The Art of Facewashing

Since the New Year, I made a resolution to try and ask more questions about my wellness and beauty practices, even about the most natural and simple. For example: washing our faces. In an article I recently read (linked below), it inspired me to dig deeper into face washing. Washing your face twice a day, once in the A.M. and once in the P.M., usually right before bedtime has always been something I have implemented in my skincare ritual, no questions asked. For you too, I’m sure. 

After going on a research bender, apparently, the products you use after washing your face, especially at night, effects when you should do so. 

Retinoids, AHAs, & BHAs

If you are using products that assist in skin cell turnovers — think retinoids (tretinoin and potent retinol), AHAs  (glycolic and lactic acids), and BHAs (salicylic acid) they make your skin very sensitive to any form of light. Light includes blue light from technology (phone, computer, tv) as well as sun rays (UVA and UVB). Hence, when using these products that assist in skin cell turnover, always wash your face and apply the photosensitive products right before shut-eye. 

Vitamins and Antioxidants

If you are using antioxidant infused products — think vitamin C, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid boosters. Those are examples of ingredients that aren’t sensitive to light. Try and wash your face right after you get home from a long day. You want to rid your skin of all the pollutants, oil, and makeup built up in your pores. 

More good to knows...

Aside from washing your face twice a day and figuring out when to do so in the P.M., there are 2 other things to note about the art of face washing. 

1. Make sure to always wash your face right away after you work out to prevent breakouts. Sweat causes irritation and redness, acne flare-ups and clogged pores.Read up on how to do it correctly in this simple and informative Well+Good article by Melisse Gelula. 
2. Should you wash your face in the shower? There is no right or wrong answer—it’s purely dependent on the water temperature. People avoid washing in the shower because the water temperature is oftentimes too damn hot. My shower temperature is so damn hot, my boyfriend gave it a name: “burning sun.” Hot water can cause dryness, irritation, and inflammation since it strips the skin of healthy oils. 

To read the full article, go here.