Video:How to Cleanse the Face

SHARE ON                

Transcript:How to Cleanse the Face

Hi, I'm Lynn Reynolds, for About.com. Daily facial cleansing is essential to maintaining healthy, fresh-looking skin. Today I'm going to show you how to properly cleanse your face with a simple routine that only takes a couple of minutes.

To Cleanse Your Face Properly, Use the Following Items:

• Facial cleanser
• Washcloth
• Makeup remover, optional
• Cotton pads
• Facial sponge

Use a Cleanser Appropriate for Your Skin Type

When choosing your cleanser, make sure it's the right one for your skin type, such as normal, oily, dry,  sensitive, or formulated for acne. You can get formulations that are the foaming type, or the cream lotion type, as you prefer.

You can cleanse your skin twice daily, but no more than this as it can damage the skin. Cleansing in the evening is sufficient for most skin types, and best because it removes the particles and pollutants your skin has been exposed to during the day.

Remove Makeup Before Using the Face Cleanser

First, tie your hair back with a band or clip so it doesn’t' get in your way. Wash your hands with soap. Next, If you wear makeup,you need to remove it. Using a makeup remover for your skin type, apply to the face and gently wipe makeup off  with a soft cotton pad. Be extremely gentle with this skin; just pat, and never rub.

For the third step, wipe your face with a lukewarm moist washcloth, using upward and outward circular motions. This opens pores, stimulates circulation, and removes dead skin cells.  Always use lukewarm water, as hot and cold water can break capillaries.

Never Use Soap to Cleanse the Face

Now it's time for the facial cleanser. Using about a nickel-sized portion of cleanser, dot it on both sides of your neck, jaw, cheeks, above the eyes, and across your forehead. Oh, and one important tip: Never use soap on your face as it's very drying. Using small circular motions, massage the cleanser gently into your skin, again going upward and outward. This gives your face a nice massage at the same time. This should take about 1-2 minutes.You can also apply your cleanser with a facial sponge, if you prefer. Don't use anything harder than this, as too much scrubbing can irritate and stretch the skin.

Rinse Your Face Thoroughly

When you've worked in all the cleanser, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, Making sure all the cleanser is removed.And Pat dry with a towel. And your cleansing routine is done. The result: a fresh, clean face that's now ready for the next steps in facial care, such as applying toner and moisturizer.

Thanks for watching. To learn more, visit us on the web at About.com