Did you know that there's a right way and a wrong way to wash your face? We definitely didn't! We spent *years* doing what everyone else does: we bought our face wash and moisturizer at the drug store and followed the instructions on the back of the bottles. We expected that over time our skin would be clear and radiant.
But that didn't really happen for us. We struggled with a rollercoaster of acne and dry skin for several years before we realized that something was definitely off.
So here's our quick start guide to washing your face the right way. Brought to you by dermatologist advice and years of our own research.
How often should I wash my face?
Usually, once or twice a day should do the trick. “Realistically, you only need to wash your face once a day — twice at the most,” says Dr. Todd Minars, MD, a dermatologist and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology, University of Miami School of Medicine.
The Time of Day Matters
The best time of the day to wash your face is usually after the day ends, whether that be right after a day's work or right before sleeping. The end of the day is when all the grime and makeup can come off, which is why Dr. Todd Minars recommends washing at night.
Don’t Over Wash Your Face
Don’t over wash your face. Over washing can lead to a loss of natural oils and fats in the skin. Doing so actually pulls skin cells apart, allowing for debris and bacteria to get in, potentially causing inflammation and infection, according to Dr. Roberta Del Campo, MD, a Florida-based dermatologist.
What Ingredients Should I Choose?
Your Skin Type Makes a Difference
Your skin type makes all the difference when it comes to what ingredients will help. There are many different ingredients that work with one skin type but not another.
Ingredients for Dry Skin
The ingredients for dry skin often revolve around boosting your skin’s barrier and allowing it to get to a hydrated and supple feel. Ingredients to look for include the following:
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Goat Milk
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Lactic Acid
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Hyaluronic Acid
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Aloe Vera
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Ceramides
Ingredients for Oily Skin
The ingredients for oily skin revolves around regulating the overproduction of sebum that your skin naturally produces from its pores. Ingredients to look for include:
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Retinol
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Salicylic Acid
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Hyaluronic Acid
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Niacinamide
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Clay
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Grapeseed Oil
Stay Clear of Harsh Chemicals
Make sure to stay clear of all of the harsh chemicals, and not to overdo it. Your skin needs to get used to these ingredients, so make sure to start off moderately and see how your skin adapts to the product before getting all gung-ho about it.
Should I Use Tap Water?
Many people just use the water that comes right out of the faucet, without any real thought as to what could be lying in wait in that water.
Your Tap Water is Dirty
Tap water may be one of the reasons why your skin is actually doing poorly. Tap water often contains many different contaminants like chlorine, heavy metals and minerals. These contaminants can be very harmful to your skin, stripping away moisture and exposing your skin to more inflammation and infection.
Why Derms Recommend Filtered Water
Filtered water is much more effective than tap water due to the impurities being removed, which is why a PROdermis filter is a fantastic alternative. With a three a step filtration system, PROdermis filters traps micro contaminants in water as small as 0.1-0.2 microns. A common replacement for tap water would be micellar water. While micellar water is a “good product with a nice, stable pH,” says Dr. Peterson Pierre, MD, a dermatologist in Thousand Oaks, California, “ … it’s heavily marketed like it’s magic. It’s not. You should still be washing your face with water and cleanser.” Not to mention that it can get quite pricey quickly. A PROdermis is much more sustainable for both your skin and your wallet.
How often should I exfoliate my skin?
As Dr. Salma Pothiawala, MD, a dermatologist at Bethany Medical Clinic of New York says, “It's a good idea to exfoliate two to three times a week at most.” Make sure not to overdo it.
Exfoliate with Caution
Over exfoliation can be detrimental for your skin. It can cause irritation, redness and otherwise inflamed skin. Your skin will react negatively if you start to exfoliate too much.
Stay Away from physical Exfoliants
Physical exfoliants can be extremely harmful, especially to those with sensitive skin. It can cause inflammation, small tears in the skin, and can even lead to infection. It can also weaken the skin barrier, which will leave your complexion red and irritated.
Keep Your Skin Healthy Overtime
Now, if you already have a routine, and already have perfect skin, you’re doing great. Don’t make drastic changes. If you're lucky enough to have skin that stays clear and moisturized already, adding a water filter to your skincare routine is the best way to ensure that your skin will continue to stay healthy over time.