What Is Facial Cleansing?

Cleaning the face is such a basic task, that most for the time, we take it for granted. We apply creams and make-up to brighten and beautify the face, but when it comes to a proper face clean up, we tend to take shortcuts.

Soap and water are the go-to solutions for most people when it comes to facial cleansing. When we clean the face, we are trying to get the dirt and grime collected throughout the day out of the skin and pores.

Removing make-up is not enough. Facial cleansing requires you to use a product that has been formulated to scrub and wipe away the dirt from the face, even that which you cannot see. It is important for you to know how to clean your face properly, to avoid the growth of bacteria and infections on the facial skin. Bacteria and the build-up of dirt and grime on the facial skin can lead to many skin issues, like acne, pimples, blackheads, etc.

How to cleanse your face?

When it comes to face care, gentle is the most important word to remember. Facial skin is delicate and in order to keep it healthy, it should not be exposed to harsh elements.

The best way to clean the face is to have a routine. Before you start, make sure you stay gentle with your fingers and do not use products that will scrape or scrub the skin too hard. When applying the facial cleanser, just glide your fingers over the face to spread, and rub lightly. After rinsing, just pat the face dry with a soft towel – do not rub.

Wipe the makeup off

The first thing you need to do for a good face clean-up is to wipe off the make-up. You can use a make-up remover on soft cotton pads, and wipe gently, but firmly, to ensure all the make-up is off. You can follow it up with facial wipes to ensure all the dirt and grime is off your facial skin.

Clean your skin regularly

Choosing the right facial wash is extremely important here. You will use the facial wash every day, maybe twice a day, so make sure the ingredients are gentle and formulated for your skin type. Harsh facial washes will erode the oils from the skin, leaving it dry and tight. A good facial wash will keep your face skin feeling clean and refreshed, and yet soft to the touch.

Deep cleanse your skin

One of the best face cleansing tips is to incorporate a face mask or scrub into your weekly routine for a deep cleanse. Even if you clean your face every day, a face mask or scrub will help unclog the pores and remove any residual dirt and bacteria that may have been missed.

Use warm water to wash your face

An important point to remember is that you must never use hot water on the face. Hot water strips the skin of essential oils and leaves it dry and tight. The water should be lukewarm so that you still feel good and keep the facial skin healthy.

Follow it up with sunscreen or moisturiser

An important part of keeping the skin clean is to also keep it healthy and able to combat the onslaught of pollution. The right sunscreen and moisturiser will keep the facial skin protected from the harsh effects of the sun and pollution.

Facial skin cleansers

The products you use to clean your face will determine the health of the skin. The skin on the face is thinner and more sensitive, so soaps can be harsh. Soaps and harsh cleansers strip the skin’s natural oils, causing more damage to the skin in the long term.

A gentle facial cleanser is effective in removing make-up, dead skin cells, oil, dirt, and other pollutants from the skin, unclogging pores and preventing skin conditions. A good facial skin cleanser will do this without disturbing the skin's natural moisture barrier.

So how do you choose the best facial skin cleanser? You need to determine your skin type, and then pick the one that meets your needs.

For normal skin – A gentle facial cleanser that maintains the balance of oils in your skin, and can be easily washed off with water, leaving your skin soft and moisturised.

For dry skin – A facial cleanser that has hyaluronic acid as an ingredient is effective as it hydrates and plumps the skin while cleansing. Avoid soap completely as this can dry the facial skin even further.

For oily skin - A water-based cleanser or a deep-pore facial cleanser works will help remove excess oil, but still, keep the skin moisturised. If you suffer from skin conditions like acne, a facial cleanser formulated for acne-prone skin will also help combat the bacteria that causes it.

For combination skin - A foaming or lotion cleanser that helps maintain the pH balance on the facial skin is ideal.

For sensitive skin – Avoid facial cleansers that have fragrances or other ingredients that could trigger a reaction from the skin.

Face cleansing products Face Wash

A face wash is different from a facial cleanser in many ways. A face wash is more like a soap than a cleanser and is effective for cleaning the facial skin. It does not moisturise the facial skin, but is far gentler than soap, making it good to use on a daily basis.

Face washes are perfect for those with oily skin. When you apply a face wash to the facial skin, it will foam up like soap, and leave you feeling clean and refreshed.

Face Wipes

Lightweight, versatile, and easy to keep in your purse, face wipes are the easy solution for a quick face cleanse. You can use a facial wipe for multiple purposes – to remove make-up, clean dirt and grime, combat pollution, or just for quick hydration. Just make sure you pick the right face wipe for the job, as face wipes are specially formulated for these purposes.

Facial Cleansing Pads

When it comes to facial cleansing, it is important to note that you should use facial cleansing pads to apply certain products to the face. When removing make-up, for example, or for deep cleaning, or even exfoliating, facial cleansing pads can help you with the application. They allow for even distribution of the product on the face and reduce wastage. They are also gentle on the skin and help you avoid rubbing or scratching the skin with your fingers and nails.

JOHNSON'S® cotton pads are 100% cotton, absorbent and easy to use. They do not leave cotton fibres on the skin and are packed hygienically, making them safe to use.