How to Wash Your Face

Washing your face, seems easy enough, right?

Well if you’re one of the many who complain about your skin texture or quality (acne, blackheads, dullness…so, like, everyone), then you will benefit from a Face Washing 101 with beyond complexion's founder and resident skin expert, Olga Valencia. She has a few basics to share that will leave you thinking - “why didn’t I know that?” - and will help your skin get glowing.

Step 1: Start with a wet face, using warm (not too hot) water That seems pretty explanatory, but I know there are a few of us who have been tired/in a rush/distracted and we (or is it just me?) slap cleanser on and start rubbing.

Take a little time; the prep is worth it. This first step removes some degree of dirt and particulate matter (nasty stuff in the air) and the warm water opens the pores to receive the cleanser.

Step 2: Choose the correct cleanser for your skin Beware - some cleansers be harsh, y’all.

There are many, many factors to consider when caring for your skin. Just because you have one zit does not mean it’s time to unleash the full power of a heavy duty cleanser. Err on the side of gentle and seek the counsel of a good medical aesthetician to point you in the right direction. (With that in mind, beyond complexion created a line of cleansers to address the needs of different skin types. More on that later.)

Step 3: Start at the forehead, move down the side of the face... Ok, this is where we drop some fresh knowledge on you. Here’s how you wash your face, as guided by Olga, beyond complexion’s skin-pert.

• • Start at forehead, move down to the side of the face (sideburn area), down to the jaw, but stop before getting to the chin

• • Now continue swirling cleanser into the cheeks and nose

• • And finally to the chin and gently around the mouth (if at all)

• For healing and anti-inflammatory purposes, rinse off cleanser with really cold water

Why the this order? Why start at the forehead? Because the skin at the top of the face is tougher and the fresh swipe of cleanser should first be applied there because it needs more to penetrate. You also don’t want the more sensitive areas (like corners of the nose and around the mouth) to be the first hit.

Which brings us to why the area around the mouth is last. You may notice that the skin from the bottom of your nostrils to the the corners of your mouth can easily turn red, flake and/or become inflamed. In fact, since this area is so reactive, Olga advises not even applying heavy duty cleansers directly, and instead letting the cleanser gently move around this area while rinsing your face.

We’d love to know if this process works for you. Try it and tell us what you think! Drop us a note on Instagram or Facebook. And if you’re like Goldilocks in search of the facial cleanser that’s juuuust right, might we suggest a few of beyond complexion’s in-house formulations, from the most gentle to the most potent:

Mandelic Acid 5+ Cleanser with Green Tea Antioxidant

Multi-tasking formula helps reduce fine lines, blemishes and acne-causing bacteria. A cocktail for your skin: alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) is paired with hops, green tea to clean, clarify and rejuvenate skin all over the body. Hops brighten while the antioxidants in green tea sooth skin irritations. Mandelic acid minimizes the appearance of pores while also exfoliating and brightening skin. This potent combo leaves any spot on the body looking rejuvenated.

Micronized 10% BPO Cleanser + Scrub

This form of benzoyl peroxide minimizes irritation and clears acne-causing bacteria on contact. Specially milled USP-grade micronized benzoyl peroxide particles penetrate the skin faster. Benzoyl opens up pores, letting peroxide enter to clear out bacteria on contact.

Green Tea and Pomegranate Antioxidant Cleanser

Antioxidant-rich extracts rejuvenate, restore, balance and hydrate the skin for a healthier-looking complexion. Antioxidants from green tea help protect the skin from harsh toxins and carcinogens in our environment. Essential fatty acids provide anti-aging compounds that stimulate cellular regeneration, encouraging dead skin cells to move along and make way for newer, fresher skin.

More details at beyondcomplexion.com.