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To learn how to properly clean your face at home and what products will help you, read this article.
Facial cleansing methods
A thorough cleansing of the face is best done in the evening, when there is nowhere to rush and the circadian rhythms of the skin begin to restore work. Before you start cleaning your skin at home, do not forget about the obligatory step – cleansing from makeup and impurities. Make-up removal can be done with micellar water or hydrophilic oil – these products instantly cope with the dissolution of decorative cosmetics and skin sebum. After this step, do not ignore washing with a gel or foam.
Facial cleansing methods should be divided into professional and home. Deep facial cleansing can only be carried out in a salon or clinic, using professional tools and devices. Such professional techniques include: chemical peels, ultrasonic cleaning, microdermabrasion, vacuum cleaning, brushing, oxygen peeling and mechanical cleaning.
Home cleaning of the skin, aimed at superficial exfoliation and detox. At home, a more thorough cleansing of the skin is necessary in two main stages and is recommended for any skin type. You can perform the first stage of gentle exfoliation of the skin with a scrub, gommage or peeling mask with acids. For the second stage, choose masks based on absorbents – clay or coal. For oily, combination skin, cleansing is necessary – 1-2 times a week, for dry type, 1 time is enough.
After cleansing, do not skip the care items – toning and moisturizing the skin. For toning, you can choose your usual facial tonic, or you can prepare a special healthy decoction of chamomile flowers or other medicinal herbs, after cooling it. This step will help restore the natural pH of the skin and improve its permeability for the penetration of beneficial components of serums or creams. Moisturizing the skin is the final recovery step for the epidermis after aggressive procedures. As assistants, use serums and creams containing moisturizing or antioxidant ingredients.
mechanical
The process of mechanical cleaning consists in squeezing out comedones (blackheads, blackheads) with your fingers or with the help of special metal tools (spoons, eyelets) under sterile conditions. By freeing the pores from impurities, their diameter can be somewhat reduced. With proper conduct of the procedure for mechanical cleaning of the face, negative consequences are not expected. Of the temporary effects, slight redness and the appearance of spots in the places of removal can be distinguished. The severity of the effects depends on the individual characteristics of the skin.
It is not recommended to crush acne and blackheads on your own, that is, it is not recommended to use mechanical cleaning. Wrong actions will only worsen the situation: provoke the spread of acne throughout the face, as well as leave ugly scars on the skin. It is best to contact a professional to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
Ultrasonic
The action of ultrasound helps to weaken intercellular bonds and rid the skin of excess dead skin particles, and pores of sebaceous plugs. This procedure is ideal for the prevention and elimination of closed comedones. Ultrasonic cleaning is recommended by a professional in a clinic setting. The ultrasound machine can easily injure the skin of the face if used ineptly. In addition, its effect enhances blood and lymph circulation, so it is still possible for a cosmetologist to control this process optimally.
Steam cleaning
Steaming the skin has always been a mandatory item in the cleaning procedure. Due to the gentle effect of steam, the pores open. However, such exposure to heat should be avoided if you have a tendency to develop rosacea. Steaming is not prohibited for dry skin types, the main thing after the procedure is to apply your moisturizing care until the condensate has completely evaporated from the skin surface.
Steaming the skin can be done independently at home, using some simple methods, such as: a bath, an application or thermo-active cosmetics that prepare the skin for cleaning. Before steaming, do not forget to cleanse your skin of makeup and other impurities.
Bath – the easiest and most effective way to steam your face. To organize this procedure for yourself, you will need: a kettle, a water container and a towel. Then everything is very simple – boil the kettle, pour hot water into the prepared container. Then make sure the container is firmly fixed. You can also add a few drops of essential oil or chamomile flowers to boiled water. Close your eyes and tilt your head over the container at a distance of about 30-40 cm. Cover your head with a prepared towel, creating a kind of canopy.
IMPORTANT! Make sure that during the entire procedure, the steam is supplied at a temperature that is comfortable for you, otherwise do not try to endure too hot a stream of heat – this is harmful to the skin of the face. With open wounds and skin damage – steaming is prohibited. The duration of the session should not exceed 15 minutes.
Application – an alternative method of steaming the skin of the face, if the inhalation of hot air is contraindicated for individual reasons. You will need a cotton napkin or towel, which must be soaked in hot water or herbal tea, and then applied to the face for 7-10 minutes until they cool.
Thermoactive cosmetics – This steaming method is perfect for owners of thin and sensitive skin, as well as skin with rosacea. The action of such cosmetics is based on the saturation of skin cells with moisture, which further leads to a weakening of their intercellular bonds. We can say that the process is somewhat similar to light peeling. As a result, the stratum corneum softens and the pores open up.
After steaming, allow literally one minute for the moisture to be absorbed by the skin of the face. This will help to further protect the skin from overdrying during the application of the clay mask. Do not use peels, masks with a high percentage of acids in their composition, products with large abrasive particles – immediately after steaming the skin. These products can injure the skin and cause unpleasant consequences.
Cleaning with soda
Soda can be called a universal remedy that simultaneously has anti-inflammatory, softening and antipruritic properties. Soda is used to prepare masks, scrubs or light peels. However, it categorically cannot be used in the daily routine for the skin. Since the pH of the product is higher than the natural pH of the skin, baking soda is able to destroy the acid membrane of our skin and change the composition of its bacterial flora. Too much use will only cause more damage to the skin. It is optimal to use cleaning with soda – once a week, regardless of skin type.
Owners of thin and sensitive skin should be very careful, because baking soda can cause an allergic reaction, so first do a small test on a separate area of uXNUMXbuXNUMXbthe skin.
Baking soda works well as a mild skin exfoliator. After all, its particles are very small, which means they soften the upper keratinized layer of the epidermis well. Soda-based cleansing helps to lighten blackheads, eliminate oily sheen, refresh and soften the skin. So that exfoliation does not have a detrimental effect on the skin, do not use peels or masks prepared exclusively on soda alone. Be sure to mix this component with other useful ingredients. The easiest way to cleanse your skin with baking soda is to mix warm water, baking soda, and cleanser. Apply the resulting paste with light massaging movements on the face and leave for a few minutes. Then rinse with water and pat your face dry with a towel. Such a light peeling will gently cleanse the pores of impurities and make the skin incredibly smooth.
How to do facial cleansing prescription
Homemade scrubs and detox masks should be simple and effective. For the preparation of a scrub, the most important question arises when choosing an abrasive (exfoliating particles), because it can be smaller or have large particles. Such exfoliation for the skin should be carried out no more than 1-2 times a week. Scrubs based on vegetable oils for oily or sensitive skin should be used with caution, as they are comedogenic and can clog pores. Do not use exfoliating agents if there are microtraumas on the skin, acne in the acute stage, individual intolerance to some components in the scrub.
Scrub with baking soda and sea salt
Ingredients: 1 tsp sea salt, ½ tsp soda, 1 tsp low-fat yogurt (kefir).
Method of preparation: Mix the ingredients until the consistency of gruel. Cleanse and, if possible, steam the skin. Apply face wash gel, lathering it beforehand. On top of it, apply the prepared scrub with your fingertips, gently massaging the problem areas. Rinse both formulations with warm water and apply a moisturizer to your face.
Result: even skin tone, cleansing pores.
Scrub with baking soda and coconut oil
Ingredients: 1 tbsp coconut oil, 1 tsp soda powder.
Method of preparation: Pre-melt coconut oil in a water bath. Mix the two ingredients and mix thoroughly. Apply the resulting slurry to the face with smooth circular movements, emphasizing your movements in places where black dots are actively formed – the forehead, chin and wings of the nose. Rinse with cool water and follow the steps – toning and moisturizing the skin.
Result: pore cleansing, skin softening.
Scrub based on olive oil, honey and sugar
Ingredients: ½ tsp olive oil, ½ tsp. honey, ½ tsp cane sugar.
Method of preparation: prepare a container for mixing the ingredients. Mix them thoroughly until a homogeneous mass is formed. Cleanse your face and steam your skin if possible. Spread the scrub over the surface of the skin with smooth massaging movements. Gently massage the most problematic areas. Rinse with warm water and apply the next steps of care: tonic, serum, cream.
Result: cleanses pores, refreshes complexion, softens skin.
Scrub based on milk and soda
Ingredients: 1 tbsp baking soda, 1 tbsp. milk, 1 tsp water.
Method of preparation: mix baking soda with milk and water to form a paste. Massage the skin with the pads of your fingers, paying more attention to problem areas where blackheads are most likely to form. Carefully avoid the area around the eye. Wash off with warm water.
Result: skin exfoliation, narrowing of pores.
Detox masks are clay or charcoal-based masks, the recipe of which is to dilute the clay powder in water or another useful liquid, then apply the consistency to the face until it dries. Masks can be prepared on the basis of different types of clay. Remember that too frequent use of clay-based masks can lead to overdrying of the skin, so it is best to apply them 1-2 times a week.
Black clay mask
Ingredients: 1 tbsp black clay, ¼ tsp olive oil, ¼ tsp. tincture of calendula.
Method of preparation: mix the ingredients until a homogeneous consistency is formed. Apply to cleansed face and leave on for about 20 minutes. Then wash off with warm water. The use of this mask is suitable for 1 time per week. Don’t forget to apply your moisturizer to your face.
Result: deep pore cleansing.
Anti-inflammatory green clay mask
Ingredients: 2 tsp green clay, 1 tbsp. green tea (not hot), 1 tsp aloe, 2 drops of lavender essential oil.
Method of preparation: In the prepared container, mix green clay and green tea at the same time to a paste-like consistency. Then add aloe and two drops of essential oil. Apply to the face, avoiding the area around the eyes. Leave the mask on your face for 5 minutes. Wash off with warm water and a sponge. Don’t forget to apply your moisturizer to your face.
Result: cleansing pores, soothing the skin, getting rid of excess sebum.
White clay mask for dry skin
Ingredients: 8 tsp white clay (kaolin), 1 tsp warm water, ½ tsp liquid honey, ¼ tsp bee pollen, 4 drops of propolis.
Method of preparation: Melt honey in warm water in a prepared container. Add pollen, propolis and stir. Then add the clay spoon by spoon and beat the contents each time so that the consistency becomes homogeneous. Apply to the face in a thick layer, avoiding the area around the eyes. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes until it dries. Rinse off the mask with a sponge and warm water after the time has elapsed. Apply moisturizer to your face.
Result: cleansing pores, nourishing the skin with vitamins.
White clay mask for problematic and oily skin
Ingredients: 2 tbsp cornmeal, 5 tbsp. oatmeal, 1 tsp dry nettle, 1 tsp dry chamomile, 2 tsp white clay, water.
Method of preparation: oatmeal must be ground in a blender before mixing. In a prepared container, mix all the ingredients, and then add warm water. The resulting consistency should resemble gruel. Apply this mass on the face with light circular movements from the center to the periphery. Wait about 5-7 minutes and wash off the mask with warm water.
Result: deep cleans pores, mattifies skin.
Expert Opinion
Kristina Arnaudova, dermatovenereologist, cosmetologist, candidate of medical sciences:
— The most popular skin care procedure is a professional cleansing. However, under quarantine conditions, it is possible to carry out at least at home. Speaking about facial cleansing, it should be emphasized that it is shown to absolutely everyone, even in cases where, it would seem, there are no inflammatory elements and rashes on the skin. The fact is that decorative cosmetics, dust, the secret of the sebaceous glands pollute the pores and prevent the normal functioning of skin cells, which in turn will be manifested by a violation of the relief, pigmentation, dull complexion, and in the worst case, the appearance of milia (whiteheads). Regular implementation of this procedure will eliminate such problems.
1 cleaning per season is enough for non-problem skin, 1 procedure per month for acne-prone skin. At home, cleaning can be done after taking a bath, when the pores are as open as possible, but do not forget that local steaming of the face is strictly prohibited! For convenience, you can purchase a special spoon or loop for mechanical cleaning and gently apply pressure to extract the contents of the pores. Of course, at home it will be possible to remove only large comedones in this way, but it’s better than nothing. After this stage, it is necessary to apply a pore-constricting agent, which you can purchase from your beautician, in the absence of such a remedy, it is allowed to apply a circus ointment for 15 minutes (after it must be washed off). At the end of cleansing, apply cream according to skin type. It should also be noted that once every 1-1 weeks, scrubbing, gommage is allowed strictly along the massage lines, that is, from the center of the face to the periphery. The use of low-percentage peels is also beneficial for the skin, especially as a preparation of the skin for professional peels performed by cosmetologists.