how to clean your face at night - #17065
I am really confused about how to clean your face at night. Like, I used to just splash some water on my face and call it a night, but lately, I have been waking up with all these breakouts, and I can't figure it out. A week ago, I read somewhere that cleaning your face properly at night is super important, but every time I try to follow these tips, I feel like I'm just making it worse. For example, I used this new cleanser that was supposed to be gentle, but my skin felt so dry after, and I didn't even apply any moisturizer right after—ugh, big mistake! Then last night, I thought I was doing it right with micellar water, but when I checked in the mirror, I still had leftover makeup! How do you really know if you've cleaned your face well enough? I want to make sure I'm cleaning my face at night properly because I seriously can't deal with more breakouts. Do you guys have like a step-by-step or something on how to clean your face at night that actually works? Just feel like everything I do is wrong! I could really use your advice on this before my skin gets out of control.
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Doctors’ responses
Cleaning your face at night is an essential part of maintaining healthy skin, especially if you’re dealing with breakouts. Here’s a step-by-step guide that can help you properly cleanse your face without causing dryness or irritation. First, remove any makeup using a makeup remover suitable for your skin type—micellar water is often a good option for many, but make sure you apply it on a cotton pad to gently wipe away all traces of makeup, including around sensitive areas like the eyes. Next, choose a gentle cleanser that’s appropriate for your skin type. If the one you tried felt too drying, look for a hydrating or creamy cleanser, particularly if your skin is on the drier side. Wet your face with lukewarm water, apply the cleanser in circular motions, and rinse thoroughly. It’s important to ensure your face is clean but not squeaky—as a squeaky-clean feeling often indicates over-cleansing. Pat your face dry with a clean towel, don’t rub as that can irritate your skin. After cleansing, apply a suitable toner if you typically use one. This can help restore your skin’s pH balance. Follow this with a moisturizer. For oily or acne-prone skin, a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer is best. Moisturizing is crucial even if your skin feels oily, as balanced moisture levels actually help control oil production. If you’re using specific acne treatments prescribed by a dermatologist, apply those after your moisturizer. It might take some trial and error to find the perfect combination of products that work for you, but keeping your routine consistent but not too complicated is key. If breakouts persist, consider reaching out to a dermatologist for personalized advice. Remember to replace products if they cause irritation or dryness—your skin’s comfort is a good indicator of whether a product is right for you.
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