How to cleanse your face at home: 4 daily steps and remedies

Many women want to know how to cleanse their skin at home. After all, thorough cleansing of the epidermis is the key to the beauty and health of the skin, prolonging youth. If you carry out such procedures yourself, you can save money, since you do not need to spend money on visiting a beautician. Therefore, the journalists decided to figure out how the skin cleansing procedure should take place, what important steps should not be skipped, what products can be used to achieve the desired result.

How important is it to cleanse your face before making a make-up

Some girls do not consider it necessary to fully cleanse their skin before applying decorative cosmetics. They believe that simply washing your face is enough to remove traces of a night's sleep and make-up can be done. In fact, daily cleaning is very important and should not be skipped. Naturally, there is no need to carry out a full-scale deep exfoliation every morning. But there are a number of procedures, the implementation of which has a positive effect not only on the appearance of the skin, but also on its structure and function.

What result can you get if you cleanse your skin before applying skin care or decorative cosmetics:

1. The skin becomes smoother, softer, looks fresh, as if it glows from the inside, the dullness of color disappears. This effect occurs due to the removal of dead skin cells, which no longer perform any function, but clog the pores.

2. The dermis begins to breathe efficiently, and also becomes more susceptible to care preparations that are applied to the surface of the face after cleansing. The active substances of such funds become more active, penetrate into the deep layers of the skin, supplying nutrients directly to where they are most in demand.

3. If you cleanse the skin correctly and do it daily, then the likelihood of blackheads, comedones, individual acne and acne is reduced, since the pores are not clogged with anything and the sebaceous glands begin to function without interference. In general, cleaning allows you to stop the development of any inflammatory processes and processes that cause a variety of skin defects.

4. If you cleanse the skin, you do not have to worry about the accumulation of toxins in the air in the epidermis. This problem is especially relevant for residents of large cities, megalopolises, areas where industrial enterprises operate, where air pollution is increased.

5. The moisture content of the skin is normalized, the oily sheen disappears, especially in the T-zone.

6. The ability of the skin to resist the effects of negative environmental factors increases. She tolerates heat and cold much better.

7. And one of the most important reasons that makes you take the time to cleanse the skin – after the procedure, decorative cosmetics cover the surface of the face with a perfectly even layer. The make-up not only looks natural, but also lasts much longer, cosmetics does not crumble, does not smudge, does not roll into balls.

Ways to cleanse your face at home

To cleanse the skin efficiently and fully, you need to carry out three procedures in sequence:

1. Cleaning with water and any means for washing.

2. Light skin scrubbing.

3. Steaming the skin.

4. After cleansing, it is also advisable to tone and moisturize (nourish) the skin.

Now we will consider in what ways you can carry out these basic procedures at home.

Facial washing using various cosmetics

It would seem that it is difficult to wash in the morning, we have been doing this since childhood? In fact, if you want to really cleanse rather than rinse your skin, there are a few guidelines to follow:

1. Water quality. If possible, do not use the liquid that flows from the tap in the bathroom. Substances that are not very useful for the skin are added to this water, for example, chlorine, which contributes to an increase in the dryness of the epidermis and the appearance of peeling areas. For washing, it is better to use bottled drinking or mineral water without gas (just shake the bottle and leave it open for half a day).

2. Water temperature. It is advisable that the liquid for washing corresponds to your body temperature (36-37 degrees). If you cleanse your face with colder water, your skin will become stressed before you can 'get out' from sleep. If the liquid is hot, the effect will be exactly the same.

3. The quality and composition of the cleanser. You should not use regular hand soap, it is better to use a special foam or milk. If you can find on sale a cosmetic product on a natural basis, without fragrances, dyes, parabens and other chemicals in the composition, then you will be able to cleanse the skin really well.

4. The washing procedure itself is standard – you need to moisturize the skin of the hands and face; apply a small amount of the product in the palm of your hand, rub into a foam; lather your face; wash off the drug with water. After that, you need to gently blot your face with a soft terry towel or paper towel. The procedure takes 2-3 minutes.

5. You can wash yourself not only with water with foam or milk, but also with oatmeal, vegetable oil. We usually think of them as food or, in extreme cases, as ingredients in homemade face masks. But both oatmeal and vegetable oil are great daily cleansers.

How to cleanse your skin with oatmeal while washing your face:

1. Take two tablespoons of plain oatmeal without additives, pour hot water over them, let it brew and swell.

2. Apply the gruel to your face, leaning over the sink. The consistency of the product will be heterogeneous and liquid, it will drain from the surface of the face, so it is better to take care that it drips not on the floor or on clothes, but into the sink.

3. Rub the gruel into the skin with gentle circular motions, from the center to the sides, from the forehead to the chin.

4. Wash off the gruel with water, helping yourself with a sponge or sponge.

How to wash with vegetable oil:

1. Apply any oil to the skin liberally so that it shines. You can act with your fingers or use a cosmetic brush.

2. Wait a couple of minutes, rub the oil into the epidermis in a circular motion, without exerting any pressure on the surface of the face.

3. Wash with tolerable hot water several times in a row. In this case, it is the hot liquid that is used, as it improves blood circulation and helps open the pores. You don't have to worry about the stress of the dermis as it is protected by a layer of oil.

It is normal if a thin oily film remains on your face after the procedure. The sensations may be unusual, but they will soon pass, as the oil will be absorbed in 10-15 minutes. If you still want to remove the oil layer, blot your face with a paper towel or wipe with a cotton pad. There is no need to apply moisturizer after washing.

How, what and why skin scrubbing is performed

Scrubbing or light surface peeling is a procedure that will cleanse the skin of dead cells and blackheads, sebaceous plugs, even out the microrelief, and refresh the color. For the procedure, you can use purchased scrubs and peels; a wide range of such preparations can be found in stationary and online stores of cosmetic products. Here is a list of a few of the most effective facial scrubs you can buy:

1. Exfoliating scrub with absorbent charcoal 'Pure Skin Active' from Garnier.

2. L'Oréal '7-in-1' Deep Cleansing 'Pure Zone.

3. Gommage Surfin soft scrub from La Roche-Posay.

4. Face scrub 'Pineapple and Papaya' from Kiehl's.

5. Lancôme Exfoliance Confort Mild Exfoliating Facial Cream.

You can also use a variety of homemade scrubs. For this, such improvised means as coffee grounds, ground oatmeal, finely ground nut shells (not walnuts, it can stain the skin), salt (seafood is very useful), soda, sugar (especially brown) are suitable. Natural yogurt, sour cream, honey, vegetable oil can be used as a base for a scrub. Dry yeast, pharmacy liquid vitamins in ampoules (C, E, A, many elements of group B), essential oils, freshly squeezed juices of vegetables and fruits, including citrus fruits, are often used as additional ingredients. You can mix the scrub according to your own recipe, based on your capabilities and preferences, the main thing is to follow simple rules:

1. The grinding of solid components should be fine. Fractions should not have sharp edges that could scratch the skin.

2. All components must be tested by you for the potential to cause an allergic reaction. It is enough to make sure that each ingredient is safe once by performing a simple allergy test (apply the substance to the skin on the inside of the wrist). If the characteristic symptoms of hypersensitivity of the body do not arise, then next time you can use this component without any fear.

3. If you use components for the scrub that dissolve quickly (salt, soda, sugar), carry out the procedure as soon as possible, immediately after mixing the composition.

4. Using a scrub to cleanse your skin isn't difficult. It is necessary to apply the mixture to the entire surface of the face and massage the skin with gentle circular movements, trying to move along the massage lines from the center to the sides and from top to bottom. After that, you need to wait about 30-60 seconds and rinse the mixture from the epidermis with clean water. The time of the procedure (if the scrub is pre-mixed and prepared for use) is 3-5 minutes.

How to effectively cleanse the epidermis – steaming the skin

A bath, including a steam bath for the face, is one of the most effective ways to cleanse the skin of any impurities, get rid of toxins, toxins and decay products. During steaming (vaporization), the pores of the face open, release all harmful contents, and then close and prevent the penetration of dirt, dust, particles of decorative cosmetics.

How to cleanse your skin using the steaming method:

1. The first method involves using a real steam bath. The procedure is similar to the one you carry out when you need to undergo treatment for a respiratory illness in the autumn-winter period. That is, you need to pour water into a small saucepan; remove it from the stove when the liquid boils; tilt your face over the container, keeping a distance so as not to burn yourself with steam; cover your head with a towel so that steam does not escape into the air of the room. The steaming procedure in this case takes 5-7 minutes.

2. The second way to cleanse your skin by steaming is to make a hot, wet compress. To do this, you need to heat the water to such a temperature that it is tolerably hot. Then take a small terry towel, immerse it in water, remove it, wring it out, but not completely, but only so that no drops drip from the fabric. After that, you need to place the compress on the surface of the face, where it should be for 10-15 minutes, or rather, until the towel cools down.

Experts recommend using mineral water instead of plain and non-bottled water for steaming. And even better – a decoction made from medicinal herbs – chamomile, mother-and-stepmother, calendula, St. John's wort, thyme, sage. All these plants (including mixtures of herbs) can be bought at any pharmacy, they are inexpensive. A decoction or water infusion is prepared simply – add a few teaspoons of dry raw materials to boiling water, simmer over low heat for 5-10 minutes, let it brew, then heat it in a water bath so that steam begins to flow from the liquid again. If you have everything ready for steaming, then the procedure will take no more than 20 minutes.

Face mask – the final stage of skin cleansing

If you cleanse your face and then apply a nourishing mask, you can enhance the effect of hygiene procedures. Especially if you use a mask based on cosmetic clay, which will 'pull' the remains of dirt and sebum from the pores. You can buy mask remedy at a beauty store or make your own. Here are some simple and effective recipes:

1. Take a half of a ripe banana, mash with a fork to a puree consistency, add a few teaspoons of natural thick honey.

2. Mix a little fresh milk, a quarter of a bar of dark chocolate melted in a steam bath, a teaspoon of gelatin, liquid vitamins C, E, A and B (your choice).

3. Take kefir or any other non-sweet fermented milk product, soak a little coarse flour bread in it.

4. Combine oatmeal, milk or sour cream, a raw egg, and any fruit puree.

5. Mash half boiled potatoes with a fork, add sour cream or milk, egg and honey.

6. Grate half a cucumber, add half a tomato, mashed with a fork, add a few tablespoons of olive oil.

These are just some of the recipes that you can use to make a mask that will help cleanse your face more fully. If you don't have any items, mix the ones in the refrigerator or kitchen cabinet. Fermented milk products, eggs, fruits and vegetables, vegetable oils are suitable for the cosmetic procedure.

You can also buy ready-made masks, for example, one of these tools:

1. Steaming mask 'Pure skin' from the Garnier company.

2. Mineral peeling mask 'Double Radiance' from the Vichy brand.

3. Clarifying Clay Masque by SkinCeuticals.

4. Purefect Skin 2 in 1 Pore Mask from Biotherm.

5. Intensive cleansing mask énergie de Vie from Lancôme.

It is important not only to cleanse, but also to tone the skin

After steaming the skin of the face and using the mask, you can do two things:

1. As long as the pores are open, the dermis is most susceptible to the effects of skin care products, you can use a moisturizer or any other skin care product you use every day. After 5-10 minutes, when the cream is absorbed, its excess can be removed with a paper towel and you can start applying decorative cosmetics.

2. Improve skin tone, narrow pores, prevent oily sheen during the day, stimulate collagen production. To obtain such a complex effect, it is enough to wipe the skin of the face with an ice cube. Cold is traditionally used in cosmetology; there are even specialized procedures such as cryotherapy. Making ice at home is easy – you just need to buy an inexpensive mold, fill it with liquid, and place it in the freezer for several hours. It is the liquid that is mentioned, not water, since not only it can be used to make ice, but also other compounds, the benefits of which have been proven for the skin:

3. Water with a high mineral content. This is a common mineral water that you can buy at the store. Before pouring the liquid into the mold, it is recommended to get rid of gases by shaking it well in an open bottle.

4. Fruit, vegetable juice that you squeeze yourself using household appliances, a grater or a simple fork. Citrus, cucumber, tomato, apple juice is especially useful for the skin. It is not recommended to use carrot, as it can stain the epidermis of the face, especially in fair-skinned women. After rubbing with an ice cube made from juice, you need to wash with cold clean water.

5. Broth of green tea. This product is very useful for both internal and external use. You can use finely ground tea leaves or large leaf tea, it doesn't matter. The main thing is that there are no unnecessary additives in the product, for example, dried fruit particles that can scratch the skin; flavors, dyes, etc.

6. Milk, natural yoghurt, whey, any fermented milk product in general. The beneficial substances that they contain contribute to the healing and rejuvenation of the skin. After using such ice, you also need to wash with plain water.

7. Decoction or water infusion of medicinal herbs or collection. You can use regular pharmacy chamomile or other herbs of your choice. Ice can be made both from strained broth and from liquid with cake.

If you used an ice cube to tone your skin, then dry your face with a towel, paper towel or naturally. Then you can apply a moisturizer or other skin care product.

How to clear acne and blackheads on your face

If you have oily, problematic skin with persistent acne and pores clogged with black plugs, you can try mechanical cleaning at home. That is, in simple terms, squeeze out pimples and cleanse your face from blackheads yourself. However, after such a procedure, even if it is carried out as carefully as possible, red spots may remain on the epidermis, since active pressure injures it. Therefore, the procedure is recommended to be carried out on weekends, preferably on Friday evening. And only if you do not plan to attend parties or special events on Saturday and Sunday. If you are about to go out, it will be more appropriate to camouflage imperfections of the skin with a corrector, concealer, foundation and powder than trying to squeeze out acne.

You can clear your face from acne after steaming the skin. You need to act carefully, performing the following actions:

1. The surface of the face is cleaned of cosmetics, dust, dirt and sebaceous secretions – a standard washing procedure is performed.

2. A scrub is applied and vaporization is carried out.

3. Hands should be wiped with alcohol or any other disinfectant. The face is also treated with a disinfectant, but only with those that do not contain alcohol. This substance has a negative effect on the skin of the face – it helps to narrow the pores, dries the epidermis, activates the production of sebum and the formation of acne and plugs. Instead of alcohol, you can use hydrogen peroxide, which will also perfectly disinfect the dermis.

4. Squeeze out pimples with your fingertips. It is permissible to do this only if they are ripe. This can be determined by the presence of a white 'head' in the formation, which is filled with pus. It is necessary to squeeze out the contents of the pimple completely, before the first drop of blood appears. After each extraction of the contents, the affected area should be wiped with a new cotton pad soaked in hydrogen peroxide.

5. After pimples, we turn to black dots – they are squeezed out easily, blood should not appear.

6. At the end of the procedure, wipe the surface of the face with peroxide again, apply a wound-healing agent to the skin. It is not recommended to use decorative cosmetics after such cleaning.

You need to cleanse your face – are there any contraindications?

Unfortunately, not all girls can cleanse their facial skin at home using a scrub or steaming, as some contraindications may prevent this.

It is not recommended to scrub yourself without first consulting a dermatologist or cosmetologist in such cases:

1. The presence of a herpes infection.

2. Dermatitis.

3. Eczema, abscesses, psoriasis.

4. Fungal lesions of the skin.

5. Chronic inflammatory lesions of the sebaceous glands.

6. Very sensitive, prone to irritation, thinned (parchment) skin.

7. The presence of large birthmarks on the face, especially raised ones, protruding above the surface.

8. Any neoplasms on the surface of the skin, especially those that have a 'leg' (warts, papillomas, etc.).

9. Poor healing of the skin, a tendency to form keloids and scars.

10. It is not recommended to steam the facial skin on your own without first consulting a therapist, dermatologist or cosmetologist in such cases:

11. High blood pressure, hypertension.

12. Bronchial asthma.

13. Dystonia, vascular network on the face, various diseases of the cardiovascular system.

14. Epilepsy, other disorders of the central nervous system.

In most cases, there are no such contraindications that prevent you from cleaning your facial skin at home. But to be sure of this, it is 100% recommended to consult a doctor first.

Pros and cons of cleansing your face at home

Benefits of home cleansing procedures:

1. Improving the condition and appearance of the skin.

2. Protecting the skin from the negative effects of internal and external factors.

3. Extending the durability of the make-up.

4. Not much time is spent on all procedures. Washing, scrubbing and steaming the skin takes 20-25 minutes. For a mask and toning, followed by a moisturizing cream – 30 minutes. Just an hour needs to be spent on bringing the skin in full order, and you can start applying cosmetics.

5. You don't have to buy products that will help cleanse your skin; you can prepare them yourself. At the same time, you have the opportunity to choose any drug in the store, based on your preferences and financial capabilities.

Cons of home cleaning procedures:

1. To cleanse your face on your own, you need to make sure that there are no contraindications and allergies to the product that you plan to use.

2. It is not always convenient to go through all the stages of cleansing – washing, cleaning, steaming, mask, toning. However, if you are short on time or simply do not want to spend it on all procedures, it is enough to wash and do a short vaporization, then close the pores with an ice cube. It only takes 5-10 minutes.

If you want to cleanse your face without harm to your health – don't make common mistakes

To ensure that all stages of the procedure are successful and without negative consequences, follow the recommendations of dermatologists and cosmetologists:

1. Using a scrub, especially one prepared with your own hand, make sure that particles of the product do not injure the skin.

2. Do not rub the cleanser into your skin too much.

3. When dealing with liquids and vapors, monitor their temperature to avoid scalding your skin.

4. No need to scrub or mask under the eyes. The skin there is very delicate and sensitive, it is easy to accidentally injure or stretch it.

5. If you have contraindications or the slightest doubt that you can cleanse your face on your own, you do not need to risk it, it is better to limit yourself to simple washing with water with hypoallergenic foam.

6. You should not try to squeeze out deep or unripe pimples on the forehead, cheeks and in the area of ​​the nasolabial triangle. In this case, the most correct would be to contact a dermatologist or a specialist in a cosmetology clinic. First, you will not be able to completely remove the contents of the pimple, and the problem will not be resolved. Secondly, removing such a formation will require a lot of effort from you, and a lot of pressure on the skin. As a result, a wound forms at the site of the pimple, which will become covered with a crust and will heal within 2-3 days – it does not look much better than the pimple itself. Thirdly, there is a possibility that by squeezing out a deeply seated formation, you will contribute to the spread of pus into neighboring structures, and an extensive infection of the facial tissues will begin.

How often do you need to cleanse your face at a deep level

Deep cleansing of the skin does not need to be done every day. The frequency of procedures that can be performed in a beauty salon or at home depends on your skin type. This parameter determines not only how often you will need to do deep cleaning, but also how aggressive products can be used for this.

How many times a month do you need to cleanse your skin to maintain its health and beauty:

1. If you have a dry type of skin, then you need to deep cleanse no more than 1 time in 30 days. For the hygienic procedure, gentle preparations (specialized or homemade) are selected that act on the epidermis as gently as possible. The composition of such products should not contain alcohol, coarse and coarse abrasive particles and strong acids. It is desirable that moisturizing ingredients are present, for example, hyaluronic acid, gelatin, and vitamins.

2. Normal as well as combined dermis requires deep and thorough cleansing approximately once every 10-14 days. You can use almost any drug. The main thing is that there are no ingredients in the composition to which you may be allergic.

3. If you have oily, and especially problem skin, you need to cleanse it at least once every 7-10 days. The composition of the preparations that you intend to use must contain restorative, antiseptic, nutritional, drying components, fruit or synthetic acids, vitamins and minerals, absorbents.

Also, experts report that other factors can affect the frequency of deep cleansing of the face:

1. Age. If you have normal, dry or combination skin, then deep cleansing up to 20-25 years old can be carried out much less often. In older women, the processes responsible for the production of substances that support the health and youth of the skin slow down. If you are not yet 20-25 years old, but you have oily and problem skin, you will probably need to cleanse it once a week to avoid acne and enlarged pores.

2. Season. In the summer, the skin may need more frequent cleansing, since the high ambient temperature activates all the processes taking place in its layers. In the hot season, the epidermis becomes more quickly contaminated with dust, sweat, dead epithelial cells, and sebaceous secretions. In addition, at the end of spring, the reserves of nutrients in the layers of the epidermis are depleted. By deep cleansing, you will allow the skin to receive more beneficial elements that will come from the care products.

3. The condition of the skin. If the epidermis is normal, all processes in it run smoothly. If the dermis is under constant stress, deep cleansing, which is carried out regularly, will help it recover faster.

To find out how often to deep clean for you, consult with a dermatologist or qualified cosmetologist who is licensed.

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