There’s no doubt that the use of a good face cleanser is a critical part of maintaining a healthy complexion and clear skin. But there are lots of other things you can do to help it along. In addition to washing, moisturizing and your overall skin care routine, your daily habits have a serious impact on the overall condition of your skin.
Almost to a person, cosmetic and health experts strongly recommend that you get into a daily routine and stick to it. Specifically, they say you should get into the habit of washing your face in the morning and at night. It’s especially important to cleanse at night, to remove all of the accumulated “gunk” of the day - built-up oils, make-up, dirt, sweat and other debris. Using a gentle cleanser and warm water allows your skin to breathe and be clear, to avoid clogged pores and ultimately the development of bacteria and blemishes.
Yet cleansing is just one part of the equation. If you really want to ensure vibrant and healthy skin, consider your overall health and what you’re doing - or not doing - to maintain good general health and fitness. Exercise is an excellent way to benefit your skin; like muscles, bone and all of your other body systems and organs, your skin will respond to exercise. The act of sweating is a superb way to purge the pores, ridding them of dirt and toxic materials.
If you do work out, make sure to avoid a common no-no among those who exercise: don’t work out with your make-up on! Take the time before a workout to wash it off. Many make the mistake of leaving it on, which is a recipe for skin disasters. As you exercise and your skin heats up, it absorbs the make-up, clogging your pores and preventing sweat from naturally cleansing your skin. This in turn leads to a build-up of dead skin, bacteria and oils, which is a perfect cauldron for a break out of blemishes.
Men in particular should be advised to take care in finding and using a face cleanser that works for their skin type. Although there are many products on the shelves these days that are billed as an “all in one” body scrub, facial wash and shampoo, skin care experts caution that your face is simply not the same as your hair or the rest of your body, and using a one size fits all product runs the risk of drying out and irritating your face. Take the time to ask around and do your homework, so your face an get the cleaning it really needs.
It’s also a good idea to limit the number of skin care products you’re using on your face. While it would seem like the preponderance of products - creams, soaps, astringents, masks and the like - suggests the use of multiple items to achieve multiple benefits, you may be doing more harm than good. Using too much in combination could bring irritation, redness and make your face sting. Similarly, avoid excess washing of your face. Constant scrubbing and washing can strip the skin of oils, and actually have the unintended effect of stimulating the skin to overproduce oil.
Your choices as far as hygiene also make a big difference in the overall condition of your skin. For example, when washing and drying your face, always use a clean washcloth and towels. Something dirty or used likely is embedded with old dirt, bacteria and other materials that can lead to a break out if applied to your face. Similarly, never use someone else’s personal items to wipe or dry your face; it’s just not a certainty that these things are clean, and you never know how or where they’ve been used. And like towels and washcloths, it’s a good idea to keep your pillowcases and sheets clean and changed frequently. The bed is often overlooked as an area where you spend hours of your time, and if you haven’t changed your sheets in a while, you could be exposing your face to a variety of toxins that can cause inflammation or irritation.
A final tip is to drink water and fluids, and drink often. While a great face cleanser is a critical weapon in optimal skin care, don’t underestimate the importance of staying well hydrated. Water goes a long way to maintaining proper moisture balance and tone.
Finally, while investing in a good face cleanser is a wise move, don’t forget the simple practice of staying hydrated. Drinking lots of water and fluids is excellent for healthy skin, helping it maintain the correct moisture balance.
