Face Washing & Rinsing
Washing your face seems like an easy enough thing to do, but when you have acne, you may start to treat it like a science. While cleansing is not going to stop most acne from forming, it can help in mild cases where small blackheads resulting from poor hygiene develop, and also prevent acne blemishes from becoming more infected and irritated.
If you’re going to wash your face with a soap or cleanser, make sure it includes moisturizers to protect your skin. A gentle facial soap is often better than drying “anti-acne” soaps that are packed with chemicals. This is especially true if you wash more than twice per day. You don’t want to constantly be stripping your skin of essential oils and fluids that protect you from damage, such as excess UV exposure. When using any soap or cleanser, lather well and let the lather sit for a few seconds on your face. Soaps actually take time to break down dirt and bacteria, and if you rinse too soon your lose this benefit.
Be aware of the difference that water temperature can make. Generally, hot water will cause your pores to swell and open, while cold water causes the reaction of your pores tightening. While warmer water is essential for softening the bristles of your hair if you are about to shave, you generally want to end a wash with colder water. This seals your pores and protects against damage.
Im my case, I rarely use any actual soap on my face, opting to rinse instead. Once you get your acne under control with a treatment such as B5, rinsing regularly may be all you need, with the occasional wash, such a in the shower. One thing to keep in mind is exfoliating the dead skin cells on your face. This can be accomplished more efficiently by rinsing with a damp towel. Rather than just splashing water on your face, wet a face towel and gently use it to rinse your face. The added texture can help cleanse and exfoliate your skin more effectively. Just make sure to regularly use a clean towel.
