I’ve been on a mission to achieve clear, radiant skin for over a year now. And of course as a makeup artist, it never ceases to amaze me how little most women care for their skin. Some of us were blessed to put in zero effort, while others struggle with acne, wrinkles, big pores and all the other not so beautiful things we think of! The way you clean your skin can really make all the difference. Creating a regime for morning and night is the first step. Here’s a few tips on how to wash your face…seems simple enough? But if it was that simple, we’d all have amazing skin right?
Remove your makeup first.
1. Yes, you may be washing more than once! If you are a makeup wearer, it’s important to get it all off before bed. Otherwise, you may be layering dirt, oil and bacteria, which of course leads to break outs. No point in using makeup to cover up your dirty habits. #Seewhatididthere
There are also products like Cleanse off Oil by MAC Cosmetics that break it all down in one swoop. You can also use coconut oil, which is excellent for breaking down makeup! The double up trend has been popular in Japan for years! It’s an absolute must for those living in heavily polluted cities. Pollutants can cause dryness and wrinkles over time. (Who volunteers for wrinkles? I know I don’t)
Going swimming?
2. On damp skin, starting at the corners of your mouth, glide your fingertips covered with cleanser up over your nose & onto your forehead, around the eyes, and down the cheeks until you reach your chin. Kind of like doing mini breaststrokes on your face. Do it for one to two minutes to thoroughly remove dirt and oil. Rinse with lukewarm water which breaks down residue better than cold and isn’t as drying as hot. Then, pat dry skin with a clean, dry towel. Be sure not to rub your skin.
If your skin is acne-prone and worried about spreading bacteria, try paper towels. They’re super gentle and germ-free. I keep a roll in my bathroom just for this purpose.
Get it in while it’s wet.
3. Yeah, your skincare products! Duh! Layer on your toners, serums and creams while the skin is still damp and pores are open for optimal absorption. One of my fave serums is Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery is the right time when it comes to skin. The skin is in cell renewal phase and absorbs any treatments better than at any point during the day.
Facial wipes are not a daily-cleansing solution!
4. Sure, they’re convenient, but many wipes are loaded with harsh surfactants and preservatives that can cause dryness and irritation if not washed off the skin. Leave wipes for when you’re on the go and/or makeup removal before cleansing. And follow these guidelines: (1) Choose ones for sensitive skin. They’re less likely to contain strong, irritating ingredients.
(2) Start in the center of your face and work to the perimeter. Then turn the cloth over and gently go over again to ensure that you’re lifting makeup and dirt away and not just smearing it around your face.
(3) Finally, always rinse with water or toner to get rid of any residue. Witch hazel is a great all-natural toner! It’s soothing and gentle on the skin and won’t strip moisture.
Hands work well, but cleansing tools are awesome to get squeaky clean!
5. The ever popular Clairisonic is one of the best investments I’ve made! To figure out what works best for your complexion, start by using the brush once or twice a week with your cleanser. Then, crank up the usage if your skin isn’t irritated. These devices can really give the skin a glow when used efficiently.
Using one already? Skin still looking dull? Try using adding cleansers with chemical exfoliants like lactic or glycolic acid once or twice a week. No grainy scrubs with your brush…that combination is too harsh! You don’t want skin that is red and irritated.
Happy cleansing! Hopefully these tips will make a world of difference!
Joy N. Randall is an award-winning, professional makeup artist, and cosmetologist. Her resume includes NASCAR Productions, The Color Purple Broadway, DNC.com 2012 , and The David Letterman Show. She is a full time freelance artist under her own brand, Flawless Makeup Art in Charlotte, NC.
