2 minutes of the day, and its benefits last much longer. Now that you’re committing to washing twice per day, what is the best way to do it?

How you wash your face can make all the difference in your skin. Ensure you wash your hands before washing your face, so your facial cleanser does not have to do double duty. Apply the cleanser to your hands with lukewarm water and gently apply the cleanser to your face. It is better to wash your face in the sink rather than the shower because shower water is typically a higher temperature than is recommended to wash your face. Hot water can cause irritation and dryness. Gently rub the cleanser into your skin, resisting the urge to scrub hard. Always be extra gentle when washing around the eyes, the most delicate area on the face. Rinse your face with lukewarm water and gently pat dry with a clean towel.

Did you know your cleanser should match your skin type? Whether you have oily, dry, combination, acne-prone, or rosacea skin, there is a cleanser for you. Some factors to be mindful of when choosing a cleanser for your skin are the pH, ingredients, and moisture levels. Try to find a gentle cleanser made for cleaning your type of skin. For example, if you have dry skin, a hydrating face wash may be better than one made for oil-control. In general, if your face feels tight, dry, or itchy after you wash it, it may not be the best type of cleanser for your skin. Before you buy a random product on the shelf at the store, request a product consultation to discuss with one of our professionals to determine the type of cleanser that would work best for your unique skin.  

By just making a few adjustments to your face washing routine, committing to washing twice a day, and finding the best cleanser for your skin, you can set your face up for success to achieve your skin goals. Stay tuned for future blogs are we will go more in-depth on how to clean up your skincare routine over the next couple of months.

We think washing your face is so important that now you can TAKE 20% OFF on cleansers (and sunscreens and antioxidants) throughout the entire month in our offices or by using code ‘MM21’ at our online store for March Madness!

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