Washing face help

[craigxt22]

Hi guys,

I've never actually got into a proper face washing routine. Was wondering if you think it's necessary? (I do breakout with acne)

- Would a splash of water and witch hazel before going to bed be sufficient routine?

- Do I really need to be applying moisturizers/ lotions etc to my skin? Will the stuff I use after a shave (witch hazel, aftershave balm) be enough for my skin?

Thanks

 

[engdom]

yes. you should wash your face, especially before you go to bed. if you want to skip, your morning face wash is the time to do it. You don't want to go to sleep with a day's worth of dirt on your face. Acne prone skin doesn't always happen to oily skin. it can happen to any skin type that isn't properly cared for. if your face touches water get in the habit of moisturizing. If your face isn't hydrated your skin might over compensate in sebum production, causing acne, redness and shine. Get an aftershave balm that doubles as a moisturizer.

My fiance was washing his face with Irish Spring in the shower every morning and calling it a day. Since I've gotten him on a face washing routine his skin has cleared up and it feels much better. He uses facewash and moisturizer/aftershave balm from Lush but even drugstore Cetaphil will do. I'm sure the guys on this forum will tell you a little pampering in the bathroom is worth it.

 

[craigxt22]

Cool, thanks.

Will the majority of aftershave balms work as a facial moisturizer? It would be great if I could keep it simple by using one product.

Would my routine before bed be good enough aswell?...

- Warm water all over the face
- Witch hazel
- Cold water
- Let it dry, and apply a moisturizer

 

[ChrisS86]

Hi guys,

I've never actually got into a proper face washing routine. Was wondering if you think it's necessary? (I do breakout with acne)

Yes! Acne is usually a result of clogged pores. Since you're not washing your face (especially at night), your face is accumulating a lot of dirt and oil, and it's staying on your face overnight. I think most people wash their face once a day, and because of the logic in the previous sentence, I think it's best to wash your face before you go to bed. Ask your doctor if you can use a salicylic acid based face wash. This will clean your pores and dissolve oil and dirt that can cause acne.

Would a splash of water and witch hazel before going to bed be sufficient routine?

No, see above response.

Do I really need to be applying moisturizers/ lotions etc to my skin? Will the stuff I use after a shave (witch hazel, aftershave balm) be enough for my skin?

I think everyone needs to put something on their skin after a shave, based on whatever is appropriate for their skin type. Witch hazel is an astringent and mild anti-septic agent, so it won't do much in the way of adding moisture to your skin. If your skin is oily, I'd be careful about using balms, since many of them can make your skin oilier. I personally like liquid aftershaves like D.R. Harris Pink and Speick because they absorb quickly and do a good job at hydrating without making my skin greasy. This is a YMMV issue, so you just have to try different products and see what your skin is like after you use different aftershaves.

 

[craigxt22]

I wish I looked into this earlier now!

I've read that the Nivea Sensitive aftershave balm is alcohol free, could I use that as a moisturiser? I have an unused bottle.

By the sounds of it, witch hazel will dry my skin out? However it is good as a cleanser/ toner?

So before I go to bed, I would;

- Using witch hazel rub away oils/ dirt etc
- Wash with cold/ warm water?
- Apply a moisturiser

Good idea?

I'm fairly happy with my after shaving routine, it's just before going to bed (I've never done anything)!

 

[Cheesehead Transplant]

You might also want to consider using an alum block at least once a day. When I added an alum block to my face washing/shaving routine, I noticed my acne outbreaks became less frequent and less severe.

 

[DanOK]

As you seem to be reluctant to wash your face with a soap product in the evening, I would suggest Nivea for Men Sensitive Face Wash. It is a formula that is soap, fragrance, dye and alcohol free to minimize risk of skin irritation. It will also clean your skin removing the dirt and any excess oils. Washing with water is as effective as sticking your head in a swimming pool. You need some cleansing action in the evening.

 

[damooshki]

I generally shower in the evening and wash my face with shampoo after washing my hair. shampoo isn't only made to wash hair, but also the scalp, which is fairly sensitive skin. I figure, if it's good for my scalp then it's good for my face. Been doing this since I was in junior high and never had a problem with acne. Maybe I'm just lucky.

 

[SalvadorMontenegro]

It's all relative. What is perfect for one guy is terrible for another. I have a friend who rarely washes his face and his skin is fine. I not only have to wash my face, but use prescription acne products, or I look like a grease ball. In general, it is recommended that you wash your face twice a day and apply a moisturizer with SPF in the morning. This is "in general." It may be right for you, or it may not. The trick is to experiment with different products until you find what works. There's no definite answer for everyone.