Throughout the day, our faces are exposed to a battlefield of environmental aggressors: dirt, sweat, oil, and even cosmetics in some cases. Even though our eyes have their own ways of cleaning (tears and blinks), it is important not to neglect the face and eye cleansing routine as it has its repercussions on appearance and health.
Benefits of a Clean Routine
Flawless Skin: Washing one’s face frequently helps to clean the skin and eliminate the buildup of various substances such as dirt, oil, and dead skin which may cause pimples. Cleaning the skin is good for the skin and, in turn, helps the skin to glow. This goes further than mere appearance—healthy skin is also a more effective shield against the effects of the environment and inflammation. Consider it as the reinforcement of the body’s initial line of protection.
Reduced Irritation and Improved Comfort: The skin around your eyes is very sensitive and can be easily damaged by makeup, sweat, or other pollutants. These irritants are washed off through gentle cleaning, thereby reducing inflammation, scratches, and styes. It is far more comfortable to have clean eyes at the end of the day, without the uncomfortable grainy feeling on the eyes. It is like applying makeup on clear skin rather than rough skin that has rashes or acne.
Enhanced Product Absorption: A clear complexion is also a great foundation for your beauty regimen. When you cleanse, you create a canvas that allows serums, moisturizers, and other treatments to be absorbed more effectively by the skin. This way, you will be able to achieve maximum results with your skincare routine and the products used. Cleansing is like tilling the land before planting crops; in skincare, it helps the products do their best and work effectively.
Eye Health: Though eyes are capable of cleaning themselves, wiping around the eyelids with a clean cloth or makeup remover can help hinder infections such as conjunctivitis or ‘pink eye’. This is especially so for contact lens users because they are more vulnerable to eye infections than other people. Cleansing, for example, can be compared to washing to avoid getting an illness—it is a preventive measure for the health of the eyes.
The Risks of Skipping the Cleanse
Breakouts and Blemishes: The blockage of the pores results in the formation of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Cleaning is effective in preventing clogging of the pores and, therefore, avoiding the formation of acne. Failure to cleanse the skin can also lead to the formation of milia, white bumps that result from keratin becoming trapped beneath the skin. Pores for skin are like roads; when they are congested, the skin needs to be cleaned to keep the traffic moving.
Premature Aging: The shedding of skin cells also makes the skin appear less attractive and this leads to the formation of wrinkles. Cleaning gets rid of these cells, resulting in the skin looking less wrinkled and old. Furthermore, a clean face provides better absorption of anti-aging products, thus enhancing their efficacy. Just like tilling a garden bed eliminates old crops and prepares the ground for new growth, cleansing helps to scrub off dead skin cells and promote the growth of new ones.
Eye Infections and Discomfort: This is because bacteria and debris around the eyes may cause eye infections such as styes and conjunctivitis. Cleansing gets rid of these agents and assists in maintaining healthy eyes. Dirty eyes also come with the risks of dryness and redness, which is quite uncomfortable. It is like having something in your eye all the time—washing helps avoid that irritating sensation.
How to Cleanse Effectively
Wash your face twice a day: In the morning to wash away the remains of the night and in the evening to wash off the remains of the day, makeup, sebum, and dirt.
Use lukewarm water: Do not use hot water because this will remove the skin oils and cause an imbalance of the skin’s moisture. Intense water, therefore, can be seen as similar to washing a delicate fabric with a hard sponge.
Choose a gentle cleanser: Strong detergents are not very suitable for the skin, as they can cause irritation. Choose a facial cleanser that is suitable for your skin type, whether it is oily, dry, or sensitive. Choose hypoallergenic products to reduce the chances of getting skin reactions. The same way you would not apply strong solvents on a valuable item such as an heirloom, do not use a strong scrub on your skin.
Be gentle around the eyes: Prefer to use a mild eye makeup remover suited for the sensitive skin of the eyes. Do not rub the skin roughly, as it may lead to the formation of lines and irritation of sensitive skin. Think of the eye area as if it’s as delicate as the wings of a butterfly; wash it gently.
Pat your face dry: Do not scratch! Scratching can cause inflammation of the skin and rupture of capillaries, which are blood vessels. Gently blot your face using a clean, soft towel to remove the excess moisture from your face. When it comes to patting your face dry, imagine it as wiping up spilled liquid with a paper napkin: smooth and delicate without interfering with the condition of the skin.
It only requires a few minutes each day to clean your face and eyes, and it is a great way to improve health and looks. Because your skin will be clean, your eyes will no longer be irritated and puffy, and you will feel good about being good to your body from the outside. Well, let’s do away with these excuses, grab your cleanser, and do your face and eyes a big favor by cleansing them!
