by Rhonda M.

Created on: June 25, 2007   Last Updated: August 21, 2008

Cleaning your face is not really as complicated as many of us make it out to be. There are no set rules except a few, know when to wash your face and know your skin type. There are times we know our face needs to be washed such as when we get up in the morning and at night before we go to bed. We also know to wash our face after engaging in strenuous or excessive exercise that causes sweat and may leave us with pimple or acne breakouts if we choose not to wash our face. Our skin type is important so that we do not over wash. Dry skin will not need washed as much as oily skin.

* Use a gentle cleanser on your face in place of regular bar soap or body wash. Soaps will
dry the skin in place of moisturizing. Buy a cleanser that is good for daily use. Facial
cleansers can be found at almost any retail store for very little money.

* Circular motion should be used to clean your face. Use your hands to rub in the cleanser
you use in place of a washcloth. Washcloths can be rough on your skin leading to dryness.

* The temperature of the water when washing your face is important. Use warm water when you
wash your face. Hot water will dry skin and may leave it flaky while cold water will not
open pores for a deep cleansing. Always make sure to completely rinse your face. You do not
want to leave cleanser on your face to clog pores, cause redness, or dry out skin.

* Once or twice a week exfoliate your skin. These cleansers can be found in retail shops for
very little money as well. Exfoliating cleansers deeply clean pores and remove dead skin
cells. Make sure to use scrubs and exfoliates in moderation or else your skin will be dry.

* Moisturize your skin with a moisturizer that includes SPF sunscreen. Moisturizer will keep
your skin from drying. The SPF will protect you from the sun that will keep wrinkles and
spots at bay.

Once your face is clean and moisturized you may apply makeup if you wish. If you wear makeup make sure to remove it each night before you go to bed. Leaving makeup overnight will clog the pores making your cleaning regimen take more time and effort. Leaving pores clogged over long periods of time lead to annoying nuisances of black heads.

Your facial cleaning routine can be simple. Practice a schedule and in no time at all you will have it to an art. Cleaning your face need not take a lot of time out of your daily life. Keep it simple by using only a few facial products. Use what you know to work and then stick with your routine.

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