Anti Aging Skin Care » Skin Care Tips » Facial Cleansing

Facial Cleansing

The long-term health of facial skin and control over the texture, clarity, suppleness is based on how and how often you cleanse your face. You can do your skin a great favor by cleansing properly, no matter you are old or young, man or women.

Cleansing is questionably the most essential part of your basic skincare routine. Correct cleansing removes old surface skin cells, dirt and dust, grime, make-up and bacteria. It helps to keep skin pores free of clogs and able to breathe freely. Cleansing also helps blood circulation and prepares the skin to receive topically applied nutrients and lipids.

Here are some tips for proper facial cleansing:

• Cleanse twice a day, no more. If you have exposed your skin to extreme dust, grime or pollution, twice-a-day cleansing is more than sufficient for any skin type. Cleansing too frequently strips your skin of precious natural oils. If you do not cleans regularly, mainly before you retire for the night, it may lead to build-up and eruptions.

• Select a cleanser that is suitable for your skin type. Avoid the use of soap on facial skin: it can be too harsh and can dry and damage skin over time. A too-rich cleanser can block pores, while a too-dry cleanser can bother the skin. A cleanser for dry skin should include nourishing herbs and oils. One for oily skin should contain herbs that balance oil production and support clarity. Sensitive skin gets benefits from an ultra-gentle, fragrance-free, non-irritating cleanser.

• Herbal cleansers are made fresh with natural ingredients such as ground oats, lentils or chickpeas, complexion enhancing or clarifying herbs such as turmeric, neem and sandalwood, emollients such as milk, cream yogurt or honey, and floral or citrus waters for pure healing fragrance. You can prepare your own cleanser by mixing the dry ingredients to last a week or two and blending the mix with milk or cream right before use. Otherwise, look for a natural cleanser that is gentle and fortified with skin-friendly herbs.

• Always cleanse with tepid water. Hot water dry and damage skin over time, and cold water will not dissolve and take away embedded dirt and grime as well as lukewarm water.

• If you use sponges or washcloths, make certain they are clean and soft. They are not required for effective cleansing: your fingertips can do just as good a job.

• Before you cleanse your face wash your hands thoroughly or you will be working dirt into facial skin. Use a headband to secure hair away from the face.

• Start by splashing tepid water on your face and neck.

• With your fingertips or a soft sponge, apply the cleanser, using gentle circular massaging strokes and moving upward on the face and neck. Do not scrub too much. Slow massaging strokes are enough to help improve blood circulation as well as loosen grime and old surface skin cells. Too much scrubbing will stretch skin and annoy it, especially the delicate skin around the eyes.

• Rinse with lots of tepid water. Do not forget to wash off cleanser from the neck and hairline. Cleanser residue can clog pores and attract dirt.

• Gently blot off excess water with a soft towel. Do not scrub dry or drag towel along skin.

• Follow right away with a water-based toner and a moisturizer appropriate for your skin type to seal in surface moisture and offer nourishment when skin is receptive.