What does a face care routine look like? Is applying moisturizer the first step, or are there some prior steps? What are the risks if you don’t wash your face?

This post will cover the relationship between these three components: washing, face and moisturising.

Let’s jump in.

Let’s clarify.

How washing your face makes moisturizers more effective?

Washing your face helps your moisturizer to penetrate deeply and work more effectively in several ways:

It removes dirt and oil.

When you wash your face, you remove dirt, oil, and other impurities that can accumulate on your skin throughout the day. 

These impurities can clog your pores and create a barrier that prevents your moisturizer from penetrating deeply into your skin.  By washing your face, you clear this barrier and create a clean surface for your moisturizer to work on.

It exfoliates dead skin cells.

When you wash your face, you also remove dead skin cells that can accumulate on the surface of your skin. Dead skin cells can prevent your moisturizer from penetrating deeply into your skin and working effectively. 

By exfoliating these dead skin cells, you create a smooth surface for your moisturizer to work on.

It hydrates your skin.

When you wash your face, you also hydrate your skin. 

Water helps plump up your skin cells and create a more receptive surface for your moisturizer, helping it r to penetrate more deeply and work more effectively.

What happens if you don’t wash your face regularly?

Not washing your face regularly can have several potential consequences for your skin. When dirt and oil build up on your skin, they can clog your pores and lead to acne, pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads.

When you don’t wash your face regularly, dead skin cells can accumulate on the surface of your skin, making it look dull and dry. 

Without proper exfoliation, moisturizers and other skincare products may not be able to penetrate deeply enough to hydrate and nourish your skin effectively.

When dirt and oil build up on your skin, they can cause irritation and inflammation. This can lead to redness, itching, and other discomfort and exacerbate skin conditions like eczema and rosacea.

Dirt and oil buildup on your skin can also contribute to premature aging. These substances can damage the collagen and elastin in your skin, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.

But what if, for any reason, you cannot wash your face now? There is something you can do.

What are the alternatives to washing your face?

While washing your face is the most effective way to remove dirt and impurities from your skin, several choices can help you keep your skin clean and refreshed. 

Experiment with different options to find the best method for you and your skin type.

Cleansing wipes are pre-moistened towelettes that you can use to clean your face. They’re convenient and portable, making them a good option for travel or on-the-go use. 

Look for wipes specifically formulated for your skin type, and avoid those containing alcohol or other harsh ingredients that can dry out your skin.

Micellar water is a gentle cleansing solution that can remove dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin. It contains micelles, tiny oil molecules that attract and lift dirt and impurities from your skin. 

Apply micellar water to a cotton pad and swipe it over your face to clean and refresh your skin.

Facial sprays are a refreshing alternative to washing your face. They can help hydrate and soothe your skin while removing excess oil and dirt. 

Look for facial sprays containing natural ingredients like aloe vera or rose water, and avoid those with alcohol or other drying agents.

Oil cleansing is a method of cleansing your face using oil. This may seem counterintuitive, but oil can help to dissolve dirt and impurities on your skin without stripping away your natural oils. 

To try oil cleansing, massage a small amount of oil onto your face, then wipe it away with a warm, damp cloth.

Finally, I want to discuss the topic for a more profound face care routine.

What other products could I use to wash and protect my face?

Before applying moisturizer to your face, you could use a cleanser, toner or serum product. Let’s take the toner as an example.

Under “toner”, you will find many products with different formulas and purposes.

A lot of people think toner has a mostly cleansing function. This is not the case anymore. 

It does extra cleaning, providing a clean “canvas” for follow-up products.

It restores the skin’s natural pH and barrier – after washing with even the gentlest products, the skin’s pH and barrier need a little help to recover. 

Toner helps this to happen and ensures the skin can adequately take up and process the beneficial substances in the next steps of the routine. 

It closes pores and intercellular gaps. Some toners remove residual chlorine and minerals from tap water.

It exfoliates. Some toners contain alpha-hydroxy acids (most commonly glycolic) that remove dead cells around the pores and free them to accept more beneficial ingredients from moisturizers and serums. 

If included in the formula, alpha hydroxy acid reduces pigmentation and brightens the skin.

You could successfully mix moisturizer with toner, following some rules.

Conclusion

It is a good idea to wash your face before applying moisturizer.

Washing your face is essential to your skincare routine to help your moisturizer work more effectively. 

By removing dirt and oil, exfoliating dead skin cells, and hydrating your skin, you create a clean and receptive surface that allows your moisturizer to penetrate deeply and deliver the hydration and nutrients your skin needs to look its best.

You have a few alternatives to wash your face except for water and soap – cleanser, toner, micellar water, cleansing wiper, facial spray, etc.

Thank you for reading!

Valeria