Generally, we all tend to think that, when it comes to washing our face, we know what we’re doing. But it seems like many of us are not doing this (admittedly rather basic) task correctly. But how can that be? Well as it turns out, when you’ve finished washing your face, your hair should be wet. Seems strange right? Well here’s why…
Why is it so important to wash your face?
The quick answer to this is that it’s more than just important, it’s vital. And there’s more to face washing than simply…you know, washing it. You need to understand what cleanser you need to be using to best suit your skin type. Soap and water really aren’t enough, and indeed generally aren’t good for your skin either. Not washing your skin enough can result in a buildup of oil and debris in the pores. This generally leads to breakouts and acne. But not washing your face can also lead to your other products not working as well.
Dirt, oil, and a buildup of face and hair products can have a negative impact on your face. Not removing this excess results in pores becoming clogged, which is not the way to get great, clear, or even skin.
How often should you be washing it?
You need to wash your face at least twice daily. This is especially important if you are wearing makeup during the day. However, either way, you should be properly cleansing twice daily to keep your skin in the best condition possible.
If you have more oily skin, you’ll likely need to wash it more often than those with drier and more sensitive skin types. Sensitive and dry skin should still be washed twice daily. In order to prevent further drying of the skin or irritation, you can use a specially formulated skin routine.
At the very least, you should be washing your face once a day in the evening. Whilst some dermatologists do advocate for reducing how frequently you wash your face, especially during winter months, it’s better to maintain a twice-daily routine but change your cleanser to a more sensible option.
But why should my hair be wet?
I know that you might be thinking that this is a bizarre and arbitrary way to tell whether you’re washing your face properly. Of course, there can still be a build-up of oil and/or makeup if you aren’t making sure you wash adequately. However, most of us are already au fait with how to make sure that our skin is clean. What we do tend to do, according to organic aesthetician and skincare educator Katie Sobelman, is miss part of our face.
Surely not, we can’t just be willingly ignoring part of our face. Well, when it comes to how well you’re washing your face, your hair (though definitely not all of it) should be wet by the time you finish. With this, Sobelman is referencing the baby hairs that sit just in front of the hairline. As it turns out, we often miss this area, and mostly, it’s in an effort to keep our hair dry.
But this is a prime area for buildup
By ignoring this small strip of skin, we can unwittingly be encouraging breakouts. Anywhere where there are pores is at risk when it comes to spots and breakouts. But this area can be especially problematic due to its placement. Skincare, makeup, and hair products like dry shampoo all build up in that area. When it isn’t properly cleaned, this can result in the pores becoming blocked, which ultimately leads to breakouts.
All you need to do is make sure you work your cleanser all the way to your hairline. It doesn’t require any specific type of cleanser. If you do experience breakouts around your hairline, this might well be the cause of your problems. However, if you try this for a few weeks and your troubles persist, it might be related to something else. Often, people who wear headbands struggle with breakouts and, they can be even more problematic if they aren’t cleaned regularly.
The takeaway
When it comes to washing your face, it’s a vital part of keeping your skin healthy. This is important for all of us, regardless of age. Looking after your skin well from an early age will likely result in better quality skin and fewer signs of aging.
References
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/why-your-baby-hairs-should-be-wet-after-you-wash-your-face
https://www.prevention.com/beauty/skin-care/a38636075/how-often-should-you-wash-your-face/
https://www.prevention.com/beauty/g20482187/6-habits-that-are-clogging-your-pores/
