Do You Wash Your Face Properly? 5 Boxes to Tick

First, the bad news: a 2021 study by data company YouGov revealed that most men do not practice proper skin care. About 56% use hand or body soap for their face while 60% skip the moisturizer. The survey was done in the U.S., and we’re pretty sure Asian men would fare better when it comes to grooming, but the results are still staggering. Where do you stand? Do you know how to wash your face?

Men’s grooming doesn’t have to be complicated. Exercising proper hygiene, such as bathing regularly, brushing your teeth, and applying deodorant, is the bare minimum, after all. However, you’re no longer a child. Give yourself a little extra because your mug deserves better than the nearest available soap.

Make small tweaks to how you wash your face. Start with this checklist to see if you’re doing it right.

If it says hand soap, it’s for your hands. If it says dish soap, it’s for your plates. If it says body soap, that’s for your body. Soaps are formulated differently and play specific roles. Facial soaps are milder to cater to the thinner and more sensitive skin on your face. Body washes and bars tend to be harsher to combat the stronger stuff, like the bacteria behind body odor. As for dish soap, do we even have to explain?

You cover the most essential areas, such as your T-zone and cheeks. However, don’t forget the corners of your nose. Those are acne hotspots. Remember the perimeter of your face, too. Those edges where your face meets your hairline are acne central, thanks to the oils from your scalp.

Icy water and hot water have their pros and cons when it comes to your skin. The former can tighten pores and lock in debris that you haven’t washed out. On the other hand, the latter can dry out your skin or worsen redness and inflammation.

When you wash your face, keep the water in a happy medium. The American Academy of Dermatology says a lukewarm temp is best for your skin.

The American Academy of Dermatology says the steps to washing your face start with wetting your face with lukewarm water. Apply your facial wash in light circular motions, then rinse off. A facial scrub is also not an invitation to scour your mug aggressively. Whatever product you’re using, keep the application to those gentle strokes.

Like shampooing your hair and brushing your teeth, finishing it aggressively but quickly is not as effective as doing it slowly but meticulously. By the way, don’t fall into the trap of over-washing either. Twice a day (or as needed, like if you went to the gym or fell in the mud) is enough.

Men and women are equal in many ways, but their skin isn’t the same. Many studies, including one by the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology in 2018, state that men’s skin is oilier, thicker, and more prone to pigmentation. Most men’s facial washes address these concerns.

That said if you can only choose between your girlfriend’s facial soap and hand wash, go for the former.

Which of these face-washing steps are you doing? Tick all the boxes with POND'S Men Facial Wash Energy Charge. Not only does it cleanse your skin and control oil for up to eight hours, but it also perks up your skin thanks to the antioxidant-filled coffee bean extracts. So, don’t just wash your face. Now you can wash it properly.