Guys, do you really know how to wash your face? I hear you cry, “What’s wrong with soap and water? Well, everything. Your typical bar of soap is alkaline based. While it is great at removing dirt, it tends to go further than that. What I mean is it strips your skin of moisture, leaving it tight and itchy. Washing your face should give you a clean slate. Ideally, not to dry out your skin, or leave it like an oily slick. Pick a face wash that suits your skin type. Use it little and often to keep yourself looking tiptop.
The Lather
First, use a small amount of face wash to thoroughly clean your hands first, before washing your face. With lukewarm water add a ‘pea size’ amount of face wash to your fingertips and gently rub your face in a circular motion, working outwards from the centre to create a lather. Allow 30 seconds or more to do this. Pay special attention to your forehead and nose (T-Zone), and get in all the cracks and crevices. Don’t forget your jawline, neck, your hairline and behind your ears. Most guys don’t spend enough time on the lather but 30 seconds plus does the trick.
It doesn’t matter where you do it, just make part of your routine. However, a word of warning; don’t be rough. Your skin has to last the distance and treating it too rough means that, over your lifetime, it could drift a little from its moorings and start to sag.
The Splash Off
After the lather, splash off the face wash with fresh lukewarm water. Don’t use the same water as for the lather. Make sure there’s no residue, especially your hairy bits (beard or moustache) as a build-up of product can block pores and encourage breakouts.
If you have ever experienced a hot towel treatment at the barbers, then wrap up like the Invisible Man with a near-scorching damp towel that’s fresh out of the microwave. Yes, you heard it, a damp towel place in a bag in the microwave for 2-3 minutes will give you the same result.
The Dry Up
A clean towel is pretty much essential. Don’t use the same one you have for a shower. As a general rule just pat your face dry. Don’t rub or scrub, which can damage your skin, just dab your face. Bob’s your uncle, you are, fresh, clean and dry and ready to absorb any moisturiser you wish to smear on.
Common Problems?
If you’re using a mild, foaming face wash that still leaves you feeling tight every time, you’re probably washing away moisture from your skin along with the city dirt and your protein shake smears. Switch to a cream-based wash, it’ll soften your skin and clean it at the same time.
Combination skin, I hear your cry? Use a cream wash in the morning and your foaming one at night. That’s right guys, you do need to lather up at night as well. This will give your face a little balance.
Ultimately, all skin types – even oily ones need hydration and can benefit greatly from a little cleansing.
So guys, what are you waiting for? Lather up to get that skin looking clean and fresh.
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