Washing or cleansing your face seems pretty basic, but we all consider skipping this step from time to time or maybe just forget. If that happens, and you don’t wash your face is it really that big of a deal? To answer that question, let’s take a look at why washing your face is important.

What would happen if you didn’t wash your face?

Your skin is exposed to many different types of stressors throughout the day. As your largest organ, it is important to make sure you are taking care of it – especially your facial skin. Since your face is not covered by clothing, it is naturally open to receiving the most abuse from the outside world from a variety of sources such as UV exposure, arid or humid climates, harsh air conditioning or heating, cigarette smoke and other pollutants. To help protect the skin from environmental damage, it creates a moisture barrier of a waxy/oily substance called sebum. While sebum is beneficial to your skin, if it stays on the face too long without being cleaned it can mix with makeup, dirt, debris, sweat, etc. This may cause a blockage of skin follicles leading to acne, blotchy skin, irritation and overall unhealthy looking skin.

If are not able to thoroughly wash your face before bed, it is recommended to keep makeup removal towels or pads handy to wipe your face and eyes as an alternative. In the morning, it is important to wash again to remove the excess oils that may have been created during sleep. It also provides a fresh surface to start the day and on which to layer your anti-aging regimen.

How to wash your face

Care should be put into how you wash your face. Just using hand soap is not a good idea because the skin differs depending on the area of your body. For example, the hands have some of the thickest skin, but facial skin is the thinnest. By using products that are not meant for your face, you can risk irritating more delicate facial skin.

The first step is to select a cleanser based on your skin type and sensitivity. Most facial products will be tailored to different types of skin – oily, combination, normal and dry. Those with more sensitive skin should look for cleansers that are formulated to be mild and gentle. Specific ingredients are also added to products for those with acne-prone skin.

Also check the directions on your cleanser. Most indicate to use warm, not hot, water to wet your face. Add the recommended dosage, typically the size of a nickel, of your selected Nu Skin cleanser to your palm. Then massage the cleanser into your face in a circular motion with your fingers or a clean dampened washcloth. The skin in this area is especially thin and can be more sensitive. Take note to be extra gentle when washing around the eyes and eyelids being careful not to get any product in the eyes. Finish by rinsing with cool water to close the pores, and gently pat your face dry using a clean, soft towel being careful not to rub dry as it could irritate the skin.

Caring for your face

After washing your face, other steps will provide additional skin care. First apply toner as directed, then apply your treatment product(s) from your core system and/or Tru Face Targeted Treatments. Always follow up by using an SPF moisturizer for the day and rich moisturizer to help keep your skin hydrated and nourished through the night during the skin’s natural repair process.

By washing your face twice daily as directed and using your Nu Skin products you will experience cleaner, healthier and younger looking skin.