10 Steps to a Perfectly Clean Face

10 Steps to a Perfectly Clean Face

Did you know that you have a great deal of control over the texture, clarity, suppleness and long-term health of facial skin just based on how and how often you cleanse? Whether you’re young or old, man or woman, you can do your skin a big favor by cleansing correctly.

Cleansing is arguably the most important part of your basic skincare routine. Proper cleansing gets rid of old surface skin cells, dirt and dust, grime, make-up and bacteria, and keeps skin pores free of clogs and able to breathe freely.

Cleansing also aids circulation and prepares the skin to receive topically applied nutrients and lipids.

Here are some tips for proper facial cleansing from the 5,000-year-old healing tradition of Ayurveda:

1. Cleanse twice a day, no more. Unless you have exposed your skin to excessive dust, grime or pollution, twice-a-day cleansing is more than adequate for any skin type. Cleansing too often strips your skin of precious natural oils. Not cleansing regularly, particularly before you retire for the night, may lead to build-up and eruptions.

2. Choose a cleanser that is appropriate for your skin type. Do not use soap on facial skin: it can be too harsh and drying and damage skin over time. A too-rich cleanser can clog pores, while a too-dry cleanser can irritate the skin. A cleanser for dry skin should contain nourishing herbs and oils. One for oily skin should include herbs that balance oil production and support clarity. Sensitive skin benefits from an ultra-gentle, fragrance-free, non-irritating cleanser.

Traditional Ayurvedic cleansers are made fresh with natural ingredients such as ground oats, lentils or chickpeas, complexion enhancing or clarifying herbs such as turmeric, Amalaki, Neem and sandalwood, emollients such as milk, cream yogurt or honey, and floral or citrus waters for pure healing fragrance. You can make your own 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’s gentle and fortified with skin-friendly herbs.

3. Always cleanse with tepid water. Hot water dries and damages skin over time, and cold water won’t dissolve and take away embedded dirt and grime as well as lukewarm water.

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

5. Wash your hands thoroughly before you cleanse your face, or you will be working dirt into facial skin. Use a headband to secure hair away from the face.

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

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

8. Rinse with lots of tepid water. Don’t forget to rinse off cleanser from the neck and hairline. Cleanser residue can clog pores and attract dirt.

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

10. Follow immediately 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.

Note: This ayurvedic information is educational, and is not intended to replace standard medical care or advice.

The Author:

Shreelata Suresh is a yoga instructor who lives in the Bay Area. She writes for various publications on yoga, Ayurveda and Indian culture.

22 thoughts on “10 Steps to a Perfectly Clean Face

    1. I used ACWA face cleanser for cleaning my face. It is effective cleanser. I tried it for myself and found it effective.

      1. Thank you for sharing your personal experience with the ACWA face cleanser! It’s always helpful to hear others’ feedback on products.

    2. Cleaning an oily face requires special attention to effectively remove excess oil, dirt and impurities. Here are some steps you can follow to clean your oily face:

      1. Wash your hands thoroughly before cleaning your face to avoid transferring dirt and oil.

      2. Wet your face with warm water to open up pores.

      3. Use a gentle, oil-free cleanser that is formulated to target oily skin. Gently massage the cleanser onto your face using circular motions for 30 seconds or so.

      4. Rinse off the cleanser with lukewarm water.

      5. Pat your face dry using a clean, soft towel.

      6. Use a toner that is specifically designed for oily skin to help control sebum production and minimize pores.

      7. Apply an oil-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated without adding any additional oil.

      8. If you wear makeup, use oil-free and non-comedogenic products that won’t clog your pores.

      It’s important to note that over-washing or using harsh products can actually cause your skin to produce more oil in response. Try to limit washing your face to twice a day and use gentle, non-abrasive products. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated and getting enough sleep can all help keep your skin healthy and balanced.

    1. To achieve a lighter complexion, you can try using natural remedies like lemon juice or aloe vera, but it’s important to remember that a person’s skin color is determined by genetics and cannot be drastically changed. As for removing pimples, you can try using acne creams or spot treatments, and maintain a good skincare routine.

    1. It’s possible that the honey might not be suitable for your skin type, leading to darkening. You might want to try alternative natural ingredients like yogurt or clay masks to see if they have a better effect on your skin.

    1. We’re glad you found the article helpful! Remember consistency is key when following these tips.

    1. If you want to clean scars on your face, you can try using certain creams or gels that are specifically designed to reduce the appearance of scars. It’s also a good idea to consult with a dermatologist for personalized advice.

  1. Have clean skin it has become everyone’s dream, especially women, we want to be healthy and also have a clean face in order to appear more confident. Thank you for sharing 🙂

    1. Absolutely, having clean skin can boost confidence. We’re glad you found the article valuable.

    1. A cleanser is a skincare product specifically formulated to remove dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin’s surface. It’s an essential step in any skincare routine to maintain clean and healthy skin.

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