How to Wash Your Face Properly: With Non-Toxic Products
Properly cleansing your skin is the cornerstone of a healthy, radiant complexion. In this guide, we'll explore the best non-toxic approach to skin cleansing and cover essential topics to help you achieve your skin goals naturally.
1. Know Your Skin Type
Understanding your skin type is the first step to tailoring your skincare routine:
Learn to recognize your skin type, whether it's oily, dry, combination, or sensitive. Observing your skin's natural tendencies can help you choose the right products and cleansing frequency. Take our quick "Skin Quiz" to help determine your skin type in just a few simple steps!
Still unsure which cleanser is best for you? Contact Trisha for a simple questionnaire and she'll align you with the cleanser best suited for your needs and preferences.
2. How Often to Wash It
Determining how often to wash your face is crucial for maintaining skin health:
For most skin types, cleansing once in the morning and once at night is sufficient. However, those with oily skin may benefit from an additional cleanse during the day (perhaps "double cleansing" is the best option for you! see below)
Over-cleansing can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Find the balance that works for your skin type.
2. The BEST Way to Wash Your Face
When it comes to washing your face, choosing the right technique is crucial. Here's the best way to wash your skin:
Selecting the Right Non-Toxic Cleanser: Begin your routine by selecting a gentle, non-toxic cleanser suitable for your skin type (see below). Look for labels that are paraben free, pthalate free, Sulphate free and most importantly, fragrance free.
Start by wetting your face with warm (not hot) water. This opens up your pores and prepares your skin for cleansing.
Massage and Cleanse Gently: Using a dime-size amount of cleanser, apply it by gently massaging it onto your skin using circular motions. Avoid harsh scrubbing, which can damage the skin's natural barrier. Are you a make up wearer? Try Double Cleansing (see below) to first remove your makeup!
Thorough Rinse: Rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water until all the cleanser is removed. Looking for extra exfoliation for acne-prone or dry skin? Try rinsing with a warm wash cloth to remove the cleanser.
Pat Dry with a Soft Towel: After cleansing, pat your skin dry with a clean, soft towel. Avoid rubbing, as this can irritate the skin. Pro tip: Your laundry detergent can have a significant effect on your skin. Opt for "sulphate free" and "fragrance free" when it comes to laundering your towels if your skin feels irritated and be sure to skip the fragrance-filled (irritating) dryer sheets!
4. The Order of Products
Applying skincare products in the correct order ensures their effectiveness:
Cleanser comes first, followed by toners, serums, moisturizers, and sunscreen. This order allows products to penetrate the skin effectively.
The order of application can affect how your skin absorbs and benefits from each product. Follow the routine to maximize their effects.
Remember this four step order and your skin will thank you!
Cleanse
Prep
Treat
Protect
5. Choosing Non-Toxic Skincare Products
Opt for products with non-toxic, organic, and natural ingredients to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. Use our "Comprehensive Guide for Shopping Safer" and be sure to sign up to get my FREE guide on the exact ingredients you need to avoid, which companies you can trust, and a complete guide to swapping out your products, one at a time. PLUS you get a free checklist you can screenshot and take with you next time you’re out shopping!
Tailor your routine to address specific skin issues, such as acne, dryness, or redness, using non-toxic solutions. Check out our Skin Care Boosters that can help!
Even on busy days, it's crucial to maintain a skincare routine. On hectic days, a shortened version of your routine can suffice. Use water and a gentle cloth for a quick cleanse if necessary. Regardless of time constraints, consistency is key for healthy skin. Stick to your routine as closely as possible.
If you only do one thing, exfoliate.
6. Double Cleansing
Thoroughly washing your face with two cleansers. Double cleansing uses first an oil cleanser, followed up by a water-based cleanser. The oil cleanser attaches to the oils on your skin (oil attracts oil), while the next cleanser helps to wash it all away.
Beautycounter’s Countertime Lipid Defense Oil Cleanser removes makeup, oils, and other impurities while a second cleanser like the Countercontrol Clear Pore Cleanser exfoliates dry dead skin cells and completes the job of what the oil cleanser started. This allows for a deeper cleanse to revitalize dull skin and allow your treatment products to absorb thoroughly.
This is for everyone! Although certain skin conditions may benefit more, this type of cleansing is great for all skin types and conditions. Acne prone/oily skin types will benefit most from this type of cleansing as it will help maximize the removal of oils and bacteria. If you’re someone who wears makeup, this type of cleansing is also very beneficial to fully remove your makeup at the end of the day.